How to Submit Music to Spotify Playlists for Free: The Complete Guide
For independent artists, getting your music on Spotify playlists can be a game-changer. Playlist placement can dramatically increase your streams, followers, and overall visibility in the competitive music landscape. While many playlist submission services charge fees, there are legitimate ways to submit music to Spotify playlists for free.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore effective strategies for getting your tracks on playlists without spending a dime, helping you reach new listeners and grow your audience organically.
Why Spotify Playlists Matter for Independent Artists
Before diving into submission strategies, it's important to understand why Spotify playlists are so valuable:
Expanded Reach: Playlists expose your music to listeners who might never have discovered you otherwise.
Increased Streams: A single playlist placement can generate thousands of new streams.
Algorithm Boost: Higher engagement signals to Spotify's algorithm that your music is worth recommending to others.
Credibility: Being featured alongside established artists lends legitimacy to your work.
Fan Growth: Playlist listeners often convert to followers and fans.
Now, let's explore how you can tap into this powerful promotional channel without opening your wallet.
Types of Spotify Playlists You Can Submit To
Understanding the Spotify playlist ecosystem is crucial for targeting your submissions effectively:
1. Editorial Playlists
These are official playlists curated by Spotify's editorial team. They include popular playlists like "New Music Friday," "RapCaviar," and genre-specific collections. These playlists have massive followings and can generate significant exposure.
2. Algorithmic Playlists
These playlists are automatically generated based on user listening habits. Examples include Discover Weekly, Release Radar, and Radio playlists. You can't directly submit to these, but getting on other playlists increases your chances of being included.
3. Independent Curator Playlists
These are created by individuals, blogs, brands, or music enthusiasts. They range from small, niche playlists to collections with thousands of followers. These curators are often more accessible than Spotify's editorial team.
4. User-Generated Playlists
Regular Spotify users create these playlists for personal use or to share with friends. While they typically have fewer followers, getting on multiple user playlists can add up to meaningful exposure.
Free Methods to Submit to Spotify Editorial Playlists
Spotify's editorial playlists are the most coveted placements, and fortunately, the submission process is completely free:
Using Spotify for Artists
The official channel for editorial playlist consideration is through the Spotify for Artists platform:
Create a Spotify for Artists account: If you haven't already, claim your artist profile at artists.spotify.com.
Submit unreleased music: You can submit one unreleased track per release for editorial consideration.
Submit at least 7 days before release: Spotify recommends submitting your track at least one week before the release date to give editors time to review it.
Provide detailed information: Fill out all the metadata fields, including genre, mood, instruments, and a compelling story about your track.
Be strategic with timing: Consider industry release patterns and avoid high-volume periods like major holiday seasons.
While there's no guarantee of placement, this direct submission channel puts your music in front of Spotify's editorial team at no cost.
Finding and Submitting to Independent Curators for Free
Independent playlist curators can be powerful allies in your music promotion strategy. Here's how to find and approach them without spending money:
1. Research Relevant Playlists
Start by identifying playlists that feature music similar to yours:
Use Spotify's search function: Search for keywords related to your genre, mood, or style.
Check where similar artists appear: Look at the "Discovered On" section of artists similar to you.
Use playlist search tools: Websites like Playlists.net allow you to search for playlists by genre.
Browse Reddit communities: Subreddits like r/SpotifyPlaylists can be goldmines for finding independent curators.
2. Find Curator Contact Information
Once you've identified suitable playlists:
Check playlist descriptions: Many curators include submission instructions or contact details.
Look for linked social media: Follow the curator's profile to find linked Instagram, Twitter, or other social accounts.
Search for the playlist name: Many curators have associated websites or submission forms.
Use LinkedIn or Twitter: Search for the curator's name to find professional profiles.
3. Craft Personalized Outreach
When contacting curators:
Personalize each message: Reference specific aspects of their playlist that you appreciate.
Keep it concise: Briefly introduce yourself and your track.
Include a streaming link: Provide a Spotify link to make listening easy.
Explain the fit: Clearly articulate why your track belongs on their playlist.
Be professional: Check for spelling and grammar errors before sending.
Example outreach template:
Hi [Curator Name],
I've been enjoying your playlist [Playlist Name] for some time now. I particularly loved the recent addition of [Specific Track/Artist].
I've just released a new track called "[Track Name]" that I believe would fit well with your collection, particularly alongside artists like [Similar Artists on Their Playlist].
Here's the Spotify link: [Link]
I'd be honored if you'd consider it for inclusion.
