How to Submit to Spotify Playlists: The Definitive Guide for Aspiring Artists

So, you’ve poured your heart and soul into crafting a sonic masterpiece. Now comes the critical stage: getting it heard. And in today’s music landscape, that often means one thing: Spotify playlists. Forget radio domination – playlist placements are the new kingmakers. But navigating the world of playlist submissions can feel like venturing into a sonic jungle. Fear not, aspiring maestro! This guide will cut through the noise and show you exactly how to submit to Spotify playlists and drastically increase your chances of success.

The most direct route for official consideration is through Spotify for Artists. At least 7 days before your release date, log into your Spotify for Artists account. Under the “Upcoming” tab, you’ll see your scheduled release. Click “Edit” and then scroll down to the “Playlist Submission” section. Fill out the form with as much detail as possible, selecting the most relevant genre, subgenres, moods, and instrumentation that best describe your track. Choose the one characteristic that makes your song stand out. Think like a curator: why would they want to add your song? This submission directly informs Spotify’s algorithm and increases the chances of getting placed on editorial playlists and algorithmic playlists such as Release Radar and Discover Weekly.

Mastering the Spotify Playlist Submission Process

While the basic submission is straightforward, mastering it requires a strategic approach. Don’t treat it like a box-ticking exercise.

Crafting a Killer Submission

The submission form is your one shot to make a first impression. Treat it like a job application.

• Be Specific: “Indie” is too broad. Is it dream-pop indie? Lo-fi indie? The more specific you are, the better Spotify can match your music.
• Highlight the Unique: What sets your track apart? A unique vocal style? An unusual instrument? A timely message? Don’t be afraid to brag (subtly, of course).
• Understand Your Audience: Who is this song for? Thinking about your ideal listener will help you choose the right keywords and descriptions.
• Pick the Right Moods: Be realistic. Don’t choose “party” if your song is a melancholic ballad.
• Timing is Everything: Submit as early as possible, ideally several weeks before your release date. This gives Spotify’s editors ample time to listen.
• Be Honest: Do not exaggerate the song’s performance or comparisons to established artists.

Beyond the Form: Building Relationships

Relying solely on the official submission is like betting on a single number in roulette. You need a broader strategy.

• Identify Relevant Playlists: Use tools like Chartmetric, Soundcharts, or even just plain Spotify search to find playlists that feature similar artists and genres.
• Research the Curators: Find out who curates those playlists. Often, it’s independent curators, blogs, or even other artists.
• Engage Authentically: Don’t just blindly blast them with your song. Follow them on social media, engage with their content, and show genuine interest in their work.
• Craft a Personalized Pitch: When you do reach out, make it personal. Explain why you think your song would be a good fit for their playlist, referencing specific tracks or artists they feature. Keep it concise and respectful.

The Power of Data

Numbers don’t lie. Analyze your Spotify data to understand your audience and target your playlist submissions more effectively.

• Spotify Analytics: Pay attention to where your existing listeners are coming from. Which playlists are driving streams?
• Demographic Data: Understand the age, location, and gender of your listeners.
• Track Performance: Which songs are performing best? What are the common characteristics of those tracks?

FAQs: Your Spotify Playlist Submission Questions Answered

1. How long does it take to hear back from Spotify after submitting?

There’s no guaranteed response timeline. Spotify editors listen to thousands of songs every week. You might get placed on a playlist before your release, or not at all. Persistence and high-quality music are key. If chosen, you will see it reflected in your Spotify for Artists dashboard.

2. Can I submit to playlists after my song is released?

While technically possible, it’s much less effective. Spotify prioritizes unreleased tracks to give them a head start. Focus on submitting before the release date.

3. How do I find the contact information for independent playlist curators?

This requires some digging. Look for curators on social media (Instagram, Twitter), check their playlist descriptions for contact info, or research blogs and music publications that might curate playlists.

4. What should I include in my pitch to an independent playlist curator?

A concise and personalized message explaining why your song would be a good fit for their playlist. Include a brief artist bio, a link to your song, and a thank you.

5. Is it okay to pay for playlist placement?

Proceed with extreme caution. Many services that offer guaranteed placement are scams or use bots, which can damage your reputation and violate Spotify’s terms of service. Focus on organic growth and genuine connections.

6. How important are Spotify followers and streams?

They can influence the algorithm and make your track more appealing to curators, but they’re not the be-all and end-all. Focus on creating high-quality music and building a genuine fanbase.

7. What if my song is not selected for any playlists?

Don’t give up! Keep creating great music, refining your submission strategy, and building relationships with curators. Analyze your data and adapt your approach.

8. What are the different types of Spotify playlists?

Editorial playlists are curated by Spotify’s in-house editors. Algorithmic playlists are generated by Spotify’s algorithms based on user listening habits. User playlists are created by individual Spotify users.

9. How do I know if a playlist is legitimate?

Check the number of followers, the engagement on the playlist (comments, likes), and the quality of the other artists featured. If something seems too good to be true, it probably is.

10. Can I submit the same song to multiple playlists?

Yes, but tailor your pitch to each playlist. Don’t send the same generic message to everyone.

11. What are some common mistakes artists make when submitting to playlists?

Sending generic pitches, submitting at the last minute, choosing irrelevant genres, and focusing on quantity over quality.

12. How do I improve my chances of getting on a Spotify playlist?

Create high-quality music, build a strong online presence, submit early, personalize your pitches, engage with curators, and analyze your data. Most importantly, be patient and persistent.

The Long Game: Building a Sustainable Music Career

Getting on Spotify playlists is a fantastic boost, but it’s just one piece of the puzzle. Focus on building a sustainable music career through consistent releases, engaging with your fans, performing live, and continuously honing your craft. Think of playlist placements as a springboard, not the final destination. Good luck, and may your music resonate with the world!