How to Submit Music to Spotify Playlists: A Complete Guide for Independent Artists
In today's digital music landscape, getting your music featured on Spotify playlists can be a game-changer for independent artists. With over 489 million active users worldwide, Spotify offers unprecedented opportunities for music discovery. However, many talented musicians struggle with understanding how to effectively submit music to Spotify playlists and maximize their chances of getting placed.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about submitting your music to Spotify playlists - from preparing your tracks for submission to building relationships with playlist curators and leveraging Spotify's own submission tools. Whether you're a seasoned artist or just starting out, these strategies will help you navigate the playlist submission process and increase your visibility on the world's largest streaming platform.
Why Spotify Playlist Placement Matters for Musicians
Before diving into the submission process, it's important to understand why Spotify playlists are so valuable for artists:
Expanded Reach: Getting featured on popular playlists exposes your music to thousands or even millions of new listeners who might never have discovered you otherwise.
Increased Streaming Numbers: Playlist placements can dramatically boost your stream count, which improves your algorithmic performance across the platform.
Algorithm Advantages: Higher engagement from playlist listeners signals to Spotify's algorithm that your music is worth recommending to others.
Revenue Generation: More streams translate directly to more royalty payments.
Industry Credibility: Playlist placements can catch the attention of labels, booking agents, and other industry professionals.
According to Spotify, over 4 billion playlists exist on the platform, ranging from official Spotify-curated lists with millions of followers to niche playlists created by passionate music fans. This diverse ecosystem offers multiple entry points for artists at any stage of their career.
Preparing Your Music for Spotify Playlist Submission
Before you start submitting your music to playlists, you need to ensure your tracks and profile are optimized for success:
Create a Professional Spotify for Artists Profile
Your Spotify for Artists profile is your musical resume on the platform. To claim and optimize it:
Visit Spotify for Artists and claim your profile
Upload a high-quality profile photo and banner image
Write a compelling bio that showcases your unique story and sound
Add your social media links and official website (if you don't have one yet, check out the best platforms to build your online presence as a musician)
Keep your upcoming shows and releases updated
A complete, professional-looking profile signals to playlist curators that you're serious about your music career.
Ensure Your Music Is Properly Distributed
To appear on Spotify, your music must be uploaded through an authorized digital distributor. Popular options include:
For a detailed comparison of these services and others, check out this guide on the best distribution options for independent artists.
Focus on Quality and Metadata
Playlist curators receive countless submissions daily. To stand out:
Ensure professional audio quality: Your tracks should be professionally mixed and mastered.
Perfect your metadata: Include accurate genre tags, moods, and detailed track information.
Choose an attention-grabbing cover art: Your artwork should be visually appealing and reflect your brand.
Time your release strategically: Plan your release date to maximize initial engagement.
Using Spotify for Artists' Playlist Submission Tool
Spotify's official playlist submission tool is the most direct way to get your music considered for their editorial playlists. Here's how to use it effectively:
How to Submit Through Spotify for Artists
Log in to your Spotify for Artists account
Navigate to the "Music" tab and select "Upcoming"
Find your unreleased track (it must be at least 7 days before release date)
Click "Submit a Song" next to the track
Fill out the submission form with detailed information about your track
The submission form will ask for information about:
The main language of the lyrics
What instruments are featured
The mood of the song
Genre classifications
Culture or location influences
Whether it's a cover or original
Any additional notes for the editorial team
Tips for Effective Editorial Submissions
To maximize your chances of editorial playlist placement:
Submit well in advance: Submit at least 7 days before release, but preferably 2-3 weeks ahead.
Be specific and honest: Don't try to game the system by selecting genres or moods that don't match your track.
Provide context: Use the additional notes section to share relevant information about the track, such as the story behind it or notable collaborators.
Build momentum: Spotify editors look for signals that a track is gaining traction, so promote your pre-save link aggressively.
Don't submit multiple times: You only get one chance to submit each track, so make it count.
While there's no guarantee of placement, using the official submission tool puts your music directly in front of Spotify's editorial team, which is a valuable opportunity.
Finding and Pitching to Independent Playlist Curators
Beyond Spotify's editorial playlists, thousands of influential independent playlists can significantly boost your visibility. Here's how to find and approach these curators:
Researching Relevant Playlists
Not all playlists are created equal. Focus your efforts on playlists that:
Match your genre and style: Your music should fit seamlessly with the existing tracks.
Have active followers: Look for playlists with engaged listeners, not just high follower counts.
Update regularly: Playlists that haven't been updated in months are unlikely to add new tracks.
Feature similar artists: If a playlist includes artists at a similar career stage, they're more likely to consider you.
To find these playlists:
Search Spotify for genre keywords and filter by "playlists"
Check what playlists feature artists similar to you
Use tools like Chartmetric or Soundplate to discover relevant playlists
Join music communities where curators share their playlists
Contacting Playlist Curators Effectively
Once you've identified target playlists, you need to approach curators professionally:
Find the right contact information: Many curators list their contact details in the playlist description or link to their social media.
