How Independent Musicians Can Submit Their Music to Spotify, Apple Music & SoundCloud Playlists

Notes: All these platforms deal with playlist curator submission to independent playlists – none of them can guarantee placement on official Spotify editorial playlists (those you must pitch via Spotify for Artists). They differ in approach: SubmitHub/Groover give you fine control over which curators to pitch one by one, while SoundCampaign and Un:hurd automate the pitching to multiple playlists. Free vs Paid: SubmitHub offers a limited free mode (standard credits) but responses are not guaranteed; DailyPlaylists offers free standard submissions but with longer response times and no guaranteed feedback​. Groover, Un:hurd, and SoundCampaign are essentially paid-only. In terms of genre focus, all platforms cover a wide range, but it’s wise to check each platform’s curator list to see if they have strong curators in your specific niche.

Use this comparison to choose a platform that fits your budget and needs. For instance, if you want a completely free solution and don’t mind a lower response rate, DailyPlaylists (free tier) and some SubmitHub standard credits might work. If you have a bit of budget and want targeted feedback, SubmitHub or Groover are great. If you prefer a hands-off approach and are willing to invest more, SoundCampaign’s campaign model could reach many curators at once. Some artists even use multiple services for a single release to maximize exposure.

Introduction: Getting your songs featured on popular streaming playlists is one of the best ways to promote your music and reach new listeners. For independent musicians, learning how to submit to Spotify playlists, Apple Music playlists, SoundCloud playlists, and other platforms is a crucial step in artist promotion. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the playlist submission process across major services, covering free playlist submission methods, paid platforms, editorial playlist pitching, and best practices to get your song on Spotify playlists and beyond. By the end, you’ll know how to submit music to Spotify playlists (and others) effectively – helping you boost streams and advance your music career.

Understanding Different Playlist Types

Not all playlists are created equal. To navigate playlist submission, it helps to understand the types of playlists on each platform and how they work:

• Editorial Playlists: These are official playlists curated by the platform’s in-house team (e.g. Spotify’s “Today’s Top Hits”, Apple Music’s “New Music Daily”). Editorial playlists are highly influential and often genre-specific. Submission to these is typically done through official channels (like Spotify for Artists or Amazon Music for Artists). Importantly, some services (Spotify, Amazon) allow direct pitching to their editors, while others (Apple, Deezer, etc.) do not accept unsolicited submissions​.

  
  

• Algorithmic & Personalized Playlists: These are generated by algorithms based on listener behavior. Examples include Spotify’s Release Radar and Discover Weekly, Apple Music’s personalized mixes, or SoundCloud’s The Upload. You cannot directly submit to algorithmic playlists – instead, your inclusion depends on the algorithm picking up your track due to its popularity or listener engagement. For instance, Spotify’s algorithms might add a song to Discover Weekly after noticing many users streaming and saving it. The best way to get on these is to drive genuine engagement (streams, saves, shares) for your music.

• User-Curated Playlists: These are playlists created by individual users or independent curators. On Spotify, thousands of popular playlists are run by music bloggers, influencers, record labels, or just passionate fans. Similarly, SoundCloud has user accounts and collectives that curate playlists or repost tracks, and Apple Music allows user-created playlists (though they are harder to share broadly on that platform). Unlike editorial lists, user-curated playlists often accept direct submissions from artists. Getting featured usually involves playlist pitching – reaching out to the playlist owner with your song. This can be done for free (by contacting curators directly) or via playlist submission platforms that connect artists with curators.

Understanding these categories will help you tailor your approach. Next, we’ll dive into how to submit your music for each major platform, then cover free vs paid submission options and tips for success.

Spotify Playlist Submission for Independent Artists

Spotify is the biggest streaming platform and offers multiple ways to get your music onto playlists. Here’s how independent artists can submit to Spotify playlists of different kinds:

Spotify Editorial Playlists (Spotify for Artists Pitching)

Spotify provides a built-in, free Spotify playlist submission tool for editorial consideration. This is done through Spotify for Artists, and it’s the primary way to pitch a song to Spotify’s official playlists:

1. Release your music through a distributor: First, ensure your song will be on Spotify. You can’t directly upload as an independent artist; you must go through a distributor or label so the track appears in your Spotify for Artists dashboard before release day.

2. Claim your Spotify for Artists profile: If you haven’t yet, verify and claim your artist profile. This gives you access to Spotify’s analytics and the pitching tool. (It’s also good to fully optimize your profile with photos, bio, etc., which makes you look professional to curators.)

3. Prepare an upcoming release for pitching: Spotify only allows pitching unreleased music. Once your distributor delivers a new song (single) to Spotify, it will show up in Spotify for Artists under “Upcoming Releases”. You can only submit one song per release – so if you have an EP/album, choose the priority track.

4. Submit at least 7 days in advance: Timing is critical. Spotify’s editors need time to review, so you must send your pitch at least one week before the release date​. (Spotify explicitly says to deliver your music >7 days early for a chance at editorial playlists.) Pitching early also guarantees your song will land in your followers’ Release Radar playlists on release day​, which is a nice bonus even if editorial curators don’t pick it.

   
   

5. Fill out the pitch form thoroughly: In Spotify for Artists, go to the Pitch tool and select your unreleased track. You’ll be asked to provide detailed info: genre, subgenres, mood, song style, instruments, languages, and a description of the song. The more info, the better. Be honest and specific – this metadata helps route your song to the right curators. In the written pitch section, craft a concise, compelling blurb. Mention notable facts (e.g. inspirations, any buzz or press, fanbase info) and what makes the song unique. Highlighting the vibe or story can help your pitch stand out in the editors’ queue.

6. Submit and hope for the best: Once submitted, your song is in Spotify’s editorial system. There’s no further action needed – you cannot send follow-ups or multiple submissions. Spotify will email you if your song gets selected by a playlist. You can also check the Playlists tab in Spotify for Artists after release to see if you were added​.

   
   

Keep in mind: Spotify playlist submission via the official tool does not guarantee placement. Thousands of songs are pitched daily, and only a fraction get picked. If your song isn’t chosen, don’t be discouraged – it stays available for future consideration, and as noted, the pitch ensures your followers see it in Release Radar. Spotify’s advice is to continue growing your fanbase and creating buzz to improve your odds in the future​. In fact, building an external story (press coverage, social media momentum) around your release can make editors more likely to notice it.

