How to Submit to Playlists for Free: The Ultimate Guide for Independent Artists
In today's digital music landscape, playlist placement has become one of the most powerful ways for independent artists to gain exposure and grow their fanbase. With millions of songs being streamed daily across platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and others, getting your music featured on popular playlists can dramatically increase your streams, followers, and overall career momentum.
While many playlist promotion services charge hefty fees, there are numerous effective ways to submit to playlists for free. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about free playlist submission strategies that actually work.
Why Playlist Placement Matters for Independent Artists
Before diving into submission tactics, let's understand why playlists have become so crucial for music promotion:
Expanded Reach: Playlists expose your music to listeners who might never have discovered you otherwise.
Algorithmic Boost: Strong performance on playlists signals to streaming platforms that your music is engaging, potentially triggering algorithmic recommendations.
Credibility: Placement alongside established artists lends legitimacy to your work.
Revenue Generation: More streams translate directly to more royalty payments.
Fan Growth: Playlist listeners often convert to followers and fans who will support your future releases.
According to recent industry data, over 31% of all streaming activity happens through playlists. For independent artists without major label backing, strategic playlist placement represents one of the most accessible paths to growth.
Types of Playlists You Can Submit To
Understanding the playlist ecosystem is essential before you start submitting. There are several categories of playlists, each with different submission processes:
Editorial Playlists
These are official playlists created by the streaming platforms themselves (like Spotify's "New Music Friday" or Apple Music's "Today's Hits"). They typically have the largest followings and are curated by staff members employed by the streaming services.
While these are the most coveted placements, they're also the most competitive. The good news is that submission to editorial playlists is completely free on most platforms.
Independent Curator Playlists
These playlists are created by individuals passionate about music discovery. They range from small playlists with a few hundred followers to massive ones with hundreds of thousands of followers. Independent curators often specialize in specific genres or moods.
Many independent curators accept free submissions, though some of the larger ones may charge submission fees or work through playlist pitching services.
Algorithmic Playlists
These are automatically generated based on listener behavior and preferences (like Spotify's "Discover Weekly" or "Release Radar"). You can't directly submit to these, but strong performance on other playlists often leads to algorithmic playlist inclusion.
User-Generated Playlists
Created by regular listeners, these vary enormously in size and influence. While individually they may have smaller followings, collectively they drive significant streaming volume.
Free Submission Methods for Major Streaming Platforms
Let's explore the free submission options for the major streaming services:
Spotify Playlist Submission (Free Method)
Spotify offers a direct, free submission path to their editorial team through Spotify for Artists:
Create a Spotify for Artists account if you don't already have one. You'll need to claim your artist profile.
Upload your music through a distributor. If you're looking for affordable distribution options, check out this guide to independent music distribution for indie artists.
Submit unreleased music at least 7 days before release. You can only submit one track per release.
Fill out the submission form completely. Be thorough about mood, genre, instrumentation, and other details—this helps Spotify match your track with appropriate playlists.
Add a pitch note explaining what makes your track special. Keep it concise but compelling.
Key tips for Spotify submissions:
Submit as far in advance as possible (ideally 3-4 weeks before release).
Be specific and accurate with your genre and mood tags.
Highlight any unique elements or story behind the track.
Mention any initial traction or support the track has received.
Apple Music Playlist Submission
Apple Music's submission process works through their Apple Music for Artists platform:
Claim your Apple Music for Artists profile and verify your identity.
Upload your music through a distributor.
Use the "Promote Your Music" feature to highlight releases you want considered for editorial playlists.
Apple Music doesn't have as structured a submission process as Spotify, but they do review new releases regularly for playlist consideration.
Amazon Music Playlist Submission
Amazon Music offers playlist consideration through Amazon Music for Artists:
Claim your Amazon Music for Artists profile.
Submit your music through the "Promote Your Release" section.
Provide detailed information about your track to help their editorial team.
Deezer Playlist Submission
Deezer accepts submissions through their Deezer for Creators platform:
Create a Deezer for Creators account and link your artist profile.
Use the "Promote Your Music" feature to submit tracks for editorial consideration.
