How to Submit to Spotify Playlists: The Ultimate Guide for Independent Artists
In today's digital music landscape, getting your music on Spotify playlists can be a game-changer for independent artists. With over 489 million active users worldwide, Spotify offers unprecedented opportunities for musicians to reach new listeners and grow their fanbase. However, many artists struggle with understanding how to effectively submit to Spotify playlists and navigate the complex ecosystem of playlist curators.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about submitting your music to Spotify playlists - from preparing your release and using Spotify for Artists to reaching out to playlist curators and avoiding common pitfalls. Whether you're releasing your first single or looking to expand your existing audience, these strategies will help you maximize your playlist potential.
Why Spotify Playlists Matter for Independent Artists
Before diving into the submission process, it's important to understand why Spotify playlists have become so crucial for artist development:
Exposure to new listeners: Playlists introduce your music to people who might never have discovered you otherwise.
Algorithmic advantages: Getting on playlists can trigger Spotify's algorithm to recommend your music to similar listeners.
Credibility building: Playlist placements serve as social proof that your music is worth listening to.
Revenue generation: More streams mean more royalties, even if the per-stream rate is modest.
Fan conversion: Playlist listeners can become dedicated fans who follow your profile, attend shows, and purchase merchandise.
According to Spotify, over 4 billion playlists exist on the platform, ranging from official Spotify-curated lists with millions of followers to user-generated collections. This diverse ecosystem offers multiple entry points for artists at any stage of their career.
Types of Spotify Playlists You Can Submit To
Understanding the different types of playlists will help you target your submissions more effectively:
1. Editorial Playlists
These are official playlists created and maintained by Spotify's in-house curation team. They include genre-specific playlists like "RapCaviar," mood-based collections like "Chill Vibes," and activity-focused lists like "Workout Essentials." Editorial playlists typically have the largest followings and can generate thousands of streams quickly.
2. Algorithmic Playlists
These personalized playlists are automatically generated for each user based on their listening habits. The most notable examples include:
Discover Weekly: A personalized playlist updated every Monday with songs Spotify thinks you'll enjoy.
Release Radar: Updated every Friday with new releases from artists you follow and listen to.
Daily Mixes: Genre or mood-specific mixes tailored to your taste.
While you can't directly submit to algorithmic playlists, your presence on other playlists and listener engagement with your music influences your chances of appearing in these personalized recommendations.
3. Independent Curator Playlists
These are playlists created by individuals, blogs, record labels, and other music industry professionals. They range from small, niche collections to influential playlists with hundreds of thousands of followers. Independent curators often specialize in specific genres or emerging artists.
4. User-Generated Playlists
Created by regular Spotify users, these playlists can sometimes grow to have substantial followings. While many are personal collections, some users build themed playlists that attract significant audiences.
Preparing Your Music for Playlist Submission
Before you start submitting to playlists, ensure your music and profile are optimized for success:
Create a Professional Spotify for Artists Profile
Your Spotify for Artists profile is your home base on the platform. To claim and optimize it:
Visit Spotify for Artists and claim your profile
Upload a high-quality profile photo and banner image
Write a compelling bio that highlights your unique story and sound
Add your social media links and website
Include upcoming tour dates if applicable
A complete, professional-looking profile signals to playlist curators that you're serious about your music career. It's also essential to have a strong online presence beyond Spotify - consider building a musician website to showcase your work comprehensively.
Ensure Your Music Is Properly Distributed
To appear on Spotify, your music must be uploaded through an authorized digital distributor. Popular options include DistroKid, CD Baby, TuneCore, and AWAL. These services deliver your music to Spotify and other streaming platforms while helping you collect royalties.
When selecting a distributor, consider factors like pricing structure, additional services offered, and royalty splits. For a detailed comparison of distribution options, check out this guide on independent music distribution for indie artists.
Optimize Your Track Metadata
Proper metadata helps your music get discovered and categorized correctly:
Genre tags: Be specific but accurate with your primary and secondary genres
Mood descriptors: Include relevant mood tags that help playlist curators understand your sound
ISRC codes: Ensure each track has a unique International Standard Recording Code
Composer and producer credits: Include complete information about everyone involved in creating the track
This information helps Spotify's algorithm understand your music and increases the chances of it being recommended to the right listeners.
