How to Submit Playlists: The Ultimate Guide for Musicians and Curators

In today's digital music landscape, playlists have become one of the most powerful tools for music discovery and promotion. Whether you're an independent artist looking to get your music featured or a curator wanting to share your musical taste with the world, understanding how to submit playlists effectively is crucial for success in the streaming era.

Playlist placement can dramatically increase an artist's visibility, potentially leading to thousands of new listeners, higher streaming revenue, and even opportunities for sync licensing or live performances. For curators, creating and submitting quality playlists can establish you as a tastemaker in your genre and potentially open doors to partnerships with streaming platforms, labels, and artists.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about submitting playlists across various platforms, optimizing your submissions for maximum impact, and building relationships that can help your music career flourish.

Table of Contents

  • Understanding the Playlist Ecosystem

  • Preparing Your Music for Playlist Submission

  • How to Submit Playlists to Spotify

  • Submitting Playlists to Apple Music

  • Amazon Music Playlist Submission Process

  • YouTube Music Playlist Strategies

  • Working with Independent Playlist Curators

  • Playlist Submission Services and Tools

  • Creating Submission-Worthy Playlists as a Curator

  • Measuring Success and Adjusting Your Strategy

  • Common Playlist Submission Mistakes to Avoid

  • Building Long-Term Relationships with Curators

  • Frequently Asked Questions

Understanding the Playlist Ecosystem

Before diving into submission tactics, it's essential to understand the different types of playlists and how they function within the streaming ecosystem:

Types of Playlists

Editorial Playlists: Created by the streaming platform's in-house team, these official playlists often have the largest followings and impact. Examples include Spotify's "New Music Friday" or Apple Music's "Today's Hits."

Algorithmic Playlists: Generated automatically based on user listening habits and preferences. These include Spotify's "Discover Weekly" or Apple Music's "For You" recommendations.

User-Generated Playlists: Created by individual listeners, these range from personal collections to influential playlists with thousands of followers. Some independent curators have built substantial audiences and influence.

Brand/Partner Playlists: Created by brands, media outlets, festivals, or other partners of streaming platforms. These often have significant promotion and followings.

Understanding this ecosystem is crucial because your submission strategy will differ depending on which type of playlist you're targeting. For example, editorial playlists typically require formal submissions through platform tools, while approaching independent curators involves more personalized outreach.

Preparing Your Music for Playlist Submission

Before submitting your music to playlists, ensure you've laid the proper groundwork:

Distribution Requirements

Your music must be professionally distributed to streaming platforms before it can be considered for most playlists. Using a reputable independent music distribution service ensures your music is available across all major platforms with the correct metadata.

Release Strategy

Plan your release at least 2-4 weeks in advance to allow time for playlist consideration. Most editorial teams review music before its release date, so last-minute submissions rarely succeed.

Metadata and Presentation

Ensure all your track information is accurate and complete:

  • Correct genre classification

  • Accurate ISRC codes

  • Professional artwork

  • Complete songwriter and producer credits

  • Compelling artist bio and track description

Having a professional online presence is also crucial when curators research you. Consider creating a dedicated musician website to showcase your work professionally.

How to Submit Playlists to Spotify

As the world's largest streaming platform, Spotify offers several avenues for playlist submission:

Spotify for Artists Submission Tool

The primary method for submitting to Spotify's editorial playlists is through the Spotify for Artists platform:

  1. Create and verify your Spotify for Artists account

  2. Upload your unreleased track through your distributor

  3. Once the track appears in your dashboard (usually 7+ days before release), select "Submit a song"

  4. Fill out the submission form completely, including:

    • Mood and genre information

    • Instrumentation details

    • Culture and language

    • Any additional information about the release

  5. Submit at least 7 days before release for optimal consideration

This submission goes to Spotify's editorial team, who review thousands of tracks weekly. While there's no guarantee of placement, following these steps gives you the best chance at editorial consideration.

Spotify Playlist Submission to Independent Curators

To find and submit to user-generated Spotify playlists:

  1. Research playlists in your genre using Spotify's search function

  2. Look for playlists with between 1,000-100,000 followers for realistic targeting

  3. Find the curator's contact information (often in playlist descriptions or linked social media)

  4. Create a personalized outreach message explaining why your track fits their playlist

  5. Include a Spotify link to your track for easy listening

  6. Follow up respectfully after 1-2 weeks if you don't receive a response

Spotify Playlist Exchange

Spotify's Community forum includes a Playlist Exchange where users share and discover playlists. While primarily for listeners rather than artist promotion, it can be a way to connect with other playlist creators.