Free Playlist Submission Platforms
Beyond direct submissions to streaming services, several platforms allow you to submit to independent curators for free:
SubmitHub (Free Tier)
While SubmitHub is known for its premium credits system, they do offer a free submission option:
You can send a limited number of free submissions daily.
Free submissions go to the same curators as premium ones, but they're not obligated to provide feedback.
Response rates for free submissions are lower (around 10-20% compared to 70-80% for premium), but it's still a legitimate way to get placements.
To maximize your chances with free SubmitHub submissions:
Be very selective about which curators you target.
Personalize your submission message.
Submit your absolute best tracks with professional quality.
Daily Playlists
Daily Playlists is a completely free platform connecting artists with playlist curators:
Create a profile and upload your tracks.
Search for playlists that match your genre and style.
Submit directly to curators through the platform.
The platform is user-friendly and has helped many independent artists secure playlist placements without any cost.
SoundPlate
SoundPlate offers free submissions to their own network of playlists:
They maintain genre-specific playlists across major streaming platforms.
Their submission form is simple and straightforward.
While they don't guarantee placement, they review all submissions.
Reddit Communities
Several subreddits allow playlist submissions, including:
r/SpotifyPlaylists
r/IndieMusicFeedback
r/PromoteYourMusic
When submitting on Reddit:
Follow each community's specific rules.
Engage genuinely with other posts before promoting your own music.
Provide context about your track rather than just dropping links.
Direct Outreach to Independent Curators
One of the most effective free methods is reaching out directly to playlist curators:
Finding Curator Contact Information
Here's how to find curators to contact:
Spotify search: Search for playlists in your genre using relevant keywords.
Check curator profiles: Many curators list their contact information or social media handles in their Spotify bios.
Social media search: Search platforms like Instagram and Twitter using hashtags like #spotifyplaylist or #playlistcurator along with your genre.
Chartmetric or PlaylistSupply: These tools help identify playlists and curator information (they offer limited free features).
Crafting Effective Outreach Messages
When contacting curators directly:
Personalize each message: Mention specific playlists they curate and why your track would fit.
Keep it concise: Respect their time with a brief, well-structured pitch.
Include streaming links: Provide direct links to your music on their preferred platform.
Don't mass-email: Curators can tell when they're receiving a template message.
Follow their submission guidelines: If they specify a submission format, follow it exactly.
Example outreach template (customize for each curator):
Hi [Curator Name],
I've been enjoying your playlist [Specific Playlist Name] for a while now - [mention a specific track or artist you enjoyed from their playlist].
I recently released a track called "[Track Name]" that I think might fit the vibe of your collection. It's a [brief description of style/mood] inspired by [influences or interesting backstory].
Here's a link to stream it: [Link]
I'd love to know what you think, and I appreciate your time regardless.
Thanks,
[Your Name]
Leveraging Social Media for Playlist Submissions
Social media platforms offer additional free avenues for playlist submissions:
Instagram Strategies
Use relevant hashtags: #spotifyplaylist #playlistsubmission #indieartist #newmusic
Engage with curator accounts: Follow, like, and meaningfully comment on posts from playlist curators in your genre.
Create shareable content: Short clips of your music with visuals make it easy for curators to sample your work.
Use Instagram Stories: Create "Submit Your Music" stickers to encourage curators to check out your profile.
Twitter Approaches
Search for submission opportunities: Many curators announce open submission periods on Twitter.
Participate in music Twitter communities: Engage in conversations about music in your genre.
Use relevant hashtags: #SpotifyPlaylist #PlaylistPitch #MusicSubmission
Facebook Groups
Numerous Facebook groups exist specifically for playlist submissions:
Spotify Playlist Submission Groups
Genre-specific music promotion groups
Independent Artist Communities
When using these groups:
Read and follow all group rules carefully.
Give feedback to other artists to build goodwill.
Don't spam—limit your submissions to what's allowed.
Building Your Own Playlists
Creating your own playlists is an often-overlooked strategy that can lead to reciprocal placements:
Creating Compelling Curator-Quality Playlists
Choose a specific theme or mood rather than a broad genre.
Include tracks from established artists alongside emerging ones (including yourself).
Create professional cover art for your playlist.
