How to Submit Music to Playlists: The Ultimate Guide for Independent Artists
In today's digital music landscape, playlists have become one of the most powerful tools for music discovery. For independent artists, getting your tracks on popular playlists can be the difference between obscurity and reaching thousands—or even millions—of new listeners. But the process of submitting music to playlists can seem daunting if you don't know where to start.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about playlist submission strategies, from preparing your music for submission to building relationships with playlist curators. Whether you're looking to get on Spotify editorial playlists, user-generated collections, or independent curator lists, we've got you covered with actionable tips and insider knowledge.
Why Playlist Placement Matters for Musicians
Before diving into the how-to, let's understand why playlist placement has become so crucial for artists in the streaming era:
Exposure to New Audiences: Playlists introduce your music to listeners who might never have discovered you otherwise.
Streaming Revenue: More streams mean more royalties, providing a potential income source.
Algorithm Boost: Strong performance on playlists can trigger streaming platforms' algorithms to recommend your music to even more listeners.
Industry Attention: Labels, booking agents, and other industry professionals often scout trending playlists for new talent.
Fan Growth: Playlist listeners who connect with your music can become long-term fans who follow your career.
According to Spotify, over 4 billion playlists exist on their platform alone, with more than 2 billion playlist listening sessions happening daily. That's an enormous opportunity for independent artists to gain visibility.
Preparing Your Music for Playlist Submission
Before you start submitting your tracks to playlists, you need to ensure your music and online presence are fully optimized. Here's what you need to do:
Release Your Music on Major Streaming Platforms
This might seem obvious, but your music needs to be professionally distributed to all major streaming services before you can submit to most playlists. Use a reputable digital distributor like DistroKid, CD Baby, TuneCore, or AWAL to get your music on platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and more.
For a detailed comparison of distribution options, check out this guide on independent music distribution options for indie artists.
Optimize Your Artist Profiles
Playlist curators will often check out your artist profiles before adding your music. Make sure you have:
Professional, high-quality artist photos
Complete bio that tells your story
Links to your social media accounts
Updated discography and latest releases
Consistent branding across all platforms
Having a professional website is also crucial for establishing credibility. If you don't have one yet, explore these best platforms to build your online presence as a musician.
Ensure Your Music is Playlist-Ready
Not all well-produced music is playlist-friendly. Consider these factors:
Strong Intro: Many playlists have high skip rates. Aim to capture attention in the first 30 seconds.
Professional Production: Your tracks should sound polished and comparable to other songs in your genre.
Appropriate Length: While there's no strict rule, songs between 2-4 minutes often perform better on playlists.
Genre Clarity: Your music should clearly fit within recognizable genres to make it easier for curators to place.
Types of Playlists You Can Submit To
Understanding the different types of playlists will help you target your submissions more effectively:
Editorial Playlists
These are official playlists created by the streaming platforms themselves. They typically have the largest followings and can generate thousands or even millions of streams.
Spotify Editorial Playlists: Created by Spotify's in-house curation team
Apple Music Editorial Playlists: Curated by Apple Music editors
Amazon Music Playlists: Official playlists on Amazon's streaming service
Deezer Editorial Playlists: Official collections on this global streaming platform
Independent Curator Playlists
These are playlists created by music blogs, websites, influencers, and individuals with significant followings. They range from niche genre-specific lists to broader themed collections.
Algorithmic Playlists
These are automatically generated based on user listening habits and preferences. Examples include:
Spotify's Discover Weekly and Release Radar
Apple Music's New Music Mix
YouTube Music's Discover Mix
While you can't directly submit to algorithmic playlists, performing well on other playlists increases your chances of being included in these.
User-Generated Playlists
Created by regular users of streaming platforms, these can range from personal collections to playlists with thousands of followers. Some playlist creators have built substantial audiences and influence.
How to Submit Music to Spotify Playlists
As the world's largest streaming platform, Spotify offers several pathways for playlist submission:
Spotify for Artists Direct Submission
The most direct way to reach Spotify's editorial team is through Spotify for Artists:
Create and verify your Spotify for Artists account
Upload your music through a distributor at least 7 days before release
In your Spotify for Artists dashboard, select the unreleased track
Click "Pitch a Song" and fill out the submission form
Provide detailed information about the track, including:
Mood
Genre
Instruments
Culture
Language
Story behind the song
Pro Tip: Submit your music at least 7 days (preferably 2-3 weeks) before release date to give editors time to consider your track.
