How to Submit to Apple Music Playlists: The Complete Guide for Independent Artists
For independent musicians, getting your music on popular Apple Music playlists can be a game-changer for your career. With over 90 million subscribers worldwide, Apple Music offers incredible exposure potential that can help you reach new listeners, increase your streams, and grow your fanbase. But how exactly do you submit your music to Apple Music playlists? This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about getting your tracks on Apple Music playlists and maximizing your chances of success.
Why Apple Music Playlists Matter for Independent Artists
Before diving into the submission process, it's important to understand why Apple Music playlists are so valuable for independent artists:
Massive Reach: Apple Music has over 90 million paid subscribers globally, offering potential exposure to an enormous audience.
Credibility Boost: Being featured on official Apple Music playlists adds legitimacy to your music and artist profile.
Revenue Generation: More streams mean more royalties, helping you earn income from your music.
Algorithm Advantages: Getting on playlists can trigger Apple's algorithm to recommend your music to similar listeners.
Career Opportunities: Playlist placements can lead to industry attention, fan growth, and new opportunities.
With these benefits in mind, let's explore how to get your music on Apple Music playlists.
Types of Apple Music Playlists You Can Target
Apple Music features several types of playlists, each offering different opportunities for artists:
Editorial Playlists
These are curated by Apple Music's editorial team and are among the most coveted placements. Examples include:
Today's Hits
New Music Daily
A-List playlists (genre-specific)
Breaking playlists (for emerging artists)
Algorithmic Playlists
These are personalized playlists created by Apple's algorithms based on user listening habits:
Stations For You
New Music Mix
Favorites Mix
Chill Mix
User-Generated Playlists
Created by Apple Music users, including influential curators, blogs, and everyday listeners who might have substantial followings.
Prerequisites Before Submitting to Apple Music Playlists
Before you can submit your music to Apple Music playlists, you need to ensure your music is available on the platform. Here's what you need:
Get Your Music on Apple Music
To be considered for Apple Music playlists, your music must first be available on the platform. You'll need to work with a digital music distributor to get your music on Apple Music. Some popular distributors include:
For a comprehensive breakdown of the best distribution options for independent artists, check out this guide to independent music distribution.
Create an Apple Music for Artists Account
Before submitting to playlists, you should claim your artist profile by signing up for Apple Music for Artists. This free platform gives you:
Access to streaming data and analytics
The ability to customize your artist profile
Tools to promote your music
The opportunity to submit directly to Apple Music's editorial team (more on this later)
Prepare High-Quality Music
This might seem obvious, but it's worth emphasizing: your music needs to be professionally produced and mastered. Playlist curators have high standards, and poor production quality will likely result in rejection.
How to Submit Directly to Apple Music Editorial Playlists
Apple Music offers a direct submission process for their editorial playlists through Apple Music for Artists. Here's how to use it:
Step-by-Step Submission Process
Log in to Apple Music for Artists: Access your account at artists.apple.com.
Navigate to the "Promote" tab: Look for the "Promote" section in your dashboard.
Select "Submit a Song": This option allows you to pitch unreleased music directly to Apple Music's editorial team.
Choose your track: Select the unreleased song you want to submit. Note that the track must already be delivered to Apple Music through your distributor but not yet released.
Fill out the submission form: Provide detailed information about your track, including:
Release date (must be at least 7 days in the future)
Primary genre and subgenre
Mood descriptors
Instruments featured
Songwriting and production credits
Inspiration behind the song
Marketing plans
Submit your pitch: Once you've completed all fields, submit your pitch for consideration.
Best Practices for Direct Submissions
To maximize your chances of success when submitting directly to Apple Music's editorial team:
Submit well in advance: Submit your music at least 4 weeks before release, though Apple accepts submissions up to 7 days before release.
Be thorough and authentic: Fill out every field in the submission form with thoughtful, detailed information.
Highlight what makes your music unique: Explain what sets your track apart from others in your genre.
Mention your marketing plans: Detail any promotion strategies you have planned for the release.
Keep it professional: Avoid hyperbole or desperate-sounding language.
Submit one track at a time: Focus on your strongest, most playlist-worthy song.
How to Submit to Third-Party Playlist Curators on Apple Music
In addition to Apple's editorial playlists, there are thousands of influential third-party playlist curators on the platform. Here's how to approach them:
Finding Relevant Playlist Curators
Start by identifying playlists that feature music similar to yours:
Use Apple Music's search function: Search for artists similar to you and see what playlists they appear on.
Explore playlist discovery platforms: Websites like Playlist Supply, SubmitHub, and Soundplate can help you find relevant curators.
