The Ultimate Guide to Submitting to Playlists: Boost Your Music's Reach in 2024
In today's digital music landscape, playlist placement has become one of the most powerful tools for independent artists to gain exposure and build their audience. With millions of songs being released each year, submitting to playlists strategically can be the difference between your music being discovered or disappearing into the vast ocean of new releases.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about submitting to playlists across various streaming platforms, from preparation to follow-up, helping you maximize your chances of playlist success.
Why Playlist Placement Matters for Musicians
Before diving into the how-to, let's understand why playlist placement has become so crucial for artists:
Exposure to New Listeners: Playlists introduce your music to audiences who might never have discovered you otherwise.
Streaming Revenue: More streams mean more income, especially when your track lands on high-traffic playlists.
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 can become long-term fans who follow your career.
According to Spotify, over 4 billion playlists exist on their platform alone, with editorial and algorithmic playlists driving significant portions of music discovery. This represents an enormous opportunity for independent artists who approach playlist submission strategically.
Preparing Your Music for Playlist Submission
Before you start submitting to playlists, ensure your music and online presence are fully optimized:
Release Quality Music
This might seem obvious, but it's the foundation of playlist success. Your track should be:
Professionally mixed and mastered
Competitive in sound quality with other tracks in your genre
Properly formatted (correct metadata, high-quality artwork, etc.)
Remember, playlist curators and algorithms are looking for songs that enhance their playlists, not detract from them. Quality is non-negotiable.
Distribute Your Music Properly
To be eligible for most playlists, your music needs to be available on major streaming platforms. This requires working with a digital distributor. Some popular options include DistroKid, CD Baby, TuneCore, and AWAL.
Each distributor has different pricing models and features, so research which one best suits your needs. For a detailed comparison of distribution options, check out this guide on independent music distribution for indie artists.
Optimize Your Artist Profiles
Before submitting to playlists, ensure all your streaming profiles are complete and professional:
Upload a high-quality artist photo
Write a compelling bio
Link all your social media accounts
Keep your profiles active with regular updates
Playlist curators often check these profiles to gauge your professionalism and audience engagement. Having a strong musician website is also crucial for presenting yourself professionally to curators and potential fans.
Plan Your Release Strategy
For maximum playlist consideration, plan your release strategy carefully:
Set a release date at least 3-4 weeks in advance
Submit to platform editorial playlists within their required timeframes (often 1-4 weeks pre-release)
Prepare a marketing plan to drive initial engagement
Consider releasing on Friday (the traditional music release day) for optimal timing
A strategic release gives you the best chance of building momentum that playlist algorithms will notice.
Types of Playlists to Target
Not all playlists are created equal. Understanding the different types will help you target your submissions effectively:
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:
Large follower counts (often in the millions)
Significant influence on algorithms
Professional curation by platform employees
Specific submission processes (more on this later)
Editorial playlists are highly competitive but offer the biggest potential payoff in terms of exposure.
Algorithmic Playlists
These are automatically generated playlists based on user listening habits and platform algorithms. Examples include:
Spotify's Discover Weekly and Release Radar
Apple Music's New Music Mix
Amazon Music's My Discovery Mix
You can't submit directly to these playlists, but strong performance on other playlists and user engagement with your music increases your chances of being included.
Independent Curator Playlists
These are created by individuals, blogs, brands, or playlist companies. They range from small, niche playlists with a few hundred followers to major branded playlists with millions. Independent playlists vary widely in:
Size and influence
Submission requirements
Genre focus
Whether they charge for consideration (more on this ethical issue later)
While they may have fewer followers than editorial playlists, independent playlists can be more accessible and still drive significant streams.
User-Generated Playlists
These are created by regular listeners and can range from personal collections to themed playlists with substantial followings. They're typically:
More diverse in curation style
Potentially more engaged with their followers
Accessible through direct outreach
Don't underestimate the power of user playlists—many have dedicated followers who trust their musical taste.
How to Submit to Spotify Playlists
As the largest streaming platform, Spotify offers several pathways for playlist submission:
Spotify for Artists Editorial Submission
This is the official channel for submitting to Spotify's editorial team:
Create and verify your Spotify for Artists account
Upload your unreleased music through your distributor
Once the release appears in your Spotify for Artists dashboard (usually 7+ days before release), select "Pitch a song"
Fill out the pitch form completely, including:
Genre and subgenre classification
Mood descriptors
Instrumentation details
Song story and background
Any promotional plans
Submit at least 7 days before release (though earlier is better)
Be thoughtful and specific in your pitch. Spotify's editors receive thousands of submissions weekly, so clarity and relevance are essential.