How to Submit to Official Spotify Editorial Playlists
Spotify's editorial playlists are curated by an in-house team and represent the most coveted placements for artists. Here's how to submit your music for consideration:
Using Spotify for Artists Playlist Submission Tool
The official submission process is straightforward but must be followed precisely:
Log in to your Spotify for Artists account
Navigate to the "Music" tab and select "Upcoming"
Find your unreleased track (it must be at least 7 days before release date)
Click "Submit a song" and follow the prompts
Fill out all information about the track, including:
Primary language
Mood
Genre
Instrumentation
Culture or location relevance
Add any additional notes that might help editors understand your music
Submit at least 7 days before your release date (earlier is better)
Important notes about editorial submissions:
You can only submit one track per release
Submissions must be made at least one week before release date
You cannot edit your submission after it's sent
Not all submissions receive editorial playlist placement
Tips to Improve Your Editorial Playlist Chances
While there's no guaranteed formula for editorial playlist inclusion, these factors can improve your odds:
Plan ahead: Submit as early as possible, ideally 3-4 weeks before release
Build momentum: Having an engaged follower base on Spotify shows editors your music has an audience
Be strategic with release timing: Avoid major release dates of established artists in your genre
Include a compelling story: Use the notes section to share unique aspects of your song or creative process
Be accurate with metadata: Incorrectly categorized music is unlikely to reach the right editors
Remember that editorial placements are competitive, and even excellent music isn't guaranteed placement. Focus on building a sustainable strategy that doesn't rely solely on editorial support.
How to Get Your Music on Algorithmic Playlists
While you can't directly submit to algorithmic playlists like Discover Weekly or Release Radar, you can increase your chances of appearing on them:
Strategies to Trigger Algorithmic Recommendations
Encourage saves and follows: When listeners save your songs or follow your profile, it signals to Spotify that your music resonates with them
Build complete listening sessions: Songs that listeners play in full rather than skipping are favored by the algorithm
Generate consistent streaming activity: Steady growth in streams is better than short, unsustainable spikes
Create your own playlists: Include your songs alongside similar artists to help Spotify understand your musical context
Release music consistently: Regular releases keep you in the Release Radar of your followers
The key to algorithmic success is genuine listener engagement. Focus on creating music that people want to save, share, and add to their own playlists.
Finding and Submitting to Independent Curator Playlists
Independent curators manage thousands of influential playlists across every genre. Here's how to connect with them:
Researching Relevant Playlists
Start by identifying playlists that feature music similar to yours:
Study similar artists: Look at which playlists feature artists with a sound similar to yours
Use playlist search tools: Platforms like Chartmetric, PlaylistSupply, and SubmitHub help identify relevant playlists
Search within Spotify: Use genre keywords and explore the "Fans also like" section of similar artists
Check playlist size and engagement: Look for playlists with between 1,000-50,000 followers for initial outreach
Create a spreadsheet to track potential playlists, including the curator's name, contact information, playlist size, and submission requirements.
Direct Outreach to Playlist Curators
When you've identified relevant playlists, it's time to reach out to curators:
Find contact information: Look for email addresses in playlist descriptions, or search for the curator on social media
Craft a personalized pitch: Mention specific songs from their playlist that resonate with you
Keep it concise: Briefly introduce yourself, explain why your track fits their playlist, and include streaming links
Follow submission guidelines: Many curators have specific formats they prefer for submissions
Be patient and professional: Don't follow up more than once, and always be respectful of their time
Sample outreach template:
Subject: [Your Artist Name] - New [Genre] Track for [Playlist Name]
Hi [Curator Name],
I've been enjoying your playlist [Playlist Name] for some time now. I particularly loved the tracks by [mention 2-3 specific artists from their playlist].
I recently released a new [genre] track called "[Track Name]" that I believe would fit well alongside these artists. [Brief 1-2 sentence description of your song and what makes it unique].
Here's a link to stream it: [Spotify Link]
Thank you for considering my music and for the great work you do curating [Playlist Name].