Use social media: Many playlist curators promote their playlists on Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok.
Join music communities: Platforms like Reddit and Discord have communities dedicated to playlist sharing.
Contacting Playlist Curators
Once you've identified relevant playlists, it's time to reach out to the curators:
Find contact information: Look for contact details in the playlist description or on the curator's social media profiles.
Craft a personalized pitch: Write a concise, personalized message that shows you're familiar with their playlist.
Include streaming links: Provide Apple Music links to your track to make it easy for curators to listen.
Follow up respectfully: If you don't hear back within a week or two, a single follow-up message is appropriate.
Using Playlist Submission Platforms
Several platforms can streamline the process of submitting to playlist curators:
SubmitHub: Connect with bloggers, playlist curators, and influencers (both free and paid options).
Playlist Push: A paid service that connects artists with playlist curators.
Daily Playlists: Submit your music to Spotify and Apple Music playlist curators.
MusoSoup: Connect with bloggers, playlisters, and radio stations.
Building Relationships with Playlist Curators
Getting on playlists isn't just about one-off submissions—it's about building lasting relationships with curators:
Networking Strategies
Engage with curators on social media: Follow them, like and comment on their posts, and share their playlists.
Attend industry events: Music conferences and networking events can be great places to meet playlist curators in person.
Offer value: Consider how you can help curators, not just how they can help you.
Collaborate on content: Offer to create exclusive content or interviews for their platforms.
Follow-Up Etiquette
Maintaining professional relationships with curators is crucial:
Express gratitude: Always thank curators who add your music to their playlists.
Share their playlists: Promote playlists that feature your music to your followers.
Stay in touch: Keep curators updated on your new releases without being pushy.
Respect their decisions: If a curator doesn't add your track, remain professional and courteous.
Optimizing Your Apple Music Profile for Playlist Consideration
Your Apple Music artist profile plays a significant role in how curators perceive you:
Complete Your Artist Profile
Use Apple Music for Artists to optimize your profile:
Upload a high-quality profile picture: Use a professional photo that represents your brand.
Write a compelling bio: Create an engaging, well-written biography that tells your story.
Add social media links: Connect your social profiles to make it easy for fans and curators to follow you.
Keep your discography organized: Ensure all your releases are properly categorized and displayed.
Create Your Own Apple Music Playlists
Demonstrate your music curation skills by creating your own playlists:
Showcase your influences: Create playlists featuring artists who inspire you.
Highlight your music community: Make playlists featuring fellow artists in your scene.
Create themed playlists: Develop playlists around specific moods, occasions, or themes that include your music alongside established artists.
Share your playlists: Promote your curated playlists on social media and your musician website.
Promoting Your Music to Increase Playlist Chances
Playlist curators are more likely to notice and add music that's already gaining traction:
Building Momentum Before Submission
Pre-save campaigns: Encourage fans to pre-save your music on Apple Music before release.
Social media promotion: Build buzz around your release across all your social platforms.
Email marketing: Notify your mailing list about your upcoming release.
Collaborate with other artists: Features and collaborations can help you tap into other artists' fanbases.
Press coverage: Secure blog features, interviews, or reviews to generate interest.
Leveraging Your Existing Audience
Your current fans can help boost your chances of playlist inclusion:
Ask fans to add your music to their libraries: This signals to Apple's algorithm that your music is engaging.
Encourage playlist adds: Ask supporters to add your tracks to their personal playlists.
Request shares: Have fans share your music with friends or on social media.
Create shareable content: Develop visuals, clips, or stories that fans can easily share.
Understanding Apple Music's Algorithm for Better Playlist Placement
Apple Music's algorithm influences both algorithmic playlists and can impact editorial decisions:
Factors That Influence the Algorithm
User engagement: How listeners interact with your music (plays, skips, adds to library).
Completion rate: Whether listeners play your songs all the way through.
Save rate: How often users add your tracks to their libraries.
Playlist adds: How frequently users add your music to their personal playlists.
Release timing: How recent your music is and how it's performing relative to its release date.
Strategies to Improve Algorithmic Performance
Create engaging intros: Hook listeners in the first 30 seconds to reduce skip rates.
Release consistently: Regular releases keep your profile active in the algorithm.
Encourage active listening: Ask fans to listen to your full tracks rather than skipping.
Target the right audience: Focus promotion on listeners who genuinely enjoy your genre.
Analyze performance data: Use Apple Music for Artists to understand how listeners engage with your music.
