How to Submit Songs 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 songs on popular playlists can be a game-changer, potentially exposing your music to thousands—or even millions—of new listeners. But the process of submitting songs to playlists can seem daunting if you're unfamiliar with the terrain.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about submitting your music to playlists across various streaming platforms, from preparation to follow-up strategies. Whether you're looking to get on Spotify's editorial playlists, connect with independent curators, or leverage playlist pitching services, we've got you covered.
Why Playlist Placement Matters for Musicians
Before diving into the how-to, let's understand why playlist placement has become such a crucial part of music promotion strategies:
Expanded Reach: Playlists expose 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 may 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 hours logged monthly. 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 properly prepared. This groundwork significantly increases your chances of successful playlist placement.
Ensure Professional Quality Recordings
This might seem obvious, but it bears emphasizing: your music needs to sound professional. Playlist curators receive hundreds of submissions daily, and poor recording quality is an immediate reason for rejection. Invest in:
Professional mixing and mastering
High-quality production values
Clear, well-balanced audio
Remember, your track will be played alongside major artists with big budgets. While you don't need the same resources, your music should hold its own in terms of sound quality.
Complete Your Streaming Profiles
Before submitting to playlists, ensure your artist profiles on streaming platforms are complete and professional:
High-quality artist photos: Professional, consistent imagery across platforms
Compelling bio: A well-written story that engages potential fans
Social links: Connected social media accounts
Updated discography: All your releases properly organized
Curators often check artist profiles before adding songs to their playlists. A professional-looking profile signals that you're serious about your music career. Having a dedicated musician website can also strengthen your online presence and provide curators with more information about you and your music.
Distribute Your Music Properly
To be eligible for most playlists, your music must be available on streaming platforms. This requires working with a digital distributor. Popular options include:
DistroKid
CD Baby
TuneCore
AWAL
United Masters
Each distributor has different pricing models and features. Research to find the best fit for your needs and budget. For a detailed comparison of distribution services, check out this guide on independent music distribution options for indie artists.
Research Relevant Playlists
Not all playlists will be appropriate for your music. Before submitting, research playlists that:
Feature music in your genre
Include artists with a similar sound or audience
Have an audience size appropriate for your current career stage
Create a spreadsheet to track potential playlists, including curator contact information, playlist size, and submission requirements. This organization will streamline your submission process.
Submitting to Spotify Editorial Playlists
Spotify's editorial playlists are among the most coveted placements for musicians. These official Spotify-curated playlists can range from massive collections like "Today's Top Hits" (30+ million followers) to more niche genre-specific playlists.
Using Spotify for Artists
The primary way to submit to Spotify editorial playlists is through the Spotify for Artists platform:
Create and verify your Spotify for Artists account if you haven't already.
Submit unreleased music at least 7 days before the release date (though 3-4 weeks is recommended).
Select one track per release for playlist consideration.
Fill out the submission form completely, including:
Mood and genre information
Instrumentation details
Culture and language information
Any promotional plans for the release
Submit and wait for Spotify's editorial team to review.
While there's no guarantee of placement, providing detailed, accurate information improves your chances. Spotify uses this data to match your music with appropriate editorial playlists.
Tips for Successful Spotify Editorial Submissions
To maximize your chances of editorial playlist inclusion:
Plan ahead: Submit well before your release date to give editors time to consider your track.
Be specific: Choose precise genres and moods rather than general categories.
Highlight unique elements: Mention any distinctive features of your track.
Detail your marketing plan: Show that you're actively promoting the release.
Build momentum: Having an engaged follower base on Spotify improves your chances.
Remember that Spotify receives thousands of submissions weekly. Even great tracks aren't guaranteed placement, so view editorial playlists as one component of a broader promotion strategy.
Approaching Independent Playlist Curators
Independent playlists created by individual curators, blogs, and music enthusiasts can be extremely valuable for emerging artists. While they may have smaller followerships than editorial playlists, their audiences are often highly engaged.
Finding Independent Curators
To locate relevant independent playlists:
Use Spotify's search function to find playlists in your genre.