Independent Spotify Playlist Submission
For independent curator playlists on Spotify, try these approaches:
Direct Research: Search Spotify for playlists in your genre and look for contact information in playlist descriptions
Playlist Submission Platforms: Use services like SubmitHub, Playlist Push, or Soundplate to connect with curators
Social Media: Many curators are active on Instagram, Twitter, or TikTok where you can find submission guidelines
Music Blogs: Blogs that cover your genre often maintain Spotify playlists
When reaching out to independent curators, personalization is key. Show that you're familiar with their playlist and explain why your track would be a good fit.
Submitting to Apple Music Playlists
Apple Music has become increasingly important in the streaming landscape, with dedicated curation teams and influential playlists.
Apple Music for Artists
Unlike Spotify, Apple Music doesn't have a direct submission tool for all artists. However:
Claim your Apple Music for Artists account to access analytics and profile customization
Some distributors (like CD Baby, AWAL, and DistroKid) have special relationships with Apple Music that can help get your music considered
Make sure your music is properly categorized with correct metadata when you distribute it
Reaching Apple Music Curators
While more challenging than Spotify, there are ways to increase your chances:
Build relationships with Apple Music curators through industry connections
Generate buzz through press, radio, and social media that might catch curators' attention
Some playlist submission services claim to have connections to Apple Music curators
Apple Music tends to favor artists with momentum, so focus on building traction across all platforms.
Submitting to Amazon Music, Deezer, and Other Platforms
Don't neglect other streaming services, which can sometimes offer less competition and more opportunities:
Amazon Music
Claim your Amazon Music for Artists account
Some distributors have direct submission options for Amazon playlists
Amazon Music's curators look for tracks performing well on other platforms
Deezer
Register for Deezer for Creators
Some distributors offer Deezer playlist pitching
Deezer's Editor's Picks are influential in certain markets, especially in Europe
YouTube Music
Claim your artist channel through YouTube for Artists
Create compelling video content to accompany your music
Engage with the platform consistently to increase algorithmic favor
These "secondary" platforms can be valuable, especially if you have fans in regions where they're popular.
Playlist Submission Services and Tools
Several services have emerged to help artists connect with playlist curators:
Submission Platforms
SubmitHub: Connect with hundreds of curators, blogs, and playlisters for a small fee per submission
Playlist Push: Campaign-based service that pitches to multiple curators
Daily Playlists: Free and premium options for playlist submission
Soundplate: Free submission tool for their network of playlists
Playlist Finding Tools
Chartmetric: Comprehensive playlist database with contact information
PlaylistSupply: Tool for finding relevant playlists and curator contacts
Playlist Radar: Helps identify playlists that might fit your music
These services can save time, but always research them thoroughly before investing. Some offer better value than others depending on your genre and goals.
Crafting the Perfect Playlist Pitch
Whether you're submitting through an official channel or reaching out directly to curators, your pitch matters:
Elements of an Effective Pitch
Personalization: Address the curator by name and reference their specific playlist
Brevity: Keep it concise—curators receive many submissions
Relevance: Clearly explain why your track fits their playlist
Streaming Links: Make it easy to listen with direct links
Social Proof: Mention any notable achievements or statistics
Call to Action: Clearly state what you're asking for
Sample Pitch Template
Here's a basic template you can customize:
Subject: [Your Track Name] - Perfect for [Playlist Name]
Hi [Curator Name],
I've been following your playlist [Playlist Name] for some time and love how you [specific observation about their curation style].
I recently released a [genre] track called "[Track Name]" that I believe would fit perfectly alongside [mention 2-3 artists on their playlist]. The song features [brief description of sound/vibe].
[Streaming Link]
The track has already [mention any achievements, press, or other playlists].
I'd be honored if you'd consider it for [Playlist Name]. Either way, I'll continue enjoying your excellent curation.
Thanks for your time,
[Your Name]
[Social Media Links]
Adapt this template to match your voice and the specific curator you're contacting.
Ethical Considerations and Pitfalls to Avoid
The playlist submission landscape includes some questionable practices you should be aware of:
Pay-for-Placement Schemes
Many services offer guaranteed playlist placement for a fee. Be cautious because:
Paying directly for placement violates most streaming platforms' terms of service
Many paid playlists use artificial streaming methods that can get your account flagged
Legitimate curators who accept payment should disclose this as sponsored content
There's a difference between paying for consideration (like SubmitHub's credit system) and paying directly for placement. The former is generally acceptable; the latter can be risky.