Pro tip: Even though editorial picks are never guaranteed, always pitch every new release through Spotify for Artists. It’s a free opportunity to be heard by Spotify’s team – essentially a free Spotify playlist submission to some of the biggest playlists in the world. Many artists have landed on lists like Fresh Finds or New Music Friday using this tool, so it’s an essential step for every independent release.

Spotify Algorithmic Playlists (Release Radar & Discover Weekly)

Spotify’s algorithms also generate powerful playlists that can drive a lot of streams. You can’t directly submit to these, but understanding them helps your strategy:

• Release Radar: This personalized list updates weekly for each user, featuring new songs from artists that user follows (plus related artists). Every time you release music, it will automatically go into your followers’ Release Radar. If you pitched via Spotify for Artists, it will reach all followers; if not, it may still appear for some followers. The key is to grow your Spotify followers – the more followers you have, the more people get your song in their Radar. So encourage fans to follow you on Spotify as part of your promotion.

• Discover Weekly: This is a personalized discovery playlist that updates every Monday with new music suggestions for the listener. Getting your song into Discover Weekly requires triggering Spotify’s recommendation algorithm. Essentially, when a song gets above-average engagement (people listen fully, save the track to their library, add it to their playlists, etc.), the algorithm sees it as “high potential” and will test it in some users’ Discover Weekly. To boost your chances, focus on quality and engagement: make a great song, get it on some user playlists, ask listeners who enjoy it to save/♥ the song, and try to drive steady plays. Over time, the algorithm might pick it up. There is no manual Spotify submission for this – it’s purely data-driven.

In short, while you cannot pitch to algorithmic playlists, you can influence them indirectly by promoting your music and getting listener engagement. Many independent artists see a snowball effect: they start by landing on a few small playlists, those generate saves and attention, and a few weeks later the song suddenly appears on hundreds of Discover Weekly lists – exponentially increasing streams.

Independent Spotify Playlists (User & Curator Playlists)

Beyond Spotify’s own playlists, there’s a vast world of user-curated playlists. These range from small personal mixes to influential playlists with tens of thousands of followers. For independent artists, getting added to these playlists often means directly pitching the playlist curators. Here are ways to submit your song to Spotify playlist curators:

• Research and target relevant playlists: Start by finding playlists that fit your genre and vibe. You can use Spotify’s search, or third-party playlist directories and tools. Look at playlists of similar indie artists in your genre – what playlists are they on? Make a list of target playlists (prioritize ones that are active and have a substantial follower count, but don’t ignore smaller niche lists that clearly match your style).

• Find curator contact info: Many playlist curators provide a way to contact or submit music. Check the playlist description or the curator’s profile – sometimes they list an email, submission link, or social media handle. Some curators use Google Forms for submissions; others might ask for a DM on Instagram or a note via SubmitHub. If the curator is a blogger or label, their website may have contact details. Finding this info can be time-consuming, but it’s the free route to reach curators.

• Reach out with a polite pitch: When contacting a curator directly, keep your message brief and respectful. Introduce yourself, mention you enjoy their playlist, and explain in one or two sentences why your song would fit. Provide a direct Spotify link (and maybe a one-line context like “FFO: [Similar Artists]”). Personalize the message – curators can tell if you spam every playlist with a generic email. Always follow their stated submission guidelines if they have any. And be patient – not everyone will respond or add your track, but a courteous approach can make you stand out from the crowd of submissions.

• Use free submission platforms: A popular method for free playlist submission on Spotify is to use platforms that connect artists with curators. Daily Playlists, for example, is a website where you log in with Spotify and can submit your track to hundreds of user playlists in one place. It essentially acts as a marketplace: you get a limited number of free submissions per week to send your song to playlist owners who are registered on the site​. While there’s no guarantee of placement (the curators choose what they like), it significantly speeds up the process of finding curators. Daily Playlists even offers free Spotify playlist submission credits weekly for artists​. There are similar free services, like Soundplate and some genre-specific blogs, that compile playlist submission opportunities. Take advantage of these free tools – they allow you to submit to playlists for free and reach curators you might not find on your own.

  
  

• Consider paid curator networks: To increase your chances and save time, you might use paid playlist submission platforms. Two well-known ones are SubmitHub and Groover. These services have large networks of playlist curators (as well as blogs and other music outlets). You pay a few dollars (typically ~$1-3) per curator to submit your track, and in return you often get guaranteed listening and feedback​. For example, SubmitHub credits ensure the curator listens for at least 20 seconds and gives a short response. If they like the song, they may add it to their playlist or blog feature; if not, you at least get a note on why. SubmitHub curators include many independent Spotify playlist owners and influencers. Groover works similarly, connecting you with curators (especially in the European scene) for a couple of euros per submission. These platforms can be cost-effective, because for a modest budget you can pitch dozens of curators and potentially land multiple playlist spots. (We’ll compare these services in a table later on.) Many experts suggest using such platforms and personal outreach in tandem – one industry blog even notes that combining SubmitHub with your own research to pitch Spotify playlists is key for indie artists​.

  
  

• Leverage relationships and communities: Sometimes networking pays off. If you form relationships with other artists or curators (even simply by engaging on social media), they may invite you to collaborative playlists or recommend your music to others. There are also community-driven playlist exchange groups where artists trade placements (“I add yours, you add mine” arrangements). Just be careful to follow Spotify’s rules – casual exchanges are fine, but buying guaranteed placements or large-scale playlist trades can edge into risky territory (more on that in the best practices section).

• Major curator brands: You might notice some very large Spotify playlists run by brands or labels, such as Filtr (by Sony Music), Topsify (Warner), or Digster (Universal). These are essentially major label editorial playlists. As an indie artist, it’s tough to get on these since they primarily feature those labels’ artists. They usually do not have public submission avenues (Filtr playlist submission isn’t open to the public). Your best bet to get on such playlists is to build organic buzz – if your song starts trending or getting press, sometimes even big curators take notice. But generally, focus on the thousands of independent curator playlists that are attainable.

Bottom line for Spotify: Use the free Spotify for Artists pitch for editorials, hustle to submit to user playlists through direct outreach or platforms, and consider paid submission tools to amplify your reach. By using all these methods, even a completely independent artist can gradually get added to many playlists. Every playlist add – big or small – is progress in your music marketing journey on Spotify.

Apple Music Playlist Submission

Apple Music is the second-largest streaming service, but Apple Music playlist submission works very differently from Spotify. Apple’s platform is less open when it comes to playlist pitching, especially for independent artists.