Check playlists that feature similar artists to you.
Explore platforms like SubmitHub, Soundplate, and Daily Playlists that connect artists with curators.
Search social media platforms (especially Instagram and Twitter) for playlist curators.
Join music communities on Reddit, Facebook, and Discord where curators often participate.
As you identify potential playlists, verify that they're active (recently updated) and feature legitimate streams (not artificially inflated numbers).
Crafting Effective Submission Emails
When reaching out to independent curators, your approach matters. Follow these best practices:
Personalize each message: Reference specific aspects of the curator's playlist.
Keep it concise: Respect the curator's time with a brief, focused pitch.
Include streaming links: Make it easy to access your music.
Provide context: Share relevant information about your track and career.
Explain the fit: Clearly articulate why your song belongs on their playlist.
Be professional: Proofread for errors and maintain a courteous tone.
Here's a template you can adapt:
Subject: [Your Artist Name] - [Track Title] for [Playlist Name]
Hi [Curator's Name],
I've been enjoying your playlist [Playlist Name] and particularly loved the recent addition of [specific track/artist]. I think my new release [Track Title] might be a good fit because [specific reason related to the playlist's style/mood].
The track is a [brief description of your song] inspired by [influences/story]. It was released on [date] and has already [any notable achievements].
You can listen here: [Streaming Link]
If you enjoy it, I'd be honored to be included in your playlist. Either way, I appreciate your time and the great music you curate.
Thanks,
[Your Name]
[Your Website/Social Links]
Following Submission Guidelines
Many curators have specific submission requirements. Always check for and follow these guidelines, which might include:
Preferred contact methods (email, submission forms, social media)
Required information or formatting
Submission fees (though be cautious about paying for placements)
Genre restrictions
Release date requirements
Ignoring submission guidelines is a quick way to get your music dismissed without consideration.
Using Playlist Pitching Services
If you're looking to scale up your playlist submission efforts, several platforms specialize in connecting artists with playlist curators.
Popular Playlist Submission Platforms
These services streamline the submission process, though most charge fees:
SubmitHub: Connect with bloggers, playlist curators, and influencers. Offers both free and premium submissions.
Playlist Push: Focuses specifically on playlist placements with a network of curators.
Musosoup: Connects artists with bloggers, playlisters, and radio.
Groover: Popular in Europe, offering connections to media outlets and playlist curators.
Daily Playlists: A free platform connecting artists with Spotify playlist curators.
These platforms typically provide feedback on your submissions, which can be valuable even if you don't secure a placement.
Evaluating Paid Services
Before investing in paid playlist pitching services:
Research their reputation: Look for reviews and testimonials from other artists.
Verify their curator network: Ensure they work with legitimate, active playlists.
Understand their pricing model: Know exactly what you're paying for.
Check for guarantees: Be wary of services that guarantee placements (legitimate services can't promise results).
Assess value-added features: Consider whether they offer feedback, analytics, or other benefits.
Remember that while these services can be helpful, they're not magic solutions. They work best as part of a comprehensive promotion strategy.
Avoiding Playlist Scams
Unfortunately, the playlist promotion industry includes some questionable practices. Watch out for:
Guaranteed placements: Legitimate curators can't guarantee acceptance.
Suspiciously cheap services: If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Playlists with fake followers: Some playlists artificially inflate their follower counts.
Pay-to-play without disclosure: Some services simply add your track to low-quality playlists they own.
Services requesting your Spotify login credentials: Never share these details.
These scams not only waste your money but can potentially harm your artist profile if they use bot-driven streams, which violate Spotify's terms of service.
Submitting to Apple Music, Amazon Music, and Other Platforms
While Spotify dominates much of the playlist conversation, other streaming platforms offer valuable opportunities for playlist placement.
Apple Music Playlist Submissions
Apple Music doesn't offer a direct submission portal like Spotify, but you can reach their editorial team through:
Apple Music for Artists: While you can't directly pitch, keeping your profile updated helps their team discover your music.
