How to get music on Spotify playlists

For indie artists, getting music on a Spotify playlist can be crucial to success. This guide offers strategies for optimizing profiles, consistently releasing music, pitching to playlists, engaging with user-curated playlists, and promoting your music beyond Spotify.

How to get music on Spotify Playlists

by Angela Tyler, Owner of Muddy Paw PR

For many indie artists, landing on a Spotify playlist is tantamount to success. Get your music on a popular playlist or, if you’re really lucky, one of Spotify’s Editorial Playlists, and you can count yourselves among the lucky few who are on their way to making it. 

Despite growing concerns around Spotify, the power of playlisting is still just as important as ever, and knowing how to land on playlists that can get your music into the right ears is a crucial part of your success story.

But like anything in the music industry, you need to have a strategy.

Optimize Your Spotify Profile

I’m listing this one first because you’d be amazed how many artists overlook it. I know Spotify’s profile isn’t the most exciting, but you do need to make the most of it to get a spot on the best playlists. 

This includes:

• Bio: Write a compelling bio that tells your story. Why should anyone care? That’s the question you’re answering.
• Images: Use high-quality images that reflect your brand and music.
• Links: Include links to your social media and website.
• Playlist: Create your own playlists featuring your songs alongside other artists you admire. More on that later.

Ok, got that taken care of? Next you’ll want to…

Release Music Consistently

I know, this one sounds intimidating, but it’s not!

Unless you’re in a genre or fanbase that demands it, you don’t need to do anything crazy like release music weekly. In some cases, that might actually hurt you. However, having a consistent release schedule keeps your profile active and can increase your chances of Spotify’s algorithm paying you some much-needed attention. 

My suggestion is to release every 4-8 weeks. Make sure you pick a schedule that works for you and your process, as well as where you’re at in your journey. Remember, once you set a timeline, try to stick to it. Consistency is key.

Submit to Spotify Editorial Playlists

Spotify for Artists allows you to pitch your upcoming releases directly to Spotify’s editorial team. Here are some tips for a successful pitch:

• Timing: Submit your song at least a few weeks before the release date. The jury is out on the exact best time but everyone agrees that it should be at least a week, preferably closer to a few weeks ahead of the release date.
• Details: Fill out all the fields, providing as much detail as possible about the song, its genre, and its mood. Be intentional with this—take your time.
• Story: Share the story behind the song to make it more relatable and interesting. Otherwise known as the song’s angle and audience.

Engage with User-Curated Playlists

At the end of the day, the music industry is about the community you create, and that extends to playlisting. User-curated playlists can be just as influential as Spotify’s Editorial ones, and it’s a great way to band together. Here’s how to get your music on them:

• Research: Identify playlists that feature music similar to yours. SubmitHub is one option, but old-fashioned searching is another. Don’t be afraid to pitch smaller playlists to start. Getting streams from smaller playlists can show Spotify’s algorithm that you’re on the rise. 
• Reach Out: Contact the curators through social media or email (usually they’re listed on the Spotify profile or IG) and be sure your message is personalized to their playlist.
• Build Relationships: Establish ongoing relationships with curators. Even if it’s a no for this song if you can form a connection through your submission, who knows what will happen next time. Genuine connections can lead to long-term support.

Promote Your Music Outside of Spotify

Listen, playlists are powerful, but they aren’t everything. Not only that, but having an overall strategy that goes beyond Spotify can help you achieve your playlist goals. 

For instance:

• Social Media: Your fanbase is everything. Get them behind you and there’s nothing you can’t accomplish.
• Marketing and PR: Get your music featured with influencers, podcasts, and other online outlets, as well create a marketing strategy that will help sell your music.
• Live Performances: Perform live, whether in person or through virtual concerts, to connect with your fanbase and keep them consistently engaged.
• Email Marketing: Build an email list to keep your fans in the loop about your new releases, and encourage them to listen and share.

Collaborate with Other Artists

It’s more fun when you’re doing this with others, isn’t it? Collaborations can introduce your music to a wider audience, and help you build real, genuine connections within the industry. Partner with other artists for everything from joint playlists (the more people to promote the better!) to remixes and duets. This adds a creative edge to your content while tapping into new fanbases.

Landing on Spotify playlists should be a part of any marketing strategy, it should never be the only strategy. By combining these things you’re giving yourself the best chance of success and of landing that dream playlist. 

I can’t wait to hear your music on one of them!

Angela Tyler is the owner of Muddy Paw PR, an independent artist management, marketing, and PR firm.

Muddy Paw PR clients have landed features on platforms like Earmilk and American Songwriter, signed record deals, performed at major festivals, and significantly grown their fanbase and engagement. Outside of her work in music, she enjoys spending time with her 15-year-old senior pup, Sawyer, and indulging in reality TV marathons.