Spotify Editorial Playlist Submission: The Complete Guide for Independent Artists
For independent musicians, landing a spot on a Spotify editorial playlist can be a game-changer. These curated collections, handpicked by Spotify's team of editors, can introduce your music to thousands—sometimes millions—of new listeners overnight. But how exactly do you get your music considered for these coveted placements?
In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk through everything you need to know about Spotify editorial playlist submissions, from understanding how the system works to crafting the perfect pitch and maximizing your chances of success.
What Are Spotify Editorial Playlists?
Spotify editorial playlists are collections of songs curated by Spotify's in-house team of music experts. Unlike algorithmic playlists (like Discover Weekly or Release Radar) or user-generated playlists, editorial playlists are manually created and maintained by Spotify employees who specialize in specific genres and music scenes.
These playlists range from massive, genre-spanning collections like "Today's Top Hits" (with over 31 million followers) to niche playlists focused on specific subgenres or moods like "Indie Folk" or "Peaceful Piano."
Why Editorial Playlists Matter
Getting placed on editorial playlists can significantly impact your career as an independent artist for several reasons:
Massive Exposure: Editorial playlists can have anywhere from thousands to millions of followers, instantly exposing your music to a vast audience.
Credibility Boost: Being selected by Spotify's editors adds legitimacy to your music and can help attract industry attention.
Streaming Revenue: The increased plays from playlist inclusion translate directly to higher streaming royalties.
Algorithm Advantage: Strong performance on editorial playlists can trigger Spotify's algorithm to include your music in personalized playlists like Discover Weekly.
Fan Growth: New listeners who discover your music through playlists may become long-term fans, following your profile and attending shows.
How to Submit Music for Spotify Editorial Playlist Consideration
Spotify has streamlined the submission process for editorial playlist consideration through Spotify for Artists. Here's a step-by-step guide to submitting your unreleased music:
Step 1: Create a Spotify for Artists Account
Before you can submit music for playlist consideration, you need access to Spotify for Artists. If you haven't already, claim your artist profile through your distributor or directly through Spotify.
Having a complete and professional Spotify for Artists profile is essential not just for submissions but for your overall presence on the platform. Make sure to:
Upload a high-quality profile photo
Write a compelling bio
Add your social media links
Include tour dates if applicable
Customize your artist pick
Step 2: Plan Your Release Strategy
Timing is crucial for editorial playlist submissions. You must submit your track at least 7 days before your release date, but Spotify recommends submitting 2-3 weeks in advance to give their editors enough time to review your music.
This means you need to have your distribution set up well ahead of time. If you're still looking for the right distribution partner, check out this guide to independent music distribution options for indie artists.
Step 3: Submit Through Spotify for Artists
Once your unreleased track appears in your Spotify for Artists dashboard (which happens after your distributor delivers it to Spotify), follow these steps:
Log in to Spotify for Artists (desktop or mobile app)
Navigate to the "Music" tab
Find your upcoming release under "Upcoming"
Click "Pitch a Song" next to the track you want to submit
Complete the submission form (more on this below)
Submit your pitch
Remember, you can only pitch one song per release, so choose wisely if you're releasing an EP or album.
Step 4: Craft a Compelling Pitch
The submission form is your opportunity to provide Spotify's editors with context about your music. Here's what you'll need to include:
Song Information: Select the main genre and subgenre that best describe your track
Mood and Style: Choose the moods, styles, and instrumentation that characterize your song
Song Culture: Indicate the culture or language of your music if applicable
Artist Story: Share relevant details about yourself as an artist
Song Story: Explain what makes this particular track special
Promotional Plans: Outline any marketing efforts you have planned for the release
Crafting the Perfect Editorial Playlist Pitch
The pitch section of your submission is where you can really make your music stand out to Spotify's editors. Here are some tips for creating an effective pitch:
Be Authentic and Specific
Generic pitches that could apply to any song won't grab an editor's attention. Instead, focus on what makes your track unique:
What inspired the song?
What techniques or sounds make it distinctive?
Is there a compelling story behind its creation?
How does it fit into your artistic journey?
For example, instead of saying "This is a catchy pop song with great vocals," try something like "This track blends 80s synth textures with modern trap percussion, written during a month-long retreat in the mountains after a personal loss."
Highlight Relevant Achievements
While you don't want to come across as boastful, it's important to mention relevant accomplishments that demonstrate your momentum as an artist:
Previous playlist inclusions
Streaming milestones
Press coverage or radio play
Notable live performances or tours
Collaborations with recognized artists or producers
Detail Your Marketing Plan
Spotify wants to know that you're actively promoting your music. Outline your release strategy, including:
Social media campaigns
Music video releases
Press and blog coverage
Email marketing to your fan base
Live performances or virtual events
Collaborations with influencers or brands
Having a strong online presence is crucial for artists today. If you haven't set up a professional website yet, consider exploring these best platforms to build your online presence as a musician.