Submitting Playlists to Apple Music

Apple Music has grown significantly as a playlist powerhouse, with its own unique submission process:

Apple Music for Artists

Similar to Spotify, Apple Music offers a submission tool through their artist platform:

  1. Claim and verify your Apple Music for Artists account

  2. Ensure your music is distributed to Apple Music

  3. Select the "Promote" option in your dashboard

  4. Choose the track you want to submit

  5. Complete the submission form with detailed information about your release

  6. Submit well in advance of your release date

Apple Music's editorial team reviews submissions for potential inclusion in their curated playlists like "New Music Daily" or genre-specific collections.

Connecting with Apple Music Curators

Apple Music's playlist ecosystem is more editorially controlled than Spotify's, with fewer independent curators. However, you can:

  1. Research Apple Music's editorial playlists in your genre

  2. Connect with Apple Music's editorial team through industry connections or your distributor

  3. Submit press releases and EPKs to music media outlets that have influence with Apple Music

Amazon Music Playlist Submission Process

Amazon Music continues to grow its market share and playlist influence:

Amazon Music for Artists

Submit through Amazon's artist platform:

  1. Claim your Amazon Music for Artists account

  2. Ensure your music is distributed to Amazon Music

  3. Use the submission tool in your dashboard when available

  4. Provide comprehensive information about your release

Amazon Music's editorial team curates playlists like "Brand New Music," "Breakthrough," and genre-specific collections.

Amazon Music Playlist Consideration

Additional strategies for Amazon Music playlist inclusion:

  1. Ensure your music has complete and accurate metadata

  2. Build traction on other platforms, which Amazon's team monitors

  3. Work with your distributor, who may have direct submission channels

  4. Create and promote your own playlists on Amazon Music to demonstrate platform engagement

YouTube Music Playlist Strategies

YouTube Music combines traditional music streaming with video content, creating unique playlist opportunities:

YouTube Music Official Playlists

To be considered for YouTube Music's editorial playlists:

  1. Ensure your music is properly distributed to YouTube Music

  2. Claim and optimize your YouTube channel and artist profile

  3. Create high-quality music videos or visualizers when possible

  4. Submit through your distributor, who may have direct channels to YouTube Music's team

YouTube Playlist Networking

Beyond official playlists, YouTube has a vast network of user-generated playlists:

  1. Research YouTube channels that create playlists in your genre

  2. Connect with YouTube content creators who might feature your music

  3. Submit to YouTube promotion channels that create genre-specific playlists

  4. Create your own YouTube playlists to showcase your music alongside complementary artists

Working with Independent Playlist Curators

Independent curators can be powerful allies in your playlist strategy:

Finding Legitimate Playlist Curators

To identify worthwhile independent curators:

  1. Research playlists in your genre across platforms

  2. Look for consistent curation patterns and authentic engagement

  3. Check for reasonable follower growth (beware of playlists with suspiciously high follower counts)

  4. Verify the curator's online presence through linked social media

  5. Ask fellow artists about their experiences with specific curators

Effective Curator Outreach

When approaching independent curators:

  1. Personalize each message, referencing specific aspects of their playlist

  2. Keep communications concise but informative

  3. Include streaming links, not attachments

  4. Explain why your track fits their curation style

  5. Offer to share their playlist if your music is included

  6. Be respectful of their time and decisions

Sample outreach template:

Subject: [Your Track Name] - For Consideration in [Playlist Name]

Hi [Curator Name],

I've been following your playlist [Playlist Name] for some time and particularly enjoyed your recent additions from [mention specific artists]. I think my new track "[Track Name]" would fit perfectly alongside them because [specific reason related to style/mood/genre].

Here's a link to the track: [Streaming Link]

I'd be happy to share your playlist with my followers if you feel the track is a good fit. Either way, I appreciate your time and the great music you're curating.