Personalize your outreach: Reference specific tracks in their playlist to show you've done your homework.
Keep it concise: Briefly introduce yourself, explain why your track fits their playlist, and provide easy access to your music.
Follow submission guidelines: If a curator specifies a submission format, follow it exactly.
Be patient and respectful: Don't bombard curators with follow-ups if you don't hear back.
Here's a template you can adapt for your outreach:
Hi [Curator Name],
I've been enjoying your playlist [Playlist Name] for some time now - especially the recent addition of [Specific Track/Artist].
I'm [Your Name], a [Genre] artist from [Location], and I recently released a track called "[Track Name]" that I believe would fit perfectly alongside [Similar Artist] in your collection.
You can listen to it here: [Spotify Link]
I'd be honored if you'd consider it for [Playlist Name]. Either way, I'll continue enjoying your excellent curation.
Thanks for your time,
[Your Name]
Using Playlist Submission Services and Platforms
Several platforms have emerged to streamline the playlist submission process. Here's an overview of the most notable options:
Popular Playlist Submission Platforms
SubmitHub: Connects artists with playlist curators, blogs, and influencers. Offers both free and premium submissions.
Playlist Push: Focuses specifically on Spotify playlist placements with a network of verified curators.
Daily Playlists: A community platform where artists can submit to multiple playlists simultaneously.
Soundplate: Offers both a playlist submission tool and a database of playlists accepting submissions.
Groover: Guarantees feedback from curators and media professionals, even if they don't add your track.
Pros and Cons of Paid Submission Services
Pros:
Access to a wider network of curators than you could reach independently
Streamlined submission process saves time
Some services guarantee feedback on your music
Higher response rates than cold outreach
Analytics to track the performance of your submissions
Cons:
Costs can add up quickly, especially for multiple tracks
No guarantee of placement despite paying
Some services work with lower-quality playlists that may not deliver real engagement
Risk of connecting with playlists that use artificial methods to inflate numbers
Less opportunity to build personal relationships with curators
If you decide to use paid services, start with a small budget to test results before investing heavily.
Building Your Own Spotify Playlists as a Strategy
Creating and growing your own playlists can be a powerful, often overlooked strategy for gaining visibility on Spotify:
Creating Compelling Curator Playlists
To build playlists that attract followers:
Choose a specific theme or mood: The more focused your playlist, the easier it is to attract a dedicated audience.
Create a catchy, searchable title: Include relevant keywords that potential listeners might search for.
Design eye-catching cover art: Visual appeal matters for playlist discovery.
Write a detailed description: Explain the playlist's concept and include relevant hashtags.
Curate thoughtfully: Include a mix of established and emerging artists that truly fit the theme.
Update regularly: Add new tracks weekly to keep followers engaged.
Leveraging Your Own Playlists for Networking
Once you've built playlists with genuine followers, you can use them strategically:
Include your own music: Place your tracks alongside similar artists, but don't overdo it (1-2 of your songs per playlist is appropriate).
Reach out to featured artists: Let artists know when you add them, which can lead to reciprocal support.
Propose playlist swaps: Connect with other artist-curators to feature each other.
Demonstrate your curation skills: A successful playlist shows playlist curators that you understand music trends.
Build industry relationships: Quality curation can get you noticed by labels and other industry professionals.
Remember that building a successful playlist takes time and consistent effort, but it can become a valuable asset in your music promotion toolkit.
Leveraging Social Media and Networking for Playlist Placements
Your broader online presence plays a crucial role in securing playlist placements:
Building Relationships with Curators
Playlist curators are more likely to consider music from artists they're familiar with:
Follow curators on social media: Engage meaningfully with their content before pitching.
Attend industry events: Many playlist curators participate in music conferences and networking events.
Offer value first: Share their playlists, provide thoughtful comments on their selections, or introduce them to other artists they might enjoy.
Be patient: Building genuine relationships takes time but yields better long-term results than transactional approaches.
Stay in touch: Even if a curator doesn't add your current release, maintain the relationship for future opportunities.
Using Social Media to Support Your Submissions
A strong social media presence can significantly improve your playlist submission success rate:
Build an engaged following: Curators often check your social profiles to gauge your audience and professionalism.
Create shareable content: Develop content that playlist curators might want to share with their audiences.
Participate in music communities: Join Facebook groups, Reddit communities, and Discord servers where curators are active.
Share playlist features: When you do get added to playlists, promote them enthusiastically to show appreciation.
Use appropriate hashtags: Many curators search specific hashtags to find new music (#spotifyplaylists, #newmusic, #indieartist, etc.).
Tracking and Maximizing the Impact of Playlist Placements
Once you start getting playlist placements, it's essential to track their impact and leverage them for further growth:
Monitoring Playlist Performance
Use these tools and metrics to evaluate your playlist success:
Spotify for Artists dashboard: Monitor stream counts, listener demographics, and playlist source data.