Write an engaging description with relevant keywords.
Update regularly to keep the playlist fresh.
Networking Through Playlist Exchange
Once you've created quality playlists:
Reach out to artists you've included and let them know.
Share your playlist on social media and tag the featured artists.
Join playlist exchange communities where curators support each other.
Propose playlist swaps with other curators in your genre.
This approach builds genuine relationships in the music community while creating opportunities for your own music.
Optimizing Your Music for Playlist Success
Even with perfect submission strategies, your music needs to be "playlist-ready":
Technical Considerations
Professional production quality: Ensure your tracks are well-mixed and mastered.
Strong beginnings: Playlists favor songs that engage listeners in the first 30 seconds.
Appropriate track length: Most playlist tracks run between 2-4 minutes.
Clean versions: Having clean alternatives increases your placement options.
Metadata and Presentation
Accurate genre tags: Properly categorize your music to help curators find it.
Professional artwork: High-quality visuals signal professionalism.
Complete profiles: Fill out all information on your streaming profiles.
Compelling artist bio: Tell your story in an engaging way.
Having a professional online presence is crucial. Consider creating a dedicated website for your music using one of these free musician website platforms to enhance your credibility with playlist curators.
Tracking Your Playlist Performance
Once you start getting playlist placements, tracking performance helps refine your strategy:
Free Tracking Tools
Spotify for Artists: Shows which playlists are driving streams.
Apple Music for Artists: Provides playlist performance metrics.
Chartmetric (Free Tier): Offers limited but useful playlist tracking.
Playlist Scanner: Helps discover which playlists have added your music.
Key Metrics to Monitor
Pay attention to these data points:
Stream-to-save ratio: How many listeners save your track after streaming.
Skip rates: How often listeners skip your track on playlists.
Listener retention: How much of your track people typically listen to.
Follower growth: Increases in profile followers after playlist additions.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When submitting to playlists for free, avoid these pitfalls:
Mass submissions: Sending the same track to hundreds of unrelated playlists.
Ignoring playlist themes: Submitting tracks that clearly don't fit a playlist's vibe.
Demanding placement: Being entitled or aggressive in your communication.
Submitting unfinished work: Sending demos or poorly produced tracks.
Neglecting relationships: Viewing curators as services rather than partners.
Giving up too quickly: Playlist promotion requires persistence.
Building a Long-Term Playlist Strategy
Free playlist submission works best as part of a consistent, long-term approach:
Consistency and Timing
Regular releases: Maintain a steady release schedule to maximize playlist opportunities.
Submission calendar: Create a schedule for submissions around each release.
Follow-up strategy: Develop a system for following up without being pushy.
Building Curator Relationships
Support their work: Follow their playlists and share them genuinely.
Provide value: Recommend other artists that fit their playlists.
Express gratitude: Thank curators who add your music.
Stay in touch: Maintain relationships between releases.
Success Stories: Artists Who Grew Through Free Playlist Submissions
Many successful independent artists built their careers through strategic playlist placement:
Tash Sultana grew from busking to international success partly through independent playlist placements.
Clairo leveraged playlist placement to build momentum before signing with a label.
Gerry Cinnamon built a massive following through grassroots playlist support.
These artists share common approaches:
Consistent, quality releases
Authentic engagement with fans and curators
Strategic use of free submission opportunities
Patience and persistence
Conclusion: Making Free Playlist Submission Work for You
Submitting to playlists for free is not just possible—it can be highly effective when done strategically. The key is approaching playlist submission as relationship-building rather than simply promotion.
Remember these core principles:
Quality over quantity: Target the right playlists rather than submitting everywhere.
Personalization matters: Tailor each submission to the specific curator.
Patience pays off: Building playlist presence takes time and persistence.
Relationships are everything: Treat curators with respect and appreciation.
By combining these free submission strategies with quality music and professional presentation, independent artists can build significant momentum through playlists without spending a fortune on promotion.
Start by implementing one or two of these strategies consistently, then expand your approach as you learn what works best for your music. The playlist landscape continues to evolve, but the fundamental principles of making meaningful connections remain constant.
What free playlist submission strategies have worked for you? Share your experiences and continue the conversation!