How to Submit Your Song to Spotify Playlists: The Complete Guide for Independent Artists
For independent musicians, getting your music on Spotify playlists can be a game-changer. With over 489 million active users worldwide, Spotify offers unprecedented exposure opportunities through its playlist ecosystem. But how exactly do you submit your song to Spotify playlists? This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about playlist submissions, from preparation to execution and follow-up strategies.
Whether you're releasing your first single or you're a seasoned artist looking to expand your reach, understanding the ins and outs of Spotify playlist submission can significantly boost your streaming numbers, grow your fan base, and potentially catch the attention of industry professionals.
Why Spotify Playlists Matter for Independent Artists
Before diving into the submission process, let's understand why Spotify playlists are so valuable:
Massive Reach: Some of Spotify's editorial playlists have millions of followers.
Algorithmic Advantages: Getting on playlists can trigger Spotify's algorithm to recommend your music to more listeners.
Credibility Boost: Playlist placement serves as social proof of your music's quality.
Revenue Generation: More streams mean more royalties.
Industry Attention: Labels, managers, and booking agents often discover new talent through playlists.
A single successful playlist placement can generate thousands of streams overnight, making playlist submission one of the most effective promotion strategies for independent artists.
Types of Spotify Playlists You Can Submit To
Not all Spotify playlists are created equal. Understanding the different types will help you target your submissions more effectively:
1. Spotify Editorial Playlists
These are official playlists curated by Spotify's in-house team. Examples include "New Music Friday," "RapCaviar," and genre-specific playlists like "Rock This" or "mint." These playlists typically have the largest followings and can generate significant streams.
2. Algorithmic Playlists
These are personalized playlists created by Spotify's algorithm based on user listening habits. Examples include "Discover Weekly," "Release Radar," and "Daily Mix." You can't directly submit to these, but getting on other playlists can increase your chances of appearing here.
3. Independent Curator Playlists
These are playlists created by individuals, blogs, brands, or other entities outside of Spotify. They range from small playlists with a few hundred followers to major playlists with hundreds of thousands of followers.
4. User-Generated Playlists
These are playlists created by regular Spotify users. While they typically have smaller followings, getting on multiple user playlists can add up to significant exposure.
Now that you understand the landscape, let's explore how to prepare your music for submission.
Preparing Your Music for Spotify Playlist Submission
Before you start submitting your song to playlists, you need to ensure your music and profile are optimized for success:
1. Distribute Your Music to Spotify
First things first: your music needs to be on Spotify before you can submit it to playlists. If you haven't already, you'll need to use a digital music distributor to get your music on the platform. There are many independent music distribution options for indie artists to choose from, including DistroKid, CD Baby, TuneCore, and AWAL.
2. Claim Your Spotify for Artists Profile
Spotify for Artists gives you control over your artist profile and provides valuable insights about your listeners. It's also required for submitting to Spotify's editorial playlists. To claim your profile:
Go to artists.spotify.com
Sign up with your Spotify account
Claim your artist profile by verifying your identity
3. Complete Your Artist Profile
A professional, complete profile makes a good impression on both playlist curators and potential fans:
Upload a high-quality profile picture
Write a compelling bio
Add your social media links
Include your upcoming shows (if applicable)
Create and feature your own playlists
4. Ensure Your Track Is Playlist-Ready
Before submission, make sure your track meets these criteria:
Professional Quality: Your track should be professionally mixed and mastered.
Metadata: Ensure all song information (title, featured artists, songwriters, etc.) is accurate.
Artwork: Use high-resolution, eye-catching artwork that represents your music.
Release Strategy: Plan your release date strategically, ideally at least 2-4 weeks in advance.
With these preparations complete, you're ready to start the submission process.
How to Submit to Spotify Editorial Playlists
Spotify editorial playlists are the most coveted placements, and fortunately, there's an official submission process:
1. Use Spotify for Artists Playlist Submission Tool
Spotify allows you to pitch unreleased music directly to their editorial team:
Log in to your Spotify for Artists account
Go to the "Music" tab and select "Upcoming"
Find your unreleased track (it must be at least 7 days from release)
Click "Pitch a Song"
Fill out the submission form with detailed information about your track
2. Optimize Your Editorial Submission
When filling out the submission form, consider these tips:
Be Specific About Genre: Choose the most accurate genre and subgenre for your track.
Highlight Unique Elements: Mention any unique instruments, production techniques, or vocal styles.
Share Your Story: Explain the inspiration behind the song and why it's meaningful.
Mention Influences: Note artists who influenced this particular track (not your music in general).
Include Promotional Plans: Outline your marketing strategy for the release.