Streaming Manipulation
Avoid services that promise:
Bot-generated streams
Stream farms
Artificial engagement
Platforms are increasingly sophisticated at detecting artificial streaming activity, and the consequences can include removal of your music or account termination.
Playlist Follower Inflation
Some playlists have artificially inflated follower counts but low actual engagement. Research playlists before submitting by:
Checking if the follower count seems disproportionate to the curator's presence
Looking at the engagement of other tracks on the playlist
Investigating if the playlist appears to be regularly updated and maintained
Quality of followers always trumps quantity when it comes to playlist impact.
After the Submission: Follow-up and Leveraging Playlist Placement
Your work doesn't end with submission. Here's how to maximize your chances and capitalize on placements:
Following Up Appropriately
Wait at least 1-2 weeks before following up on submissions
Keep follow-ups brief and polite
Limit yourself to one follow-up per submission
Consider providing updates if your track gains significant traction elsewhere
Remember that curators are busy—persistence is good, but pestering will harm your chances.
If You Get Placed
When you secure a playlist placement:
Express Gratitude: Thank the curator sincerely
Share the Playlist: Promote it to your followers
Monitor Performance: Track how your song performs
Build the Relationship: Establish a connection for future releases
Curators appreciate artists who help promote their playlists, creating a mutually beneficial relationship.
Using Playlist Success for Growth
Leverage playlist placements to build momentum:
Update your press kit and bio with notable placements
Use performance data to inform future release strategies
Include placement successes in pitches to labels, blogs, and other industry contacts
Analyze which types of playlists drive the most engaged listeners
Each playlist placement is a building block for your career's growth.
Creating Your Own Playlists as an Artist
Don't overlook the value of creating your own playlists:
Benefits of Artist Playlists
Showcase your musical influences and taste
Create additional content for fans
Build relationships with other artists by including their music
Increase your visibility on streaming platforms
Potentially attract reciprocal placements
Effective Artist Playlist Strategies
Themed Collections: Create playlists around moods, activities, or concepts related to your music
Artist Collaborations: Partner with other artists on collaborative playlists
Behind the Inspiration: Share playlists of music that influenced your latest release
Genre Showcases: Curate the best of your genre, including your own tracks naturally within the mix
Your own playlists can become a valuable part of your artist brand and content strategy.
Case Studies: Successful Playlist Campaigns
Learning from success stories can provide valuable insights:
Independent Artist Breakthroughs
Consider artists like Tones and I, whose track "Dance Monkey" broke through via playlists before becoming a global hit. Key factors in such successes often include:
Strategic timing of releases
Consistent engagement with curators
Strong initial marketing to drive early metrics
Music that genuinely connects with listeners
Genre-Specific Strategies
Different genres have different playlist ecosystems:
Hip-hop artists often benefit from playlist-exclusive releases and collaborations
Electronic producers frequently leverage genre-specific playlist networks
Singer-songwriters often find success through mood-based playlists
Metal and rock artists typically benefit from dedicated community playlists with highly engaged followers
Study successful artists in your genre to identify patterns in their playlist strategy.
The Future of Playlist Submission
The playlist landscape continues to evolve:
Emerging Trends
AI Curation: Increasingly sophisticated algorithms are personalizing playlist experiences
Blockchain Integration: Some platforms are exploring transparent, verifiable playlist placement
Interactive Playlists: User input and social features are becoming more important
Cross-Platform Integration: Playlists that work across multiple streaming services
Adapting to Changes
To stay ahead:
Keep informed about platform updates and policy changes
Diversify your playlist strategy across multiple platforms
Build direct relationships with fans that transcend playlist algorithms
Experiment with emerging platforms and playlist formats
The fundamentals of quality music and authentic connection will always remain relevant, regardless of how playlist technology evolves.
Conclusion: Building a Sustainable Playlist Strategy
Playlist submission is not a one-time effort but an ongoing component of your music career:
Approach playlist submission as a marathon, not a sprint
Build genuine relationships with curators and fans
Focus on creating music that naturally fits playlists in your genre
Use data from playlist performance to refine your strategy
Balance playlist efforts with other promotional activities
Remember that playlists are tools for discovery, not destinations. The ultimate goal is to convert playlist listeners into dedicated fans who follow your career beyond any single track.
By approaching playlist submission strategically and ethically, you can harness the power of these influential platforms to grow your audience, increase your streams, and advance your music career in meaningful ways.
For more resources on building your music career, check out guides on creating a professional musician website and navigating independent music distribution.