Record label or distributor: Many distributors have relationships with Apple Music and can pitch on your behalf.
Third-party pitching services: Some services specialize in Apple Music placements.
Additionally, engage with the Apple Music ecosystem by creating your own playlists and sharing them, which increases your visibility on the platform.
Amazon Music Opportunities
Amazon Music is growing rapidly and offers several pathways to playlist consideration:
Amazon Music for Artists: Create and verify your profile to improve discoverability.
Distributor relationships: Some distributors can pitch directly to Amazon Music.
Promotional opportunities: Watch for Amazon Music programs like "Breakthrough" that highlight emerging artists.
Amazon Music also places significant emphasis on voice-activated discovery through Alexa, so optimizing your metadata for voice search can improve your chances of being recommended.
Other Streaming Platforms
Don't overlook these additional platforms for playlist opportunities:
YouTube Music: Engage with the platform by creating your own playlists and optimizing your video content.
Deezer: Submit through their Deezer for Creators program.
Tidal: Known for higher royalty rates and quality-focused curation.
SoundCloud: Engage with the community and Repost Network for playlist opportunities.
Audiomack: Popular for hip-hop and electronic music with an active playlist ecosystem.
Each platform has its own culture and audience demographics, so research which ones best align with your target listeners.
Creating and Leveraging Your Own Playlists
While securing placements on others' playlists is valuable, creating your own playlists can be an effective complementary strategy.
Building Collaborative Playlists
Collaborative playlists allow multiple curators to add tracks, creating networking opportunities:
Connect with similar artists: Create genre-specific playlists and invite peers to contribute.
Engage your fans: Create collaborative playlists where fans can add their favorite tracks.
Cross-promote: When artists add their tracks to your playlist, they're likely to share it with their audience.
This approach builds community while organically expanding your reach through mutual promotion.
Playlist Exchange Strategies
Playlist exchange involves connecting with other artists or small curators for mutual support:
Artist-to-artist exchanges: Add each other's music to your respective playlists.
Curator networks: Join communities where playlist creators support each other.
Genre collectives: Form groups with artists in your genre to create shared playlists.
Always ensure these exchanges are authentic and feature music you genuinely enjoy. Forced or artificial placements can damage your credibility.
Promoting Your Playlists
Creating a playlist is just the beginning—you need to actively promote it:
Share on social media: Regularly post about your playlist with engaging visuals.
Create playlist-specific content: Design custom artwork or short videos featuring included tracks.
Update consistently: Add new tracks weekly or monthly to keep followers engaged.
Highlight featured artists: Tag artists when you add their music, encouraging them to share.
Cross-promote on your website: Embed your playlists on your artist website.
A well-promoted playlist can grow into a valuable asset, potentially attracting the attention of larger curators.
Following Up After Submission
The work doesn't end once you've submitted your music. Proper follow-up can significantly impact your success rate.
Appropriate Follow-Up Etiquette
Balance persistence with professionalism:
Timing: Wait at least 1-2 weeks before following up.
Tone: Keep follow-ups brief, polite, and non-demanding.
Value-add: Include any new developments (positive reviews, increased streams, etc.).
Limits: Generally, one follow-up is sufficient. Multiple messages can appear desperate or annoying.
Remember that curators receive numerous submissions and may not respond to everyone. A lack of response doesn't necessarily reflect on your music's quality.
Building Relationships with Curators
Long-term relationships with playlist curators can be invaluable:
Engage genuinely: Follow curators on social media and interact meaningfully with their content.
Provide value: Share their playlists even if your music isn't included.
Express gratitude: Thank curators who add your music, without expecting anything in return.
Respect boundaries: Don't pressure curators or demand explanations for rejections.
Building authentic relationships takes time but can lead to ongoing support for your releases.
Tracking Your Submissions and Results
Maintain organized records of your playlist submissions:
Create a tracking system: Use spreadsheets or project management tools to log submissions.
Record key details: Note playlist names, curator contacts, submission dates, and responses.
Monitor performance: Track streaming data to identify which playlists drive the most engagement.