Thanks,

[Your Name]

Playlist Submission Services and Tools

Several services have emerged to streamline the playlist submission process:

Playlist Submission Platforms

These services connect artists with curators:

  • SubmitHub - Connects artists with bloggers, playlist curators, and influencers

  • Playlist Push - Focuses specifically on playlist placement

  • Daily Playlists - Offers free and premium submission options

  • Musosoup - Ethical platform connecting artists with various promotion channels

When using these services:

  • Research their success rates and reputation

  • Start with smaller investments to test results

  • Track your ROI carefully

  • Be wary of services guaranteeing placements on high-profile playlists

Playlist Research Tools

These tools help identify relevant playlists for submission:

Creating Submission-Worthy Playlists as a Curator

For those looking to build influence as playlist curators:

Building a Quality Playlist

  1. Define a clear theme or mood that fills a specific niche

  2. Create a compelling playlist title and description

  3. Design eye-catching cover artwork

  4. Curate tracks that genuinely fit together

  5. Update regularly with fresh content

  6. Include a mix of established and emerging artists

Submitting Your Playlist to Streaming Platforms

To increase your playlist's visibility:

  1. Share your playlist on social media and music communities

  2. Submit to playlist directories like Playlists.net

  3. Engage with artists featured in your playlist to encourage cross-promotion

  4. Consider creating themed series of playlists to build a recognizable brand

  5. Analyze performance data to refine your curation strategy

Measuring Success and Adjusting Your Strategy

Effective playlist submission requires ongoing analysis and refinement:

Key Performance Indicators

Track these metrics to evaluate your playlist strategy:

  • Stream count increases during and after playlist features

  • Save-to-listener ratio (how many people save your track after hearing it)

  • Follower growth correlated with playlist placements

  • Geographic expansion of your listener base

  • Conversion to other platforms and social media

Refining Your Approach

Use data to improve future submissions:

  1. Identify which types of playlists generate the most engaged listeners

  2. Note which aspects of your music resonate with specific curators

  3. Track response rates from different outreach methods

  4. Adjust your submission timing based on results

  5. Refine your pitch based on feedback and success patterns

Common Playlist Submission Mistakes to Avoid

Steer clear of these pitfalls that can undermine your playlist efforts:

Submission Errors

  • Mass-sending identical, impersonal pitches

  • Submitting to playlists that don't match your genre or style

  • Providing broken or complicated links

  • Submitting unfinished or poor-quality recordings

  • Missing submission deadlines for editorial consideration

  • Overwhelming curators with too much information

Ethical Considerations

  • Paying for guaranteed placements on streaming service-owned playlists (against terms of service)

  • Using artificial streaming services to inflate numbers

  • Creating fake playlists to self-promote

  • Harassing curators who don't respond or decline your submission

  • Making false claims about your music or achievements

Building Long-Term Relationships with Curators

The most successful playlist strategies focus on relationship-building:

Nurturing Curator Connections

  1. Follow curators on social media and engage genuinely with their content

  2. Share their playlists even when your music isn't featured

  3. Provide value by suggesting other artists that fit their curation style

  4. Express gratitude when they support your music

  5. Respect their feedback and curation decisions

  6. Keep them updated on your releases without overwhelming them

Collaborative Opportunities

As relationships develop, explore deeper collaborations:

  • Guest curation opportunities

  • Collaborative playlists

  • Exclusive premieres or content

  • Cross-promotion with complementary artists

  • Virtual listening events or livestreams

Frequently Asked Questions

How far in advance should I submit my music for playlist consideration?

For editorial playlists, submit at least 2-4 weeks before release. For independent curators, 1-2 weeks is typically sufficient, though some may prefer more lead time for planning.

Is it worth paying for playlist placement?

Legitimate playlist submission services that connect you with real curators can be worthwhile, but avoid services guaranteeing placement on editorial playlists or offering artificially inflated streams. Focus on authentic engagement rather than vanity metrics.

How many playlists should I submit to at once?

Quality outreach to 20-30 well-researched, relevant playlists is more effective than mass-submitting to hundreds. Personalize each submission for best results.

What if my music gets rejected from playlists?

Rejection is normal and doesn't necessarily reflect your music's quality. Use it as an opportunity to refine your targeting or improve your submission approach. Consider asking for feedback when appropriate.

How can I make my own playlists more successful?

Focus on a unique angle or theme, maintain consistent quality, update regularly, engage with featured artists, and promote across your networks. Consistency and authenticity are key to building a following.

Conclusion

Submitting playlists effectively requires research, strategy, and relationship-building. Whether you're an artist seeking placement or a curator building influence, understanding the playlist ecosystem is essential for success in today's streaming-dominated music industry.

Remember that playlist placement is just one component of a comprehensive music marketing strategy. While it can significantly boost your visibility, it should complement other efforts like live performances, social media engagement, and direct fan interaction.

By approaching playlist submission with professionalism, authenticity, and persistence, you can harness the power of playlists to connect your music with new listeners and build sustainable growth for your career.

Start by implementing the strategies outlined in this guide, track your results, and continuously refine your approach based on what works best for your unique music and audience.

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