Suggest Specific Playlists
While you can't directly request placement on specific playlists in the submission form, you can subtly indicate which playlists might be a good fit by using similar language and referencing comparable artists.
Research Spotify's editorial playlists in your genre and pay attention to:
The mood and energy level of the playlist
The typical song structure of included tracks
Production styles and sonic characteristics
Artists who frequently appear on the playlist
Then, incorporate these insights into your pitch without explicitly naming playlists.
Beyond the Submission: Increasing Your Chances of Playlist Inclusion
While a strong pitch is important, there are several other factors that can influence your chances of landing on editorial playlists:
Build Your Spotify Presence
Spotify's editors are more likely to consider artists who are actively growing their presence on the platform. Focus on:
Growing Followers: Encourage your existing fans to follow you on Spotify
Increasing Save Rates: Higher save-to-listener ratios signal quality to Spotify
Playlist Adds: Getting added to user-generated and algorithmic playlists builds credibility
Consistent Releases: Regular releases keep your profile active and engaged
Consider creating your own artist playlists featuring your music alongside similar artists. This can help showcase your musical taste and potentially attract followers to your profile.
Generate Pre-Save Momentum
Pre-saves allow fans to save your music before it's released, which can create a surge of activity on release day. This initial momentum can catch the attention of Spotify's algorithm and potentially editors as well.
Use pre-save campaigns to:
Build anticipation for your release
Collect data on your most engaged fans
Create a strong first-day performance
Demonstrate fan engagement to Spotify
Services like Feature.fm, Hypeddit, and ToneDen offer pre-save functionality that you can integrate into your marketing campaigns.
Leverage Your Existing Audience
Spotify's editors pay attention to how your music performs with your current audience. Encourage your fans to:
Save your tracks to their libraries
Add your songs to their personal playlists
Share your music on social media
Listen to your full tracks (not just skipping after a few seconds)
The stronger your engagement metrics, the more likely editors will take notice of your submission.
Pursue Independent Playlist Placements
While editorial playlists are the goal, getting placed on independent curator playlists can help build momentum and catch Spotify's attention. Consider using platforms like:
These services connect you with independent playlist curators who can add your music to their collections, helping you build streaming numbers and playlist inclusion history.
Understanding Spotify's Editorial Ecosystem
To maximize your chances of playlist success, it's helpful to understand how Spotify's editorial system works and the different types of playlists available.
Types of Editorial Playlists
Spotify's editorial playlists generally fall into several categories:
Flagship Playlists: Major playlists like "Today's Top Hits," "RapCaviar," and "Hot Country" that feature the biggest current hits and artists
Genre Playlists: Collections focused on specific genres like "Rock This," "Indie Pop," or "Dance Rising"
Mood Playlists: Playlists organized around specific moods or activities like "Chill Vibes," "Workout," or "Focus"
Fresh Finds: Playlists specifically designed to highlight emerging and independent artists
RADAR: Playlists featuring emerging artists from specific countries or regions
Regional Playlists: Collections that showcase music popular in specific countries or regions
As an independent artist, your most realistic targets are likely to be the Fresh Finds series, genre-specific playlists, and regional playlists for your area.
How Editors Make Decisions
While Spotify doesn't publicly detail their exact selection process, industry insights suggest that editors consider a combination of factors:
Musical Quality: The production value, songwriting, and overall quality of the track
Artist Momentum: Recent growth in streams, saves, and followers
Data Signals: How listeners are engaging with your music
Release Timing: How your track fits with current trends and seasonal themes
Artist Story: The narrative and context around you and your music
Marketing Support: Your plans to promote the release
Understanding these factors can help you time your submissions and craft your pitches more effectively.
What to Do After Submitting
After you've submitted your track for editorial consideration, there are several steps you should take to maximize your chances of success:
Focus on Release Day Engagement
The first 24-48 hours after your release are crucial for Spotify's algorithm. Coordinate your marketing efforts to drive as much activity as possible during this window:
Send emails to your mailing list
Post across all social media platforms
Activate any influencer partnerships
Launch music videos or visualizers
Host a release event (virtual or in-person)
The stronger your initial performance, the more likely your track will be picked up by algorithmic playlists, which can in turn attract editorial attention.
Monitor Your Spotify for Artists Dashboard
Keep a close eye on your Spotify for Artists statistics after release. Look for:
Unusual spikes in streaming activity
New playlist additions
Changes in listener demographics
Increases in followers or saves
If you notice your track has been added to an editorial playlist, you'll see it listed under the "Playlists" section of your Spotify for Artists dashboard.
Leverage Any Playlist Success
If your track does get selected for an editorial playlist, capitalize on this success:
Share the news across your social media channels
Update your website and press materials
Inform your industry contacts (manager, label, publicist)
Consider boosting promotion for the track
Use the momentum to reach out to other playlisters
Playlist placements often have a snowball effect—success on one playlist can lead to inclusion on others.