3. Timing Your Submission
Submit your track at least 7 days before release, but ideally 2-4 weeks in advance. This gives editors enough time to review your music and add it to relevant playlists.
Remember that Spotify receives thousands of submissions daily, so there's no guarantee of placement. However, following these guidelines will maximize your chances.
How to Submit to Independent Curator Playlists
Independent curator playlists can be equally valuable for growing your audience. Here's how to approach them:
1. Research Relevant Playlists
Not all playlists will be a good fit for your music. To find relevant ones:
Search for playlists featuring similar artists
Use keywords related to your genre, mood, or style
Check out playlists that have featured your previous releases
Use playlist search tools like Chartmetric or PlaylistSupply
2. Find Curator Contact Information
Once you've identified target playlists, you'll need to find the curator's contact information:
Check the playlist description for contact details or submission links
Look for linked social media accounts
Search for the curator's name on Google, Instagram, or Twitter
Use LinkedIn to find music curators
3. Craft a Personalized Outreach Message
When contacting curators, personalization is key:
Address the curator by name
Mention specific tracks or aspects of their playlist you enjoy
Explain why your track would be a good fit for their playlist
Include a streaming link (Spotify link preferred)
Keep it concise and professional
Here's a sample outreach template:
Hi [Curator Name],
I've been following your playlist [Playlist Name] for some time now and really enjoy how you [specific observation about their curation style]. I particularly loved your recent addition of [specific track].
I've just released a new track called "[Your Track]" that I believe would fit well with your playlist's vibe, especially alongside artists like [similar artists on their playlist].
Here's the Spotify link: [Spotify Link]
I'd love to hear your thoughts, and I appreciate your time regardless of whether it's a fit.
Thanks,
[Your Name]
Using Playlist Submission Services and Platforms
If you want to streamline the submission process, several platforms can help:
1. Playlist Push
Playlist Push connects artists with curators across various genres. You pay a fee, and your music is sent to relevant curators who choose whether to add your track to their playlists.
2. SubmitHub
SubmitHub allows you to submit your music to blogs, playlisters, and influencers. You can use credits (free or premium) to submit, and curators must provide feedback on your submission.
3. Playlist Supply
Playlist Supply helps you find curator contact information and manage your outreach campaigns.
4. Daily Playlists
Daily Playlists is a free platform where you can submit your music to Spotify curators.
5. Soundplate
Soundplate offers both free and premium submission options to their network of playlists.
While these services can save time, they often come with fees and no guarantees. Balance paid services with direct outreach for the best results.
Building Relationships with Playlist Curators
Long-term success with playlist placements often comes down to building genuine relationships with curators:
1. Engage Before Pitching
Follow curators on social media and engage with their content before pitching your music. This establishes a connection and shows genuine interest in their work.
2. Offer Value First
Consider how you can help curators before asking for placement. This might include sharing their playlists, providing exclusive content, or connecting them with other artists.
3. Show Gratitude
If a curator adds your track, express genuine appreciation. Share their playlist with your followers and continue to support their work.
4. Maintain Contact
Don't disappear after getting a placement. Keep in touch and build a relationship that can lead to future opportunities.
5. Respect Boundaries
If a curator declines your submission, accept it gracefully. Don't argue or repeatedly submit the same track.
Remember, curators receive countless submissions. Standing out through authentic relationship-building can set you apart from the competition.
Leveraging Your Own Network for Playlist Placement
Don't overlook the power of your existing network:
1. Create Your Own Playlists
Start curating your own playlists featuring your music alongside similar artists. This demonstrates your taste and can attract followers who might be curators themselves.
2. Collaborate with Other Artists
Partner with artists in your genre for cross-promotion. When you feature on each other's tracks, you gain access to each other's playlist connections.
3. Engage Your Fan Base
Encourage your fans to add your music to their personal playlists. While individual user playlists may have small followings, collective action can create momentum that catches Spotify's attention.
4. Work with Your Team
If you have a manager, publicist, or label, leverage their relationships with playlist curators. Industry professionals often have established connections that can open doors.
Your network is a valuable asset in your playlist strategy. Nurture these relationships alongside your outreach to new curators.
After Submission: What to Do Next
The work doesn't stop after you hit send on your submissions:
1. Track Your Results
Use Spotify for Artists to monitor your streaming data. Look for spikes in listeners, saves, and followers that might indicate playlist placements.
2. Follow Up Strategically
If you haven't heard back from a curator after 1-2 weeks, a gentle follow-up is appropriate. Keep it brief and non-demanding.
3. Analyze What Works
Pay attention to which tracks get placed and on what types of playlists. This information can inform your future music and submission strategies.
4. Promote Your Wins
When you do get playlist placements, share them on social media and thank the curators publicly. This can attract more curators to your music.