Editorial Playlists on Apple Music: All the major playlists on Apple Music (for example, “Today’s Hits”, genre spotlights, etc.) are curated by Apple’s in-house editorial team. Currently, Apple Music does not allow independent artists to pitch their music for playlist consideration​. Unlike Spotify’s open submission tool, there is no Apple Music equivalent where you can directly send your song to Apple’s curators. The curators make their selections internally, based on factors like trends, charts, and data on Apple Music engagement. Apple’s team might also take note of industry buzz and recommendations from trusted sources. But as a DIY artist, you cannot directly submit to Apple Music playlists that are editorial.

So what can you do? Here are some strategies to improve your chances with Apple Music:

• Distribute your music everywhere (including Apple): Obvious but critical – make sure your releases are on Apple Music via a distributor. If your songs aren’t even on the platform, they definitely can’t get playlisted. Apple Music doesn’t accept direct uploads from indie artists, so use a distributor to get your music in their system.

• Claim your Apple Music for Artists profile: Just like Spotify, Apple has an Apple Music for Artists portal. Claim and verify your artist page. While it doesn’t have a pitching feature, having access gives you analytics and the ability to customize your profile. It also signals to Apple that you are an active artist taking ownership of your presence​.

  
  

• Drive engagement on Apple Music: Apple’s editors heavily consider a song’s performance on Apple Music itself. Since you can’t pitch them directly, the best way to get noticed is by boosting your track’s engagement metrics on Apple Music. Encourage your fans who use Apple Music to stream and add your songs to their library. Share your Apple Music song/album links on social media (not just Spotify links). For example, when you release a new single, post the Apple Music link and ask fans on iPhones to check it out. The idea is to increase your Apple Music plays, saves, and overall momentum. If a song is organically building steam on Apple Music (or going viral elsewhere like TikTok), the editors are more likely to hear about it and potentially add it.

• Leverage your network and distributor: While you can’t submit directly, sometimes connections help. If you have a distributor or label with industry contacts, they might pitch your song to Apple’s editorial team on your behalf​. Some distributors (especially ones that are Apple-preferred partners) accept playlist pitching requests from their artists – essentially they compile suggestions to pass along to Apple’s team. This is usually not guaranteed or available to every indie artist, but it’s worth checking if your distributor offers an editorial pitching service for Apple Music. Additionally, if you know anyone in the industry (PR agents, label A&Rs, etc.), let them know about your release – occasionally a good word or recommendation can reach an Apple curator through back channels.

  
  

• External curators on Apple Music: Apple Music does allow certain external curators to have profiles (for example, some music magazines, brands, or influencers have their own Apple Music playlists). Gaining access to those is similar to user playlists on Spotify – you’d have to find the curator’s info and pitch them. The reach of these playlists varies, and there are fewer third-party curators on Apple than on Spotify. But it doesn’t hurt to search for playlists in your genre on Apple Music that aren’t official (they might have a curator name in the description). If you find some, see if that curator has a website or social media with submission info. This route is less straightforward, but any placement on Apple helps increase your play count and visibility.

• Build your overall hype and catalog: Apple’s team often responds to general artist momentum. If you generate buzz elsewhere – say your song gets lots of streams on Spotify, or you land on prominent blogs, or you chart on Shazam in a certain region – those indirect signals can catch Apple’s attention. The Apple editors frequently look at data and trends. They might add a song to a playlist if they see it performing well on other platforms or creating a buzz in the press. So in a way, focusing on success in other areas (Spotify playlists, TikTok virality, YouTube views, etc.) can indirectly lead to Apple Music playlist adds.

In summary, Apple Music playlist submission free options are limited since you cannot directly pitch as an indie artist. Your strategy should be to maximize your presence on Apple Music (claim profile, push fans to use it) and to build enough excitement around your music that Apple’s curators take notice. It’s a longer game of influence rather than a direct pitching process. Every stream and every fan on Apple Music counts, because Apple’s curators “make their selections based off of an artist’s engagement trends on the platform”​. Focus on those engagement trends, and your music has a shot to be organically picked up by Apple’s playlists over time.

(Note: Don’t get discouraged by Apple’s closed approach. Many indie artists initially see more playlist love on Spotify or Deezer, but as their profile grows, Apple Music eventually follows. Keep promoting your music broadly.)

SoundCloud Playlist Submission

SoundCloud is a unique platform in the streaming landscape – it’s not just a streaming service but also a social audio community. Playlists exist on SoundCloud, but the culture of promotion often revolves around reposts and community-driven curators. Still, getting on SoundCloud playlists (or being reposted by popular accounts) can significantly boost your plays and followers on the platform.

Here’s how to approach SoundCloud playlist submission and promotion as an independent artist:

• Optimize your track for discovery: Before seeking playlist adds, make sure your track is easily discoverable on SoundCloud. Use relevant genre tags and descriptive keywords when you upload. SoundCloud’s search and algorithm use tags heavily – for instance, curators often search by genre to find new tracks. If you produce lo-fi hip hop, tag your track “lofi hip hop, chill, beats” etc. This increases the chance that curators in that niche stumble upon your track organically. A guide to SoundCloud curation emphasizes that genre fit is crucial – curators only add tracks that match their playlist’s style​. So label your music clearly.

  
  

• Find SoundCloud playlist curators and channels: On SoundCloud, many influential playlists are run by independent curators, music blogs, or labels. These might appear as SoundCloud user accounts that regularly post playlists or sets of tracks. For example, an electronic music blog might have a SoundCloud account where they make weekly playlists, or a popular user might curate a “Top Indie Finds” playlist. There are also collective accounts (like genre-specific communities) that create playlists and repost artists. Use SoundCloud’s search to find popular accounts in your genre. Look at who the big names in your genre follow – they often follow curators or channels that might be useful for you. Once you identify some curators or playlist-makers, see if they have submission info in their profile or a link to a website.

• Submit via direct message or external form: SoundCloud allows direct messaging between users. If a curator is accepting submissions, they might prefer you to send a private SoundCloud message with your track link. Keep it friendly and to the point, similar to emailing – mention that you love their playlist or channel and that you have a track that fits. Some SoundCloud curators (especially larger channels or labels) might use a submission platform or email. Check their profile for clues (sometimes they’ll say “demo submissions: email@example.com”). Because SoundCloud is more community-driven, approaching curators here can be a bit more informal, but always be respectful and follow any stated instructions.