Prepare for Your Next Release
Whether or not you secure editorial playlist placement, start planning your next release. Consistent output is key to building momentum on Spotify:
Analyze what worked and what didn't with your current release
Refine your submission strategy based on feedback and results
Consider how to build on any traction you've gained
Plan your next release timeline, keeping in mind the submission window
Remember that playlist success often comes after multiple releases and submissions as you build your profile on the platform.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Spotify Editorial Submissions
Even artists with great music can sabotage their chances by making these common mistakes:
Submitting Too Late
One of the most frequent errors is waiting until the last minute to submit your track. Remember that while Spotify requires submission at least 7 days before release, they recommend 2-3 weeks for the best chances of consideration.
Late submissions severely limit the time editors have to review your music and find an appropriate playlist placement.
Generic or Overhyped Pitches
Avoid these common pitching mistakes:
Using generic descriptions that could apply to any song
Making grandiose claims about your music being "revolutionary" or "the next big hit"
Focusing solely on technical aspects without emotional context
Writing excessively long pitches that editors won't have time to read
Using industry jargon or buzzwords instead of authentic language
Targeting Unrealistic Playlists
As an emerging independent artist, it's unlikely that your first submission will land on major playlists like "Today's Top Hits." Setting unrealistic expectations can lead to disappointment and ineffective pitching.
Instead, research playlists that regularly feature independent artists at your career stage and tailor your submission accordingly.
Neglecting Your Artist Profile
Spotify editors will likely check your artist profile when considering your submission. An incomplete or unprofessional profile can undermine an otherwise strong track:
Missing or low-quality profile image
Empty or poorly written bio
No social media links
Lack of recent activity or releases
Minimal follower count or engagement
Take time to optimize your profile before submitting for editorial consideration.
Success Stories: Independent Artists on Editorial Playlists
Many independent artists have successfully landed on Spotify editorial playlists, demonstrating that it's achievable with the right approach:
Case Studies
Angie McMahon - This Australian singer-songwriter was featured on numerous editorial playlists including "Fresh Finds" after her debut single. She credits her success to a strong pitch that highlighted her authentic storytelling and growing live following in Australia.
Cautious Clay - After releasing his track "Cold War," Clay found himself on several editorial playlists including "Alternative R&B" and eventually "Today's Top Hits." His submission emphasized his unique production style and cross-genre appeal.
Snail Mail - Lindsey Jordan's project Snail Mail gained significant traction after being featured on indie-focused editorial playlists. Her pitch highlighted her youth, distinctive voice, and the critical acclaim her early demos had received.
What these success stories have in common is authenticity, musical quality, and strategic pitching that highlighted what made each artist unique.
Lessons from Successful Submissions
Artists who have successfully landed on editorial playlists often share these approaches:
They built momentum before submission through live shows, press, or previous releases
Their pitches told compelling stories about their music and artistic journey
They had professional, release-ready recordings that stood up to industry standards
They coordinated comprehensive marketing campaigns around their releases
They were persistent, often finding success after multiple releases and submissions
Alternatives to Editorial Playlists
While editorial playlists are valuable, they shouldn't be your only streaming strategy. Consider these alternatives:
Algorithmic Playlists
Spotify's algorithmic playlists like Discover Weekly, Release Radar, and Radio can drive significant streams. To optimize for these:
Encourage followers to save your music to their libraries
Build a consistent listening audience
Use accurate metadata and genres when distributing your music
Release music consistently to stay in the Release Radar cycle
User-Generated Playlists
Playlists created by users, including influential curators, blogs, and brands, can collectively drive more streams than a single editorial placement:
Research and reach out to playlist curators in your genre
Use platforms like SubmitHub to connect with playlisters
Engage with playlist communities on social media
Create and promote your own artist playlists
Spotify Ad Campaigns
Spotify offers advertising options through their Spotify for Brands platform, including:
Audio ads between songs for free users
Sponsored recommendations
Marquee campaigns that promote new releases
These paid options can help boost visibility when editorial placement isn't forthcoming.
Conclusion: A Strategic Approach to Spotify Editorial Submissions
Landing on Spotify editorial playlists isn't just about luck—it's about strategy, preparation, and persistence. By understanding how the submission process works, crafting compelling pitches, and building momentum around your releases, you can significantly increase your chances of editorial playlist inclusion.
Remember that playlist success is rarely overnight. Most artists who achieve editorial placement have been consistently releasing quality music, building their audience, and refining their approach over multiple releases.
Use each submission as a learning opportunity, analyzing what works and what doesn't. Over time, you'll develop a deeper understanding of how your music fits into Spotify's ecosystem and how to position it effectively for editorial consideration.
With patience, persistence, and strategic thinking, Spotify editorial playlists can become a powerful tool in your music career development—opening doors to new listeners, opportunities, and growth as an independent artist.
Start by ensuring your next release is properly prepared for submission, with a compelling story, strong marketing plan, and enough lead time for editorial consideration. The playlist placement that changes your career could be just one submission away.