Thanks for your time and for curating such great music,
[Your Name]
Free Playlist Submission Platforms
Several platforms allow you to submit to multiple playlists at once without paying. Here are some of the most effective:
1. SubmitHub (Free Tier)
SubmitHub connects artists with playlist curators, blogs, and influencers. While they offer a premium service, their free tier allows you to make a limited number of submissions:
Submit to 2-5 curators per day for free
Guaranteed response within 48 hours
Detailed feedback from many curators
The key to success on SubmitHub's free tier is being highly selective about which curators you approach, focusing on those most likely to appreciate your style.
2. Daily Playlists
Daily Playlists offers a free submission system where you can submit your tracks to genre-specific playlists:
Simple submission process
Genre-categorized playlists
Community of independent curators
3. SoundPlate
SoundPlate maintains a collection of genre-specific playlists and offers free submissions:
Genre-focused playlists with substantial followings
Simple submission form
Additional promotional opportunities
4. Reddit Communities
Several subreddits allow you to share your music and connect with playlist curators:
r/SpotifyPlaylists
r/IndieMusicFeedback
r/PromoteYourMusic
r/shareyourmusic
When posting on Reddit, be sure to follow each community's specific rules and engage genuinely with other members rather than just dropping links.
Leveraging Social Media for Playlist Placements
Social media platforms offer powerful ways to connect with playlist curators for free:
1. Instagram Strategy
Find curators: Search hashtags like #spotifyplaylist, #playlistcurator, or genre-specific tags.
Engage before pitching: Follow curators, like and comment on their posts meaningfully before reaching out.
Use Instagram Stories: Create engaging content about your music and tag relevant curators.
Direct message strategically: Send concise, personalized messages with streaming links.
2. Twitter Approach
Search for curators: Use Twitter's search function with terms like "submit music playlist" or "playlist submissions."
Join music Twitter communities: Participate in discussions about your genre.
Create Twitter threads: Share insights about your music creation process to attract attention.
Use relevant hashtags: #SpotifyPlaylist, #PlaylistSubmission, #IndieMusic, etc.
3. TikTok Tactics
Create clips with your music: Short, engaging videos can catch curators' attention.
Participate in trends: Use trending sounds while promoting your own music.
Connect with music influencers: Many playlist curators are also active on TikTok.
Use call-to-actions: Encourage viewers to check out your music on Spotify.
Remember that building relationships is key on social media. Don't just ask for placements—become part of the community and provide value to others.
Building Your Own Successful Playlists
Creating your own playlists can attract curators and increase your visibility on Spotify:
1. Create Themed Playlists
Develop playlists around specific themes, moods, or activities
Include your tracks alongside similar, more established artists
Keep your music to about 10-15% of the playlist to maintain authenticity
2. Promote Your Playlists
Share on social media and in relevant communities
Update regularly to keep followers engaged
Collaborate with other artists to cross-promote
3. Network Through Playlist Exchange
Add tracks from other independent artists to your playlists
Reach out to let them know you've included their music
Build relationships that may lead to reciprocal placements
As your playlists gain followers, you'll build credibility in the curator community, making others more likely to consider your submissions.
Optimizing Your Spotify Profile for Playlist Consideration
Before submitting to playlists, ensure your Spotify profile is fully optimized:
1. Complete Your Spotify for Artists Profile
Upload high-quality artist photos
Write a compelling, keyword-rich bio
Add your social media links
Keep your upcoming releases and tour dates current
2. Optimize Track Metadata
Choose appropriate genres and sub-genres
Add detailed track descriptions
Include relevant mood tags
List the instruments and influences
3. Build Initial Engagement
Encourage friends, family, and fans to save your tracks
Promote new releases across all your channels
Create pre-save campaigns for upcoming releases
Engage with listeners who comment on or share your music
A professional, active profile with strong engagement metrics makes your music more attractive to playlist curators.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Submitting to Playlists
Even with free submissions, there are several pitfalls that can hurt your chances:
1. Submission Errors
Mass messaging: Sending identical messages to multiple curators
Ignoring guidelines: Not following specific submission instructions
Submitting to irrelevant playlists: Pitching your metal track to a lo-fi study playlist
Poor timing: Submitting too close to release date or during major industry events
2. Communication Mistakes
Being too demanding: Acting entitled to placement
Writing overly long pitches: Curators are busy and appreciate brevity
Following up too frequently: Becoming annoying with constant messages
Using unprofessional language: Including slang, typos, or grammatical errors
3. Music Presentation Issues
Poor audio quality: Submitting tracks with obvious production flaws
Incomplete metadata: Missing genre tags, descriptions, or credits
Inconsistent branding: Different artist names or styles across platforms
Outdated links: Sending broken or incorrect URLs
Avoiding these common mistakes will significantly improve your chances of playlist acceptance.