Spotify Analytics: Track which playlists are driving the most streams and listener saves.
Third-party analytics: Tools like Chartmetric or Soundcharts offer deeper insights into playlist performance.
Save-to-listener ratio: A high percentage of listeners saving your track indicates strong audience connection.
Playlist-to-listener conversion: Track how many playlist listeners explore your other music.
Leveraging Successful Placements for Growth
Each playlist placement is an opportunity to expand your reach:
Update your press kit: Feature notable playlist inclusions in your bio and press materials.
Share on social media: Create engaging posts about your playlist features to increase visibility.
Use as social proof: Mention successful placements when pitching to other curators.
Analyze what worked: Identify patterns in which tracks get placed to inform future releases.
Retarget engaged listeners: Use Spotify's audience data to target similar listeners in advertising campaigns.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Submitting to Spotify Playlists
Even talented artists can sabotage their playlist opportunities by making these common mistakes:
Submission Pitfalls
Mass, impersonal emails: Generic "Dear Curator" messages are usually ignored.
Pitching to inappropriate playlists: Submitting your metal track to a lo-fi study playlist wastes everyone's time.
Submitting unfinished or poor-quality music: You rarely get a second chance with curators.
Missing submission deadlines: Especially for Spotify's editorial submission tool, timing is critical.
Overlooking submission guidelines: Many curators have specific requirements that must be followed.
Demanding rather than requesting: An entitled attitude is the fastest way to get rejected.
Ethical Considerations and Spotify's Rules
Violating Spotify's terms can result in serious consequences for your artist account:
Avoid paid-for-placement services: Spotify prohibits "pay-to-play" arrangements for their editorial playlists.
Don't buy playlist followers: Artificially inflated playlist numbers can lead to account penalties.
Beware of streaming farms: Services promising to boost your streams through artificial means violate Spotify's terms.
Don't create fake accounts: Multiple accounts to artificially boost your numbers can get you removed from the platform.
Respect intellectual property: Ensure all your music is properly licensed and cleared for distribution.
Success Stories: Artists Who Built Their Careers Through Playlist Placements
Many of today's successful independent artists got their big break through strategic playlist placements:
Case Studies of Playlist Success
Lauv: Built his career largely through playlist placements, with his track "I Like Me Better" appearing on numerous influential playlists before becoming a global hit.
Tones and I: "Dance Monkey" gained initial traction through independent playlists before Spotify's editorial team took notice.
Clairo: Leveraged bedroom pop playlists to build a dedicated following before major label interest.
Jeremy Zucker: Gained visibility through study and chill playlists that perfectly matched his sound.
Girl in Red: Built a devoted fanbase through LGBTQ+ and indie playlists before expanding to mainstream success.
The common thread among these success stories is strategic targeting of playlists that matched their authentic sound, followed by consistent engagement with new listeners.
The Future of Spotify Playlists and Music Discovery
The playlist landscape continues to evolve. Here are the trends shaping the future of music discovery on Spotify:
Emerging Trends in Playlist Curation
AI-powered personalization: Spotify is increasingly using artificial intelligence to create hyper-personalized playlists for listeners.
Mood-based curation: Context and activity-based playlists are growing in importance over genre-based organization.
Interactive playlists: Features like "Blend" that create collaborative playlists are becoming more prominent.
Audiovisual integration: Canvas and video elements are enhancing the playlist experience.
Curator verification: Spotify is developing ways to highlight trusted, quality curators.
Direct artist-to-fan playlist sharing: New tools are enabling artists to share personalized playlists with their followers.
Staying informed about these trends will help you adapt your submission strategy as the platform evolves.
Conclusion: Building a Sustainable Playlist Strategy
Successfully submitting music to Spotify playlists isn't about quick wins or gaming the system—it's about building a sustainable approach that grows with your career:
Focus on quality music first: No submission strategy can compensate for music that doesn't connect with listeners.
Diversify your approach: Combine official Spotify submissions, independent curator outreach, and playlist networking.
Build genuine relationships: The music industry runs on connections; invest time in building real relationships with curators and fans.
Be patient and persistent: Playlist success rarely happens overnight; consistent effort yields the best results.
Adapt to changes: Spotify's algorithms and features evolve constantly; stay informed and adjust your strategy accordingly.
Use data to refine your approach: Learn from both successes and rejections to improve future submissions.
Remember that playlist placement is just one component of a comprehensive music marketing strategy. While it's an incredibly powerful tool, it works best when combined with live performances, social media engagement, and other promotional efforts.
By following the strategies outlined in this guide, you'll maximize your chances of getting your music featured on Spotify playlists that can significantly accelerate your career growth. The key is to approach the process professionally, authentically, and with a long-term perspective.
Now it's time to put these insights into action. Prepare your music, research your target playlists, craft compelling pitches, and start building the relationships that will help your music reach new listeners through the power of Spotify playlists.