• Leverage repost chains and networks: A distinctive feature of SoundCloud is the repost. When a big account reposts your track, it shares it with all their followers in their feed, similar to a retweet. Many curators or promotion channels on SoundCloud operate by reposting tracks (often instead of or in addition to putting them in a playlist). Some communities have “repost chains” where a network of similar accounts will all repost the same track to boost it. Getting your song into one of these repost networks can send your play count soaring. How to do it? Often, it involves submitting to a network or simply building relationships. For example, there are genre-based networks (especially in electronic music, EDM, hip hop) where if your track is high quality and fits, they might repost it for free or in exchange for you reposting something. Do some research or ask fellow artists in your genre about active repost channels. While not a traditional playlist, a strong repost can act like one by exposing your music to thousands of followers.

• SoundCloud’s own playlists and charts: SoundCloud has editorial content too, though it’s not as publicized. They have charts (Top 50, New & Hot) for genres – if your track gains a lot of plays quickly, it can enter those charts, which gives it extra visibility. Additionally, SoundCloud sometimes curates playlists like “Fresh Pressed” or genre spotlights featuring emerging artists. There is no direct submission for these; SoundCloud’s team typically handpicks tracks that are trending or distinctive. The best way to get into SoundCloud’s radar is to get your numbers up on the platform and engage with the community. If you achieve something notable on SoundCloud (like trending in a genre or getting buzz in comments), you might attract official attention.

• Use SoundCloud for Artists (if applicable): If you’re a SoundCloud Next Plus/Pro subscriber or using SoundCloud’s distribution (Repost by SoundCloud, now integrated as SoundCloud for Artists), you get some extra promotion tools. One feature in the SoundCloud for Artists dashboard is “Pitch to Partners”, which actually lets you pitch your release to other DSPs’ editorial teams (like a consolidated pitching for Spotify, Apple, etc.)​. This is more about off-platform playlists and requires you to distribute your music through SoundCloud’s service. It’s a newer avenue and worth exploring if you use SoundCloud as your distributor. (It won’t directly land you in a SoundCloud playlist, but it’s a nice perk for broader playlist pitching.) There’s also a self-serve promo tool called Promote on SoundCloud which is a paid ads feature to boost your track’s reach – again, not a playlist, but another way to get more ears on your song.

  
  

• Engage with the community: SoundCloud is social. Follow and leave thoughtful comments on other tracks in your scene, especially those posted by curators or labels you admire. Often they will check out your profile in return. If your track is good and fits their playlist, they might add it or repost it. At the very least, being active on SoundCloud increases your network. Some artists find that by actively interacting with a curator’s posts (over weeks or months), when they finally drop a friendly message about their new track, the curator is more receptive because they recognize the name. It’s about genuine community building, not just transactional submission.

Overall, submitting to SoundCloud playlists is about tapping into the platform’s grassroots culture. There may not be as many formal submission portals as on Spotify, but the opportunities are there through networking, direct messaging, and community engagement. Focus on genre alignment (curators will ignore songs that don’t match their style immediately​), professional presentation, and being an active SoundCloud citizen. If you put in the effort, your track could be picked up by multiple playlists or repost channels, dramatically increasing your play count and followers on SoundCloud.

(Remember to also utilize your existing fans: ask them to add your track to their own SoundCloud playlists or repost it if they dig it. Every bit of engagement on SoundCloud improves your track’s visibility in the platform’s discovery.)

Other Major Streaming Platforms (Amazon, YouTube, Deezer, etc.)

Beyond Spotify, Apple, and SoundCloud, there are other important music platforms with playlists. Here’s a quick look at how to approach them:

• Amazon Music: Amazon Music has grown in popularity and, like Spotify, it offers a way to pitch to editorial playlists. Through Amazon Music for Artists, you can use the New Release Pitch tool to submit an upcoming song to Amazon’s playlist curators​. The process is similar to Spotify’s: you need to claim your artist profile on Amazon, then pitch one unreleased track at a time (providing details about genre, mood, and even your marketing plans for the release). If selected, Amazon’s editors will place your song in an appropriate playlist. A nice thing about Amazon’s pitching tool is that even if you don’t land a playlist, your followers on Amazon Music get notified about your new release​ – so it’s always worth doing. Make sure to distribute your music to Amazon and take advantage of this free pitch feature.

  
  

• YouTube Music: YouTube Music has its own ecosystem of playlists and the massive advantage of video content. Official YouTube Music editorial playlists (like “Trending Hits”, genre mixes, etc.) are curated internally with no direct submission from artists. Your best bet here is to focus on the video/YouTube side: release engaging music videos or visualizers on YouTube, use good tags and descriptions, and try to build views. YouTube’s algorithms might then add your song to users’ personalized mixes or genre radios. Additionally, many YouTubers create popular playlists on YouTube Music. These are often just YouTube playlists that are surfaced in YouTube Music. To tap into those, treat it like pitching a curator – though on YouTube that might mean reaching out to channel owners or influencers who make playlists. This is less common than Spotify pitching, but if you know of an influencer who curates a YouTube playlist, a polite ask could work. Also, getting your song featured on non-playlist YouTube channels (like music promotion channels that upload songs) can indirectly lead to more playlisting on YouTube Music via the algorithm.

• Deezer: Deezer is a French-born streaming service with global reach. Deezer has editorial playlists curated by their team, but there isn’t a public artist submission tool. Often, pitching to Deezer’s playlists happens through distributors or label representatives who have contacts at Deezer. As an indie, ensure your music is on Deezer and that your Deezer for Artists profile is claimed. Sometimes Deezer runs programs for emerging artists (like Deezer Next) – keeping an eye on those opportunities or getting a distributor’s help to pitch can pay off. On the user side, Deezer isn’t as open as Spotify for user playlists, but users can create and share playlists. If you find engaged fans on Deezer, encourage them to add your songs to their playlists and share them. Deezer’s algorithmic playlist (Flow) will also incorporate your songs for listeners who like similar music, as your streams grow.

• Pandora: Pandora operates a bit differently, focusing on personalized radio streams and curated stations, though they do have some playlists for Pandora Premium users. Indie artists can submit music to Pandora via the Pandora AMP (Artist Marketing Platform). Through AMP, you can suggest your newly released songs for Pandora’s curators to review. If they approve, your music gets added into Pandora’s genome database and can be programmed into stations and playlists. It’s essentially a playlist submission free option for Pandora, though it’s more of a radio add. Definitely use Pandora’s submission if you have U.S. listeners – it can help your song get into Pandora’s genre stations or Pandora-curated playlists over time. Also, Pandora’s AMP offers promotion tools (like featured track campaigns) which can boost your song’s rotation.