5. Prepare for Your Next Release
Use the insights gained from your current campaign to improve your strategy for future releases. Playlist submission is an ongoing process that gets refined over time.
Remember that playlist placement is just one aspect of a comprehensive music marketing strategy. Combine it with social media promotion, live performances, and other promotional efforts for maximum impact.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Submitting to Spotify Playlists
Learn from others' missteps to improve your chances of success:
1. Mass Emailing Curators
Sending the same generic email to hundreds of curators rarely works. Personalization is essential for standing out.
2. Submitting to Irrelevant Playlists
Don't waste time submitting your heavy metal track to a lo-fi study beats playlist. Research ensures you target appropriate playlists.
3. Pitching Too Late
Last-minute submissions rarely succeed. Plan your release schedule to allow adequate time for playlist consideration.
4. Neglecting Track Quality
No amount of perfect pitching can compensate for poor production quality. Ensure your music is professionally produced before submission.
5. Paying for Guaranteed Placements
Be wary of services promising guaranteed placements on major playlists. Many of these are scams or use artificial streaming methods that can get your account flagged.
6. Overlooking Your Spotify Profile
Curators often check your profile before adding your track. An incomplete or unprofessional profile can hurt your chances.
Avoiding these common pitfalls will significantly improve your playlist submission success rate.
Building a Long-Term Spotify Playlist Strategy
Playlist submission shouldn't be a one-time effort but part of an ongoing strategy:
1. Consistent Releases
Regular releases keep you relevant and provide more opportunities for playlist placement. Consider a schedule of singles leading up to an EP or album.
2. Develop a Submission Calendar
Create a timeline for each release that includes when to submit to Spotify editorial, when to reach out to independent curators, and when to follow up.
3. Build Your Artist Brand
A strong, consistent brand makes you memorable to curators. Develop your unique voice across all platforms, including your musician website and social media accounts.
4. Track Curator Preferences
Keep a database of curators you've contacted, noting their preferences, response rates, and any feedback they provide.
5. Evolve Your Approach
The playlist landscape changes constantly. Stay informed about new playlists, submission platforms, and best practices.
With patience and persistence, your playlist strategy will yield increasingly better results over time.
Case Study: Successful Spotify Playlist Submissions
Learning from success stories can provide valuable insights:
Consider the case of independent artist Ari Herstand, who documented his playlist submission strategy. By focusing on building relationships with mid-tier playlist curators rather than chasing major editorial playlists, he gradually built momentum that eventually caught Spotify's attention. His track was added to several editorial playlists after gaining traction on independent playlists, resulting in over 150,000 streams in a month.
Another example is singer-songwriter Perrin Lamb, who had his song placed on a popular Spotify playlist and earned over $40,000 in royalties from that single placement. His strategy involved consistent networking with industry professionals and maintaining high-quality production standards.
These success stories share common elements: quality music, strategic networking, persistence, and patience. No overnight success came without groundwork.
Conclusion: Your Spotify Playlist Submission Journey
Submitting your songs to Spotify playlists is both an art and a science. It requires research, personalization, relationship-building, and persistence. While there are no guarantees in the music industry, following the strategies outlined in this guide will significantly improve your chances of playlist placement.
Remember that playlist success builds over time. Each submission, each placement, and even each rejection provides valuable experience that improves your next campaign. Stay patient, keep refining your approach, and continue creating music that resonates with listeners.
Most importantly, view playlist submission as just one component of your overall music career strategy. Combine it with live performances, social media engagement, and direct fan interaction for a holistic approach to growth.
With the right music, the right approach, and persistent effort, your songs can find their place in the playlists that matter most to your target audience. Good luck with your submissions!
FAQs About Submitting Songs to Spotify Playlists
How far in advance should I submit my song to Spotify editorial playlists?
Submit your track at least 7 days before release, but ideally 2-4 weeks in advance to give editors sufficient time to review your music.
Is it worth paying for playlist submission services?
Paid services can be worthwhile if they target legitimate curators relevant to your genre. However, balance paid services with direct outreach for the best results.
How many playlists should I submit to for each release?
Quality outreach to 20-30 highly relevant playlists is more effective than mass-submitting to hundreds of playlists.
What if my music gets rejected from playlists?
Rejection is part of the process. Ask for feedback when possible, refine your approach, and continue submitting future releases.
Can I submit the same song to multiple playlists?
Yes, but personalize each submission to the specific playlist and curator.
How important is my Spotify artist profile for playlist submissions?
Very important. Curators often check your profile to assess your professionalism and audience before adding your tracks.
How long does it take to see results from playlist submissions?
Timeline varies widely. Editorial decisions may come within days of release, while independent curator responses can take anywhere from days to weeks.