Building Your Spotify Presence
Beyond direct submission, building your overall Spotify presence helps with playlist inclusion:
Encourage followers on your Spotify profile
Create and maintain your own artist playlists
Engage with listeners by responding to comments
Update your profile regularly with new content
Use Canvas (looping visuals) and Storylines to enhance your tracks
Submitting to Apple Music Playlists
Apple Music has a different approach to playlist submissions:
Apple Music for Artists
Unlike Spotify, Apple Music doesn't have a direct submission portal for all artists. However:
Claim your Apple Music for Artists profile
Ensure your music is distributed to Apple Music
Keep your profile updated with latest releases and information
Working with Apple Music Curators
For Apple Music, relationships matter more:
Connect with Apple Music curators through industry contacts
Work with your distributor, who may have direct lines to Apple Music
Build buzz around your release that might catch curators' attention
Using Playlist Submission Services and Tools
Several third-party services have emerged to help artists connect with playlist curators:
Playlist Push
Playlist Push connects artists with curators across multiple platforms. The service charges a fee (starting around $300) to pitch your track to relevant curators in their network.
SubmitHub
SubmitHub allows you to submit to blogs, YouTube channels, and playlist curators. You can make free submissions (with lower response rates) or premium submissions ($1-3 per submission) with guaranteed feedback.
Playlist Supply
Playlist Supply provides contact information for playlist curators, allowing you to reach out directly. They offer various packages based on how many curator contacts you need.
Daily Playlists
Daily Playlists offers a free submission platform where you can submit to user-curated playlists.
Soundplate
Soundplate provides both free and premium options for playlist submission across various genres.
DIY Approach: Finding and Contacting Playlist Curators Directly
While submission services are convenient, a direct approach can be more effective and cost-efficient:
Finding Relevant Playlists
Platform Search: Use Spotify's or Apple Music's search function to find playlists in your genre
Playlist Search Engines: Tools like Playlists.net and Chartmetric can help you discover playlists
Social Media: Search hashtags like #spotifyplaylist or #musiccurator on Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok
Reddit: Communities like r/SpotifyPlaylists can be valuable resources
Researching Curators
Before reaching out, do your homework:
Listen to the playlist to ensure your music is a genuine fit
Check if the curator has submission guidelines in the playlist description
Look for the curator's name and contact information
Research their social media presence and website
Crafting Effective Outreach
When contacting playlist curators directly:
Personalize each message: Reference specific aspects of their playlist
Be concise: Keep your pitch brief and to the point
Provide streaming links: Make it easy for them to listen (Spotify links preferred for Spotify curators)
Include press materials: Attach a brief bio and any notable achievements
Follow up respectfully: One follow-up is acceptable if you don't hear back
Sample Outreach Template:
Subject: [Your Artist Name] - New Track for [Playlist Name]
Hi [Curator's Name],
I've been following your playlist [Playlist Name] for some time and really enjoy how you [specific observation about their curation style or playlist].
I recently released a new [genre] track called "[Track Name]" that I believe would fit well alongside [mention 1-2 specific artists on their playlist]. You can listen to it here: [Streaming Link]
[Brief 1-2 sentence description of the song and what makes it unique]
I'd be honored if you considered it for inclusion in your playlist. Either way, I'll continue enjoying your excellent curation.