• Tidal: Tidal has high-quality editorial playlists, often focused on hip-hop, R&B, and emerging trends. There is no direct indie submission portal for Tidal’s playlists. They are curated by Tidal’s team, sometimes in partnership with influencers or artists. For independent artists, getting on Tidal playlists usually requires industry connections or notable buzz. However, Tidal does highlight a lot of emerging and independent talent, so it’s not impossible – it’s just that you as an artist can’t directly pitch. Ensure your music is on Tidal via distribution and that your profile is claimed. If you achieve something like viral success on another platform, you might find your track added to a Tidal playlist unexpectedly.

General tip for all platforms: Claim all your artist profiles (Spotify, Apple, Amazon, Deezer, Pandora, Tidal, etc.) via their artist portals. This not only gives you control and data, but sometimes you get email notices of opportunities or new features (for example, if any platform introduces an indie submission feature, you’ll hear about it as a registered artist). Plus, a well-maintained profile (with a photo, bio, and links) makes you look professional to any curators or listeners checking you out.

In summary, prioritize Spotify (since it has the most robust indie submission system and user curator scene) and use the free pitching tools on any platform that offers them (Spotify, Amazon, Pandora). For the others that don’t have open submissions (Apple, Deezer, Tidal), focus on driving organic success – the curators on those platforms add songs that are bubbling up elsewhere or have industry push. It’s all interconnected, so a win on one service can lead to a win on another.

Now that we’ve covered platform specifics, let’s talk about the broader picture: free vs paid submissions, and how to approach each.

Free vs. Paid Playlist Submission Options

Independent musicians have two broad approaches to playlist promotion: free submission methods and paid submission services. Each has its pros and cons, and often a combination of both works best. Let’s break them down:

Free Playlist Submission Methods

If you’re on a tight budget (as many indie artists are), there are plenty of ways to get your music in front of curators without spending money. Here are the top free options:

• Official Editorial Pitching (Free): As discussed, tools like Spotify for Artists and Amazon Music for Artists let you pitch your music for free to official playlists. This is a no-brainer – always take advantage of these free submission avenues for editorial playlists. It costs nothing except a bit of your time to fill out the forms. This Spotify playlist submission free method is arguably the most important free step you can take for each release.

• Direct Outreach to Curators (Free): Identifying playlist curators (on Spotify, Apple, YouTube, etc.) and reaching out yourself via email or social media is free. It only costs your time and effort. Many indie artists hustle by sending out dozens of emails to playlist owners. While the response rate can be low, it only takes one or two good playlist adds to make a difference. The key is personalization and targeting; a well-crafted, individual email will work better than a copy-paste blast. Over time, you might build relationships that lead to recurring support. This DIY approach to submit to playlists for free can be very rewarding and teaches you a lot about networking in the music industry.

• Free Submission Platforms/Marketplaces: Certain platforms offer free Spotify playlist submission opportunities. For example, as mentioned, DailyPlaylists allows free standard submissions – they even give out free credits weekly so artists can connect with curators without paying​. On DailyPlaylists’ free tier, you submit to a marketplace of playlist curators; there’s no charge, though placements aren’t guaranteed​. Similarly, some Facebook groups or Reddit threads (like r/IndieMusicFeedback or r/ThisIsOurMusic) have playlist share initiatives where you can post your song for free playlist consideration. Keep an eye out for community-driven opportunities; many curators, especially smaller ones, are happy to discover new music posted in these forums.

  
  

• User Engagement (Organic): Encouraging your listeners to add your song to their personal playlists is another free tactic. While a fan’s personal playlist might have 1 follower or just themselves, the cumulative effect matters. High save rates and being on many small playlists can signal streaming algorithms to boost your song. Additionally, a song that gets organically added to lots of playlists (even personal ones) might catch the eye of tools like Spotify’s Top 10 lists for user-generated playlists (if it trends upwards). Essentially, turning your fans into your promoters costs nothing. A simple call-to-action like “If you’re enjoying the song, add it to your playlist or share it!” can help.

• Blog and Press Submissions: This is slightly tangential to playlists, but getting blog coverage or YouTube features is free (aside from maybe sending a polite email). Why include this? Because blog features often lead to playlist adds. Many independent playlist curators also read blogs or follow HypeMachine to find new music. Also, some blogs have their own Spotify playlists. By submitting your music to blogs and YouTube channels (for free), you might end up on their playlists too. It’s all interconnected promotion. Plus, as we’ll note in best practices, having press coverage creates hype that can indirectly lead to more playlist attention​. Sites like SubmitHub do offer free submissions to some blogs (with “standard” credits) – though limited, it’s possible to use SubmitHub without spending if you’re patient and selective.

  
  

Pros of Free Methods: Obviously, the biggest advantage is cost – you’re not spending your limited funds. Free methods can also feel more authentic; you’re building real connections and fan-driven momentum. You retain full control and can target exactly where you want to submit. There’s also no risk of violating streaming platform rules, since you’re not engaging in any pay-for-play, which Spotify explicitly forbids (buying placement can get songs taken down, so free/organic is the safest route).

Cons of Free Methods: The downside is they require more elbow grease and time. It can be labor-intensive to find contacts and send out individual submissions. You might hit a lot of dead ends (emails that never reply, etc.). Free platforms can have lower response rates – e.g., on DailyPlaylists’ free tier, curators are not obliged to give feedback or any response​. You’re essentially competing with many others for the curator’s attention without incentive. It can also take longer to see results. Nonetheless, every indie artist should start with the free options – they are the foundation of a solid grassroots promotion campaign.

Paid Playlist Submission Platforms

To complement your free efforts, there are paid services designed to streamline playlist pitching. Investing a bit of money can save time and potentially yield faster results. Here are common paid playlist submission routes:

• Per-Submission Platforms (Curator Networks): These include SubmitHub, Groover, and others like Playlist Push or Musosoup. The model here is you pay a fee for each curator or playlist you submit to. In return, you usually get a guaranteed listen and some feedback. For example, SubmitHub charges roughly $1-2 per curator (via credits) and if the curator doesn’t listen and respond in 48 hours, you get your credit back. Groover charges about €2 per curator, with a guarantee of feedback within 7 days​. These services have a wide network: SubmitHub boasts hundreds of Spotify playlist curators, blogs, and even some YouTube and radio curators; Groover similarly has thousands of curators and industry pros (particularly strong in Europe) covering all genres. The genre focus on these platforms is broad – you will find curators for everything from pop to techno to metal, so you can target those who like your style. The cost can add up depending on how many curators you target, but you can set a budget. For instance, you might spend $20 to submit to 10 playlists and end up added to 2-3 of them if the music fits. Paid platforms also often sort curators by genre and popularity, helping you find relevant ones easily. The big advantage: your song will be heard and considered, which is not guaranteed with cold emails. These platforms are essentially a form of music marketing platform – they handle the logistics of pitching so you can focus on selecting your targets and then on the feedback you get.