Analyze patterns: Look for trends in acceptances and rejections to refine your approach.
This data helps optimize future submissions and provides valuable insights into which types of playlists work best for your music.
Maximizing the Impact of Playlist Placements
Once you secure playlist placements, take steps to leverage these opportunities fully.
Promoting Your Playlist Features
Amplify the impact of playlist inclusions:
Share on social media: Create custom graphics announcing your playlist placement.
Thank the curator publicly: Tag them in your posts (if appropriate).
Include in your newsletter: Let your fans know where they can find your music.
Update your website: Feature prominent playlists in your press section.
Create Instagram/TikTok content: Short videos can drive traffic to the playlist.
Promoting your placements not only increases streams but shows curators you appreciate the opportunity and are actively driving engagement.
Analyzing Streaming Data
Use analytics to understand the impact of playlist placements:
Track source data: Identify which playlists drive the most streams.
Monitor save rates: High save-to-listener ratios indicate strong audience connection.
Observe listener retention: Note whether playlist listeners explore your other tracks.
Geographic insights: Identify regions where your music performs well.
Conversion metrics: Track increases in followers, social media engagement, and website traffic.
These insights help refine your targeting for future releases and marketing efforts.
Converting Playlist Listeners to Fans
Turn passive listeners into active fans:
Optimize your artist profile: Ensure new listeners can easily discover more about you.
Create a clear call-to-action: Direct listeners to follow you or join your mailing list.
Release consistently: Regular releases keep new listeners engaged.
Engage on social platforms: Be active where your new listeners can connect with you.
Retarget through ads: Consider advertising to users in regions where your playlist tracks perform well.
Remember that playlist placement is often just the first step in the fan journey. Your goal should be to convert these casual listeners into dedicated supporters.
Long-Term Playlist Strategy for Artists
Sustainable success with playlists requires a strategic approach that evolves with your career.
Consistency in Releases and Submissions
Maintain momentum with a consistent approach:
Regular release schedule: Plan your releases to maintain a steady presence.
Systematic submissions: Develop a repeatable process for each release.
Growing your contacts: Continuously expand your curator network.
Refining your pitch: Use learnings from previous submissions to improve your approach.
Consistency signals professionalism to curators and helps build your streaming presence over time.
Adapting to Platform Changes
Streaming platforms frequently update their algorithms and features:
Stay informed: Follow platform blogs and industry news.
Test new features: Early adoption of new tools can provide advantages.
Diversify platforms: Don't rely exclusively on any single streaming service.
Adjust strategies: Be willing to pivot when platform priorities change.
Flexibility and adaptability are crucial in the ever-evolving streaming landscape.
Balancing Playlist Promotion with Other Marketing
While playlists are powerful, they should be part of a comprehensive strategy:
Direct fan building: Balance playlist efforts with direct fan engagement.
Live performances: Convert streaming listeners to live show attendees.
Content creation: Develop video, social, and other content to support your music.
Press and media: Pursue coverage that builds your story beyond streaming numbers.
Community engagement: Participate in music communities relevant to your genre.
The most sustainable careers combine playlist success with diverse marketing approaches and direct fan relationships.
Conclusion: Your Playlist Submission Roadmap
Submitting songs to playlists is both an art and a science. Success requires preparation, persistence, and strategic thinking. As you develop your approach, remember these key principles:
Quality first: Ensure your music and supporting materials are professional.
Research thoroughly: Target playlists that genuinely fit your music.
Personalize outreach: Generic mass submissions rarely succeed.
Build relationships: Focus on long-term connections, not just immediate placements.
Track and analyze: Use data to refine your approach over time.
Stay patient: Playlist success typically builds gradually.
By approaching playlist submissions methodically and maintaining realistic expectations, you can harness the power of playlists to grow your audience, increase your streams, and advance your music career.
Remember that while playlist placement can significantly boost your visibility, building a sustainable career ultimately depends on creating music that resonates deeply with listeners and developing direct relationships with your fans.
Start implementing these strategies today, and you'll be well on your way to playlist success!