Thanks for your time,
[Your Name]
[Your Website/Social Media]
Leveraging Social Media for Playlist Submissions
Social media can be a powerful tool for connecting with playlist curators:
Instagram Strategies
Create Instagram Stories featuring playlists you've been added to
Tag curators when sharing your music
Use relevant hashtags like #playlistcurator and #spotifyplaylist
Engage with curators' content before pitching
TikTok Approach
Create short clips featuring your music
Participate in trending challenges with your tracks
Use hashtags like #spotifyartist and #newmusic
Engage with playlist curators who are active on the platform
Twitter Networking
Follow and engage with playlist curators
Join music-related Twitter chats
Use hashtags like #MusicMonday to share your tracks
Create Twitter lists of playlist curators to stay organized
Building Relationships with Playlist Curators
Successful playlist submission is often about relationship building, not just one-off pitches:
Long-Term Networking Strategies
Support Their Work: Follow their playlists, share them on social media
Provide Value: Recommend other artists that fit their playlists (not just yourself)
Engage Meaningfully: Comment on their posts with thoughtful insights
Attend Industry Events: Meet curators in person at conferences and music events
Maintaining Relationships After Placement
Once you get added to a playlist:
Thank the curator personally
Share the playlist on your social media
Continue engaging with their content
Keep them updated on new releases (but don't spam)
Creating Your Own Playlists as a Strategy
Building your own playlists can be a strategic move:
Benefits of Curator Branding
Establishes you as a tastemaker in your genre
Creates networking opportunities with other artists
Provides content for your social media channels
Can lead to reciprocal playlist additions
Building an Audience for Your Playlists
Include a mix of established and emerging artists
Update regularly with fresh content
Create themed playlists that stand out
Share your playlists across your social channels
Collaborate with other artists on co-curated playlists
Tracking Your Playlist Performance
Once your music is on playlists, monitoring performance is crucial:
Analytics Tools
Spotify for Artists: Provides data on playlist-driven streams
Apple Music for Artists: Shows playlist performance metrics
Chartmetric: Offers detailed playlist tracking across platforms
Soundcharts: Monitors playlist adds and performance
Key Metrics to Track
Number of playlist adds
Streams generated from playlists
Listener save rate (how many people save your track)
Follower growth correlated with playlist adds
Geographic data on new listeners
Common Playlist Submission Mistakes to Avoid
Many artists hurt their chances with these common errors:
Submission Pitfalls
Mass Emails: Sending the same generic message to multiple curators
Ignoring Guidelines: Not following a curator's specific submission instructions
Poor Timing: Submitting too close to release date or long after release
Wrong Fit: Pitching to playlists where your music clearly doesn't match
Incomplete Information: Not providing all the details curators need
Ethical Considerations
Avoid Paid Placements: Many legitimate curators consider this unethical
Don't Use Bots: Artificial streaming can get your music removed or account banned
Respect Boundaries: Don't harass curators with excessive follow-ups
Success Stories: Artists Who Built Their Careers Through Playlists
Many successful artists got their big break through playlist placements:
Case Studies
Lauv: Built his career largely through playlist success, starting with "The Other" appearing on several influential playlists
Tones and I: "Dance Monkey" exploded after playlist placements drove initial streams
Clairo: Gained massive exposure when "Pretty Girl" was added to influential indie playlists
Lessons from Successful Artists
Consistency in releasing quality music
Strategic timing of releases
Building relationships with curators before needing them
Creating shareable, playlist-friendly tracks
Leveraging initial playlist success to secure more placements
The Future of Playlist Submission
The playlist landscape continues to evolve:
Emerging Trends
AI Curation: Increasing role of algorithms in playlist creation
Blockchain Integration: Potential for more transparent and fair playlist ecosystems
Cross-Platform Playlists: Tools that create playlists across multiple streaming services
Visual Elements: Greater integration of visual content with playlists
Staying Ahead of Changes
Follow industry news sources like Music Business Worldwide and Hypebot
Experiment with emerging platforms early
Network with forward-thinking curators and industry professionals
Adapt your strategy as platforms update their algorithms and features
Conclusion: Creating a Sustainable Playlist Strategy
Successful playlist submission isn't about quick wins but building a sustainable approach:
Quality Over Quantity: Focus on meaningful placements rather than sheer numbers
Relationship-Centered: Build genuine connections with curators and fans
Data-Informed: Use analytics to refine your approach over time
Patience and Persistence: Playlist success rarely happens overnight
Balance: Combine playlist efforts with other promotion strategies
Remember that playlists are just one component of a comprehensive music marketing strategy. While they can provide significant exposure, building a sustainable career requires developing direct connections with fans through your own website, email list, social media, and live performances.
By approaching playlist submission strategically and authentically, you can leverage this powerful tool to grow your audience while maintaining artistic integrity and building a career that lasts beyond any single playlist placement.
What playlist submission strategies have worked for you? Share your experiences and questions in the comments below!