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Website/Social Media]
Using Playlist Submission Platforms
Several platforms facilitate connections between artists and playlist curators:
SubmitHub: Connect with bloggers, playlist curators, and influencers (both free and premium options)
Playlist Push: Paid service that pitches your music to curators in your genre
Daily Playlists: Free platform connecting independent artists with playlist curators
Groover: Paid platform guaranteeing feedback from curators and media outlets
These services can save time but typically involve fees. Start with direct outreach to build your pitching skills before investing in paid services.
Building Relationships with Playlist Curators
Successful playlist placement often comes down to building genuine relationships with curators:
Networking Strategies
Engage authentically: Follow curators on social media and engage meaningfully with their content
Offer value first: Share their playlists, provide thoughtful feedback, or suggest other artists they might enjoy
Attend industry events: Many playlist curators attend music conferences and networking events
Collaborate on content: Offer to do interviews or guest posts for curators who also run blogs
Be patient: Building relationships takes time and shouldn't be rushed for immediate placement
Following Up Appropriately
After submitting your music:
Wait at least 2 weeks before following up
Keep follow-up messages brief and non-demanding
Express gratitude whether they add your track or not
If your track is added, share the playlist with your followers
Maintain the relationship for future releases
Remember that curators receive hundreds of submissions weekly. Respect their time and decisions, even if they don't include your track.
Creating Your Own Spotify Playlists
While seeking placement on others' playlists, don't overlook the value of creating your own:
Benefits of Artist-Curated Playlists
Showcase your musical influences: Help fans understand your artistic context
Cross-promotion opportunities: Include artists who might reciprocate by adding you to their playlists
Content for social media: Share your playlists as additional content for followers
Algorithm training: Help Spotify understand which artists are similar to you
Fan engagement: Create themed playlists that resonate with your audience
Playlist Creation Best Practices
Choose a specific theme: The more focused your playlist, the more likely it will attract dedicated listeners
Create compelling artwork: Eye-catching cover images increase click-through rates
Write detailed descriptions: Explain the concept and include relevant keywords
Include a mix of established and emerging artists: Balance discovery with familiarity
Update regularly: Keep playlists fresh with new additions
Promote across platforms: Share your playlists on social media, in newsletters, and on your website
Consider creating several types of playlists: ones featuring your influences, collaborative playlists with similar artists, and "artist's choice" collections that give fans insight into your current listening habits.
Maximizing the Impact of Playlist Placements
Once you've secured playlist placements, take these steps to maximize their impact:
Promoting Your Playlist Features
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 email subscribers know about the placement
Add to your website: Embed or link to playlists featuring your music
Create Instagram or TikTok content: Short videos can drive traffic to your playlist features
Analyzing Performance Data
Use Spotify for Artists analytics to understand the impact of playlist placements:
Track source of streams: Identify which playlists generate the most streams
Monitor save rates: High save rates indicate listeners are connecting with your music
Watch for listener retention: Note which songs keep listeners engaged longest
Observe demographic shifts: Playlists can introduce you to new audience segments
Track follower growth: Correlate playlist additions with increases in profile followers
This data helps refine your playlist strategy for future releases and identify which types of playlists convert casual listeners to followers.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Submitting to Playlists
Even experienced artists make these common pitfalls when pursuing playlist placements:
Submission Errors
Mass, impersonal emails: Generic pitches are quickly identified and ignored
Submitting to inappropriate playlists: Your folk song doesn't belong on an electronic dance playlist
Missing submission deadlines: Editorial submissions require at least 7 days before release
Incomplete profiles: Curators check your Spotify profile for professionalism
Poor-quality recordings: Substandard audio quality is an immediate disqualifier
Overwhelming curators: Sending multiple tracks or daily follow-ups creates a negative impression
Ethical Considerations and Scams to Avoid
Be wary of these red flags in the playlist ecosystem:
Pay-for-placement schemes: Legitimate curators rarely charge for consideration
Playlist follower fraud: Some playlists artificially inflate follower counts
"Guaranteed placement" services: No one can guarantee editorial playlist placement
Stream farms: Artificially boosting streams violates Spotify's terms and can get your music removed
Engagement pods: Coordinated listening groups may trigger Spotify's fraud detection
Focus on legitimate, organic growth strategies rather than shortcuts that could damage your reputation and account standing.