  
  

• Campaign-Based Services: Platforms like SoundCampaign (and similarly Playlist Push) work on a campaign model. Instead of paying per curator, you set a campaign budget to reach a certain number of playlist curators. For example, you might pay $150-$300 to have your song sent to ~20-30 curators in SoundCampaign’s network. The curators then review your song (often rating it or giving comments), and if they like it, they’ll add it to their playlist. You typically can’t choose the specific playlists – the platform’s algorithm matches your song to curators based on genre. SoundCampaign, for instance, has an open network of curators who get paid to listen and review​. So your payment primarily ensures you get heard by a bunch of curators at once. The outcomes vary – some artists get several adds, others get none, but do receive feedback. These services can reach a lot of curators quickly, but they are not cheap. On a per-curator basis, you might be paying around $8-$15 each. One review noted spending $300 for 21 curators on SoundCampaign. That’s steep, and results aren’t assured (in that case, it was described as a gamble). Free vs paid plan: These services usually have no free option – though they might do a free “song review” or let you set up a profile for free, you have to pay to run a campaign. They also typically do not involve official Spotify editorial; it’s all independent curators.

  
  

• Playlist Promotion Agencies/PR: There are music promotion companies and PR agencies that offer playlist pitching as part of their services. You might pay a fixed fee or monthly retainer for them to pitch your song to playlists. Be very cautious with these: a reputable agency will never guarantee placement (they’ll just promise to pitch to a list of curators), whereas a sketchy company might sell “package of 5 playlist adds = $100” which often means they control some fake playlists – this could jeopardize your Spotify standing if those streams are bots. If you do hire outside help, make sure they are using ethical pitching (basically doing what you could do – contacting curators – rather than putting you on botted lists). Some distributors now offer in-house playlist pitching as a paid add-on as well. Paid PR can be effective if you lack the time, but for many indies, budget constraints make DIY and using platforms like SubmitHub more feasible.

Pros of Paid Methods: The biggest benefit is time and access. You are paying to quickly reach curators that would otherwise take hours of searching to find (if you find them at all). Paid platforms also create a incentive for curators to pay attention – for instance, on SubmitHub or Groover, curators get a small payment for their feedback, which motivates them to seriously consider more indie tracks. This can lead to higher success rates of being added. Paid submissions can jump-start a song’s traction; one well-placed submission campaign might land you on 5-10 playlists, which then boosts streams and can trigger algorithmic momentum. It’s a way of investing in your release’s visibility. Also, some of the feedback you get might be valuable for learning how curators perceive your track.

Cons of Paid Methods: Cost is an obvious con – there’s no guarantee of ROI (return on investment). You might spend $50 and get only a couple of minor playlists, or none at all if the curators weren’t impressed. It’s possible to burn through money quickly with little to show, which can be frustrating. Another consideration is that while these platforms strive to be fair, you are still competing with many other paying artists; curators can only add so many songs. So results depend on the quality of your music and a bit of luck/taste matching. Additionally, one must ensure the paid route chosen is compliant with streaming services’ policies. Using recognized platforms like SubmitHub/Groover is generally safe (they’re well-known in the industry and playlist curators there are legit). But paying under-the-table for guaranteed playlist slots can violate Spotify’s terms (essentially payola). Always use paid services that focus on pitching and feedback, not guaranteed placements.

Balancing Free and Paid: In practice, many successful indie artists use a mix. For example, you might pitch Spotify’s editors (free), send personal emails to ten curated playlists you love (free), submit to some blogs (free), and also spend $30 on SubmitHub credits to reach another 20 curators (paid). This shotgun approach maximizes your reach. The free efforts might land you one playlist and one blog, while the paid might land you three more playlists – combined, that could be 5 playlists, which is a solid outcome for a single release. Over time, as you build relationships, you may rely less on paid submissions. Or if you find a certain platform yields good results for your genre, you invest a bit more into it.

Tip: Track your results from each method so you know what’s working. Keep a spreadsheet of where you submitted (free or paid) and note if the song was added, rejected, or no response. This can help you refine your strategy for the next release. Perhaps you notice that free outreach to smaller curators actually gave you more adds than an expensive campaign – then you can adjust accordingly (or vice versa).

In summary, free playlist submission is great for organic growth and should always be utilized first. Paid playlist submission can supplement that and accelerate your exposure if you have the budget, but choose reputable services and set a budget you’re comfortable with potentially not recouping immediately. Think of it as marketing spend – it’s about visibility, not direct revenue.

Now, beyond the mechanics of submitting, let’s cover some overall best practices to increase your chances of getting playlisted.

Editorial Playlist Pitching Tips (Spotify for Artists & More)

Pitching your music to official editorial playlists (like Spotify’s editors, Amazon’s editors, etc.) is an art in itself. Since you often only get a few sentences to make a case for your song, it’s important to make them count. Here are some best practices for pitching to editorial playlists through the various artist portals:

• Highlight what’s special about your music: Curators see a lot of generic pitches like “This is a hit song!” or “My fans love this track.” Instead, focus on unique angles. For example, mention if the song has an interesting backstory or theme, if you collaborated with a notable producer or another artist, or if it’s been gaining traction elsewhere (e.g. “the song has 100k views on TikTok” or “featured on XYZ blog”). Anything that sets you apart helps. Essentially, you want to pitch a story, not just a song. Spotify’s editors, for instance, have stated they appreciate context – they are more likely to support a song that has a story or momentum behind it.

• Be concise and clear: The pitch text fields often have character limits (Spotify gives you about 500 characters). Don’t waste it. Write a couple of tight sentences that quickly convey the vibe of the track and any important info. For example: “Upbeat indie pop track with catchy synth hooks and heartfelt lyrics about moving to a new city. For fans of MUNA and Carly Rae Jepsen. This single is getting blog buzz (featured on IndieShuffle) and we have a music video dropping release week.” This kind of pitch is to-the-point, gives a curator genre/artist context, and slips in a bit of hype without sounding too braggy.