Case Studies: Success Stories from Independent Artists
Learning from artists who have successfully landed on Apple Music playlists can provide valuable insights:
Artist Success Story: Rory Butler
Scottish singer-songwriter Rory Butler saw his streams increase by 200% after his track "Window Shopping" was added to Apple Music's "Today's Acoustic" playlist. His strategy included:
Submitting through Apple Music for Artists 3 weeks before release
Running a coordinated social media campaign
Partnering with micro-influencers to create buzz
Personally reaching out to playlist curators with a well-crafted pitch
Artist Success Story: Emmavie
R&B producer and vocalist Emmavie landed on Apple Music's "R&B Now" playlist by:
Building relationships with Apple Music editors at industry events
Creating a compelling release strategy with exclusive content
Developing a strong visual aesthetic that complemented her music
Collaborating with established artists in her genre
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Submitting to Apple Music Playlists
Knowing what not to do is just as important as knowing what to do:
Submission Errors
Submitting too late: Waiting until the last minute to submit your music.
Generic pitches: Sending the same copy-pasted message to multiple curators.
Incomplete information: Failing to provide all the requested details in your submission.
Poor-quality audio: Submitting music that isn't professionally mixed and mastered.
Ignoring submission guidelines: Not following a curator's specific submission instructions.
Relationship Mistakes
Being too pushy: Constantly following up or demanding placement.
Showing entitlement: Acting as if curators owe you placement.
Negative reactions: Responding poorly to rejection or feedback.
Failing to reciprocate: Not supporting curators who support you.
Misrepresenting your music: Pitching your music for playlists where it doesn't fit.
Alternative Playlist Strategies Beyond Direct Submission
Direct submission isn't the only way to get on Apple Music playlists:
Working with a Music PR Company
Professional PR firms can help secure playlist placements through:
Established relationships with playlist curators
Strategic pitching expertise
Comprehensive promotion campaigns
Industry connections
Playlist Exchange Networks
Consider joining playlist exchange communities where artists support each other:
Facebook groups dedicated to playlist networking
Discord servers for independent musicians
Reddit communities like r/IndieMusicFeedback
Collaborative playlist initiatives
Measuring Success and Analyzing Playlist Performance
Once you've secured playlist placements, it's important to track their impact:
Key Metrics to Track
Use Apple Music for Artists to monitor:
Stream count: Total number of plays from playlist inclusion.
Listener demographics: Age, gender, and location of new listeners.
Playlist source: Which playlists are driving the most streams.
Conversion rate: How many playlist listeners become followers or explore your other music.
Average listen time: How much of your songs people are listening to.
Using Data to Refine Your Strategy
Leverage performance insights to improve future submissions:
Identify successful tracks: Note which songs perform best on playlists.
Target effective playlists: Focus on playlists that drive meaningful engagement.
Refine your sound: Consider what musical elements resonate with playlist listeners.
Optimize release timing: Determine the best days and times for future releases.
Adjust marketing efforts: Direct promotion toward regions showing the most interest.
Conclusion: Building a Sustainable Apple Music Playlist Strategy
Getting your music on Apple Music playlists isn't a one-time achievement but an ongoing process that requires persistence, relationship-building, and strategic thinking. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you'll be well-positioned to increase your chances of playlist placement and leverage those opportunities for long-term career growth.
Remember that playlist success is just one component of a comprehensive music marketing strategy. While playlists can provide valuable exposure, they should complement other efforts like live performances, social media engagement, and building a direct connection with your fans through your own platforms like your musician website.
With patience, professionalism, and quality music, you can navigate the Apple Music playlist ecosystem and use it as a powerful tool to grow your audience and advance your music career.
FAQs About Submitting to Apple Music Playlists
How far in advance should I submit my music to Apple Music editorial playlists?
Ideally, submit your music 4 weeks before release, though Apple accepts submissions up to 7 days before release.
Can I submit already released music to Apple Music playlists?
For Apple's editorial team, you can only submit unreleased music. However, you can pitch released music to third-party curators.
How many songs can I submit to Apple Music editorial playlists at once?
You can only submit one track at a time through Apple Music for Artists.
Do I need to pay to get on Apple Music playlists?
No, submitting to Apple Music's editorial team is free. Be wary of services that guarantee placement on official playlists for a fee, as these are often scams.
How long does it take to hear back after submitting to Apple Music playlists?
Apple doesn't provide specific feedback on submissions. You'll know if you've been selected when your music appears on playlists after release.
Can being on user-generated playlists help me get on editorial playlists?
Yes, success on user-generated playlists can create momentum that catches the attention of Apple's editorial team.
Should I focus only on Apple Music or submit to other streaming platforms too?
While this guide focuses on Apple Music, a comprehensive strategy should include submissions to multiple platforms like Spotify, Amazon Music, and others.