Long-term Playlist Strategy for Career Growth
Sustainable success on Spotify requires thinking beyond individual playlist placements:
Building a Consistent Release Schedule
Regular releases keep you in the Spotify ecosystem and provide multiple opportunities for playlist consideration:
Plan a content calendar: Map out releases several months in advance
Consider singles strategy: Multiple singles before an album creates more submission opportunities
Space releases strategically: Allow 4-6 weeks between releases for maximum impact
Maintain quality control: Never sacrifice quality for frequency
Align with marketing efforts: Coordinate releases with tours, videos, and other promotional activities
Leveraging Playlist Success for Career Advancement
Use playlist wins as stepping stones to broader career opportunities:
Include in press kits: Playlist placements demonstrate industry recognition
Mention in booking pitches: Venue bookers and festival promoters value Spotify metrics
Attract collaborators: Other artists are more likely to work with artists who have playlist traction
Leverage for distribution deals: Strong streaming numbers can lead to better distribution options
Build industry relationships: Playlist success opens doors to industry connections
Remember that playlists are a means to an end - building a sustainable career - rather than the end goal itself.
Case Studies: Successful Playlist Strategies
Learning from artists who have effectively leveraged playlists can provide valuable insights:
Independent Artist Success Stories
Case Study 1: Singer-Songwriter Growth Through Niche Playlists
An independent folk artist focused on building relationships with curators of smaller, highly engaged playlists in the acoustic and indie folk space. Rather than pursuing major editorial playlists immediately, they:
Identified 50 playlists with 1,000-20,000 followers in their genre
Created personalized outreach to each curator
Secured placements on 15 playlists for their debut single
Engaged with and thanked curators who added their music
Built on these relationships for subsequent releases
Over six months, this strategy led to consistent growth in monthly listeners, eventually attracting attention from Spotify's editorial team, who added their third single to a major editorial playlist.
Case Study 2: Electronic Producer Leveraging Algorithmic Success
An electronic music producer focused on triggering Spotify's algorithm by:
Creating a "pre-save" campaign that generated 500+ saves before release day
Coordinating with 10 similar artists to share each other's releases
Encouraging full song plays through strategic song structure
Creating their own themed playlists that contextually placed their music
Releasing consistently on a bi-monthly schedule
This approach resulted in regular appearances in Discover Weekly and Release Radar playlists, generating a steady growth in followers without major editorial support.
Future of Spotify Playlists and Music Discovery
The playlist ecosystem continues to evolve. Stay ahead by understanding emerging trends:
Emerging Trends in Music Discovery
Increased personalization: Spotify is investing heavily in AI-driven personalized recommendations
Short-form content integration: Platforms like TikTok are influencing how music is discovered
Enhanced creator tools: Spotify is developing more features for artists to connect with fans
Audiovisual elements: Canvas and video features are becoming more important in playlist visibility
Genre-blending: Playlists increasingly focus on mood and activity rather than strict genre boundaries
Adapting Your Strategy for Platform Changes
To stay relevant as Spotify evolves:
Diversify your presence: Don't rely solely on Spotify for music discovery
Experiment with new formats: Embrace Spotify's Canvas feature and other visual elements
Focus on fan relationships: Direct connections with listeners remain valuable regardless of algorithm changes
Stay informed: Follow Spotify for Artists blog and industry news for platform updates
Be adaptable: Regularly review and adjust your strategy based on performance data
Conclusion: Building a Sustainable Playlist Strategy
Successfully navigating the Spotify playlist ecosystem requires patience, persistence, and a strategic approach. While there's no guaranteed formula for playlist success, focusing on these key principles will improve your chances:
Create quality music: No promotion strategy can compensate for music that doesn't connect with listeners
Build authentic relationships: Genuine connections with curators and fans yield better results than transactional approaches
Think long-term: Focus on sustainable growth rather than quick wins
Diversify your efforts: Don't put all your energy into editorial playlists alone
Analyze and adapt: Use data to refine your approach with each release
Remember that playlist placement is just one component of a comprehensive music marketing strategy. Combine it with live performances, social media engagement, email marketing, and other promotional efforts for maximum impact.
By approaching playlist submission with professionalism, creativity, and persistence, you'll maximize your chances of connecting with new listeners and building a sustainable career on Spotify and beyond.
Ready to take your music career to the next level? Start by ensuring you have a strong online presence with a professional musician website and the right distribution strategy to complement your Spotify playlist efforts.