• Use genre and mood tags wisely: When pitching on Spotify for Artists or Amazon, you have checkboxes for genre, subgenre, moods, instruments, culture, etc. Choose accurately and liberally. These tags are how your song finds the right editorial team. If you’re not sure which genres to tag, think of what playlist you’d like to be on and see how they describe it. For mood, select those that genuinely reflect the song (e.g. “chill” or “energetic”). Wrong tagging can mislead curators, so don’t label your acoustic ballad as “party” mood or you’ll just confuse things. Accurate metadata increases your chances of reaching the appropriate curator who handles that style.

• Mind the timeline: As noted for Spotify (7+ days pre-release) and Amazon (they allow pitching even a couple weeks after release, but earlier the better), always pitch early. If you miss the window (song already released and you forgot to pitch), unfortunately you’ve lost that shot on Spotify – you’ll have to wait for your next release. Develop a habit: as soon as your distributor confirms your next release is delivered to platforms, go to each artist portal and submit your pitch. Editorial teams often curate playlists days (or weeks) ahead of public release, so they need that lead time.

• Don’t copy-paste the same pitch to every platform: It might be tempting to reuse the exact text, but consider tweaking it for each. For one, character limits differ. Also, each platform’s curators might value different info. Spotify’s form emphasizes genre and “tell us about the song” – they may not need to know your marketing plan in detail. Amazon’s pitching form explicitly asks for your marketing plans and audience description​, so you’d want to include info like “We’re planning social media ads targeting indie pop fans and have a tour planned next month” for Amazon. Tailor your pitch to fit what each platform is looking for.

  
  

• Professional tone, but let your personality show: Write the pitch in a professional manner (proper grammar, no all-caps or slang), but it shouldn’t feel too stiff or like a corporate press release. Curators are humans – a touch of genuine personality can make your pitch more memorable. If you have a humorous or quirky angle that fits your artist persona, and the platform allows for it, you can include a tiny bit of that flavor. Just balance it with clarity. For example, a one-liner like “(Fun fact: I actually recorded the vocals in my closet!)” can make a curator smile and remember your track, but only add such anecdotes if you have space and it fits the vibe.

• Emphasize fit with the playlist ecosystem: When possible, subtly indicate which playlist(s) you think your song suits. You wouldn’t say “Put me on RapCaviar”, but you could say “this song would sit well alongside melodic trap artists like Post Malone or Roddy Ricch” – which gives a clue that it’s the kind of track that fits a certain major playlist theme. On Spotify’s form you can’t directly choose the playlist, but curators know their own lists and will make the connection if you describe your music well.

• Keep your profiles and stats tidy: Curators often click through to an artist’s profile when considering a pitch. Make sure your Spotify profile has an updated image, your “Artist Pick” maybe showcasing something relevant (like the new song or your own playlist), and your bio in place. Little things like having your social media linked can show that you’re a serious artist. Also, if you have notable stats or achievements, sometimes those are visible (like monthly listeners, or if you have other songs already getting plays). It helps if you’ve built some foundation – even a few thousand streams on previous songs or a couple thousand followers make you look more established than an artist with 0. That said, everyone starts somewhere, and curators do give unknown artists a shot if the music is great.

• One song at a time: Only pitch one track per release. If you bombard the system with multiple songs (say by creating separate single releases for the same track – don’t do that), it won’t increase your odds and might confuse things. Choose your strongest song to pitch. If you have multiple good songs, you can stagger releases so each one gets its own pitch over time, rather than dropping them all at once.

• Don’t be discouraged by rejection: Even following all best practices, you might not hear back or get added. It could be that your song just didn’t fit what they needed at that moment. Keep pitching every release. Sometimes artists go many releases with no editorial placements, then suddenly one song catches fire and gets picked up. The persistence and consistency will pay off, and in the meantime, you’re still growing via other means.

• Thank the editors (in your mind): You don’t actually get to message Spotify’s team directly to thank them if you’re added, but do show gratitude publicly. For instance, if you land a playlist, share it on your socials: “So excited that my new song was added to XYZ playlist on Spotify! Thanks @Spotify and everyone listening!” – tagging the platform. They notice artists who positively engage with being playlisted. It won’t guarantee future support, but it builds a good relationship aura. (And it shows your fans you’re making strides, which is great for your artist brand.)

• Pitch other editorial-like opportunities: Outside of streaming apps, think of things like radio playlists (many internet or college radio stations accept submissions), or curated shows (like NPR’s New Music Friday or local radio indie shows). These aren’t “playlists” in the app sense, but they are editorial curation of music. Getting spins on those can sometimes indirectly lead to more streaming attention. Plus, you can mention those accolades in your next pitch (“this track was featured on BBC Introducing” – that’s a big plus to mention to Spotify editors, for example).

In essence, pitching to Spotify (or any DSP) is like sending a mini press release for your song – keep it factual, compelling, and relevant. And always remember, behind that form there’s a real person who loves music. Write the kind of pitch you might respond to if you were a busy curator sifting through hundreds of songs.

Now let’s round out with general best practices that apply to all playlisting efforts, editorial or independent.

Best Practices for Getting Playlisted

We’ve covered the how of playlist submissions; now let’s summarize the strategy and mindset that will help you succeed. Getting your song on playlists – whether Spotify editorial or a small user playlist – often comes down to a mix of preparation, professionalism, and perseverance. Here are some best practices for musicians aiming to get playlisted:

1. Make Sure the Music is Top-Notch: It might seem obvious, but nothing improves your odds of playlist adds more than having a great song that’s well-produced. Quality is king. Curators are looking for tracks that will delight their listeners. Before you start pitching, do a critical check on your track’s production, mastering, and overall impact. Compare it to songs currently on the target playlist – does it hold up sonically and stylistically? If not, consider refining the mix or choosing a different track. Sometimes the best promotion is actually to go back and tweak the music itself. Remember, a mediocre track is a tough sell no matter how much pitching you do.

2. Target Playlists that Fit Your Genre and Vibe: This cannot be stressed enough – relevance matters. Sending a metal song to a jazz playlist curator will not only result in a rejection but could burn a bridge with that curator for future (more appropriate) songs. Do your research and categorize your song’s genre, subgenre, and mood. Then pitch to playlists that match those qualities. Curators appreciate when artists understand their playlist’s theme. It shows you’ve done homework and aren’t wasting their time. As one SoundCloud guide put it, don’t be the person who tries to get a country song on an EDM playlist​. Instead, find your niche and focus on it. You can always expand genres with different tracks, but each song should be pitched to suitable curators.