Building a Long-Term Playlist Strategy
Playlist submission shouldn't be a one-time effort but part of an ongoing strategy:
1. Track Your Submissions and Results
Create a spreadsheet to monitor where you've submitted
Note response rates and placements
Analyze which types of playlists respond best to your music
2. Nurture Curator Relationships
Thank curators who add your music
Share their playlists on your social media
Engage with their content regularly
Provide value beyond just asking for placements
3. Leverage Analytics for Improvement
Use Spotify for Artists data to see which playlists drive the most engagement
Identify listener demographics to target similar playlists
Monitor save rates and skip rates to gauge track performance
Consistency and relationship-building are key to long-term playlist success.
Complementary Promotion Strategies
While playlist submission is powerful, it works best as part of a broader promotional approach:
1. Create a Strong Web Presence
Having a professional online presence makes you more credible to playlist curators. Consider building a free musician website to showcase your music and brand story in one central location.
2. Leverage Music Distribution
The right distribution partner can help get your music on Spotify and other platforms while providing promotional tools. Explore independent music distribution options for indie artists to find the best fit for your needs.
3. Cross-Platform Promotion
Share Spotify Canvas videos on Instagram and TikTok
Create YouTube content featuring your Spotify tracks
Use platforms like Bandcamp and SoundCloud to reach different listener segments
4. Collaborate with Other Artists
Create collaborative tracks to tap into each other's audiences
Organize playlist swaps with artists in similar genres
Participate in compilation albums that might attract playlist attention
Success Stories: Artists Who Grew Through Free Playlist Submissions
Many independent artists have successfully used free playlist strategies to grow their careers:
Case Study: Bedroom Pop Artist
One bedroom pop artist started by systematically submitting to small, niche playlists through free channels. After securing placements on 20+ independent curator playlists, their monthly listeners grew from 300 to 15,000 in three months. This increased visibility eventually caught the attention of Spotify's editorial team, resulting in placement on an official editorial playlist.
Case Study: Hip-Hop Producer
A hip-hop producer focused on building relationships with beat-focused playlist curators through Reddit and Twitter. By consistently engaging in these communities and offering value (feedback, collaboration, etc.), they secured regular placements on instrumental hip-hop playlists. This strategy generated over 500,000 streams in a year without spending money on promotion.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get accepted to Spotify playlists?
Timeframes vary widely. Editorial playlists typically make decisions within 1-2 weeks of submission. Independent curator responses can range from same-day to several weeks, depending on their submission volume.
How many playlists should I submit to?
Quality matters more than quantity. Focus on 10-20 highly relevant playlists rather than mass-submitting to hundreds of mismatched ones. Tailor each submission for better results.
Do I need professional production to get on playlists?
While major editorial playlists typically feature professionally produced tracks, many independent playlists focus on discovering raw talent. Focus on making your music sound as good as possible within your means, but don't let production limitations stop you from submitting.
Can I submit the same song to multiple playlists?
Yes, but customize each submission. Different playlists may connect with different aspects of your track, so highlight the elements most relevant to each playlist's aesthetic.
How important are pre-saves for playlist consideration?
Pre-saves can help generate initial momentum, which may improve your chances with algorithmic playlists. However, most human curators focus on the music itself rather than pre-save numbers.
Conclusion: Patience and Persistence Pay Off
Submitting music to Spotify playlists for free requires time, research, and relationship-building, but the potential rewards make it worthwhile. By following the strategies outlined in this guide—from optimizing your Spotify profile to crafting personalized curator outreach—you can significantly increase your chances of playlist placement without spending money.
Remember that playlist success rarely happens overnight. The most successful independent artists view playlist submission as an ongoing process rather than a one-time effort. Each placement, no matter how small, is a stepping stone toward greater visibility and streaming success.
Start by identifying a handful of playlists that perfectly match your music, craft thoughtful submissions, and build genuine relationships with curators. Track your results, learn from both successes and rejections, and continuously refine your approach. With persistence and strategic effort, free playlist submissions can become a powerful driver of your music career growth.
Have you had success with free playlist submissions? What strategies worked best for you? Share your experiences in the comments below!