3. Present Yourself Professionally: Whether you’re contacting curators directly or using a platform profile, put your best foot forward. This includes having good cover art for your music (playlists are visual too – a nice cover can catch a curator’s eye when they see your submission), a concise artist bio ready if needed, and polite communication. If emailing, write a clear subject line (e.g., “Submission – [Song Name] for [Playlist Name]”), and address the curator by name if you know it. If using submission forms, fill out all fields properly. Treat this like a job application – you want to impress with your professionalism. First impressions count; a messy submission or a rude message will likely get skipped.

4. Build Relationships with Curators and Other Artists: Networking isn’t just industry schmoozing – it can be as simple as staying in touch with a curator who liked your previous track or supporting other indie artists. If a curator added your song, send a thank-you (if you have their contact) or at least publicly shout them out as mentioned. Small gestures help you stand out. Also, collaborate and commiserate with fellow musicians. Other artists might share tips about which playlists or blogs helped them. Sometimes artists can refer each other to curators they know (“Hey, your new song would fit a playlist my friend curates, I’ll introduce you”). Community can amplify everyone’s chances.

5. Don’t Neglect Your Own Playlists: Create your own playlist and include your music along with tracks from artists you admire or local peers. This serves a few purposes. It gives you a piece of “real estate” on Spotify that you control – you can grow it over time and potentially appear in algorithmic results if it gains followers. It also shows curators that you’re part of the playlist ecosystem (curators often notice if an artist has their own popular playlist – it means you understand curation). Plus, you can use your playlist to cross-promote: add songs by artists you know, and they might add your song to one of their playlists in return. It’s a low-key way of trading support that’s perfectly within the rules. Feature your playlist on your Spotify artist profile (Artist’s Pick or in your bio), and encourage fans to follow it. While this is a long-term play, some artists have grown their own playlists significantly, creating another channel to gain listeners.

6. Promote Your Placements and Build Momentum: When you do get on a playlist – big or small – promote it! Share the playlist link on social media, thank the curator (tag them if possible), and encourage your fans to listen on that playlist. This does a few things: it sends streams to the playlist (which curators appreciate, as it boosts their stats), it could attract new listeners who follow that playlist, and it shows the world that your music is getting recognized. Success breeds success; when other curators or even editorial teams see that your song is popping up in multiple places, they take note. It’s a signal that your music has momentum and that people are talking about it. One PR expert noted that if a Spotify editor Googles your song and finds nothing (no mentions, no buzz), they’ll be less inclined to playlist it​. Conversely, if they see your song on a few blogs and playlists, it builds confidence that you might be the “real deal.” So, every little playlist add or blog mention – make noise about it.

7. Stay Persistent and Consistent: Playlist pitching is a numbers game and a consistency game. You might submit to 50 playlists and only hear back from 5. That’s normal. Don’t be disheartened by rejection or silence. Perhaps your next release will click with some curators who passed on the previous one – tastes differ, and timing matters. Keep a regular release schedule if possible (e.g., a new single every 6-8 weeks) to have frequent opportunities to pitch. The more quality music you put out, the more chances for something to stick. Also, as your catalogue grows, you can continue promoting older songs. A song from last year might suddenly fit a new playlist that emerges. Some platforms (like DailyPlaylists) even encourage submitting older songs from your catalog, not just new releases​. So don’t abandon a good track just because it’s a few months old – if you find a new curator who might like it, go ahead and pitch it (provided that’s allowed and you frame it appropriately).

8. Avoid Unethical Shortcuts: The world of playlist promotion has its dark side – namely, payola and bots. Steer clear of “services” that sell placements on ultra-high follower playlists for a flat fee, or that guarantee a certain number of streams. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is (those streams are often fake or botted). Spotify has been cracking down on fake streams and could penalize your song or artist profile if you’re caught in a bot network. It’s not worth the risk. Similarly, don’t be tempted to create dozens of fake accounts to boost your stream count or playlist adds – Spotify’s algorithms are very good at spotting artificial patterns. Focus on real, organic growth. It may be slower, but it will build a genuine fanbase and you won’t have to live in fear of a platform purge. In the long run, authentic engagement will sustain your career much better than inflated numbers.

9. Use Data to Refine Your Approach: Keep an eye on your analytics. Spotify for Artists will show you which playlists are adding your music and how many streams you’re getting from them. If you notice one curator has added multiple songs of yours over time, that’s a relationship to nurture (you clearly fit their taste – maybe reach out and say thank you, or keep them in mind for exclusives). If certain types of playlists (say, “chill study beats” playlists) seem to love your tracks, lean into that niche in your marketing. Also, notice drop-off rates – if you do get on a playlist but people skip your song a lot, maybe the intro is too long or it’s not the right context; that’s songwriting feedback to consider. Data can inform your creative and marketing decisions in the future, making you more likely to succeed.

10. Integrate Playlisting into a Broader Marketing Plan: Playlists are fantastic, but they’re just one piece of the puzzle in music marketing. To truly maximize your reach, combine playlist efforts with other promotion: social media campaigns, music videos, live performances, press releases, radio submissions, etc. They all feed into each other. For example, a TikTok video going viral might lead to your song getting added to more playlists. Conversely, landing a big playlist might spike your streams, which you can then talk about on social media or use to attract booking agents for gigs. The idea is to create a virtuous cycle of promotion. Don’t rely solely on any single method. The best ways to promote music involve a mix of online and offline strategies, with playlisting being a crucial online strategy in 2025.

Lastly, celebrate small wins and keep your passion for music at the forefront. It can be easy to get caught up in the playlist hustle and feel like your worth is defined by how many playlists you’re on. Remember that behind every stream is a real listener potentially becoming a fan. Playlists are a means to connect your art with more ears, so treat it as such – a means to an end (the end being gaining fans who love your work). Stay focused on making great music and the playlist placements will follow.

By following the guidance in this article – leveraging both free and paid playlist submission options, perfecting your editorial pitches, and adhering to best practices – you’ll greatly increase your chances of getting your music playlisted on Spotify, Apple Music, SoundCloud, and beyond. Playlist pitching can be competitive and requires persistence, but each success can propel your music to new listeners and heights. Stay patient, keep refining your craft, and continue promoting smartly. With time, those coveted playlist spots will come, helping you grow your fanbase and music career.

Resources:

【5】 Spotify for Artists – Pitching music to our playlist editors (Official Spotify Support)​

support.spotify.com

【3】 Groover Blog – How to Get on Apple Music Playlists (2025)​

blog.groover.co

【23】 DailyPlaylists Blog – How to increase your chances of successful playlist placements (2023)​

dailyplaylists.com

【31】 Cyber PR Music – Best Practices for Spotify Playlist Submission (Expert Tips, 2023)​

cyberprmusic.com