Your Music, mysoundMusic's Mission

Why Independent Playlists Matter: The Truth Behind Spotify's Playlist System

As artists, we all know how important playlists are to gaining exposure and growing an audience on Spotify. But if you've ever found yourself frustrated by how your music isn’t getting the visibility you expected, you're not alone.

Many of the playlists I pitch to aren’t editorial or algorithmic—meaning Spotify doesn't always give them the love and attention they deserve. But don't be discouraged, because independent curators may be your best ally in growing your music's presence, even if Spotify doesn't always give them a spotlight.

Spotify’s Playlist Priorities

Spotify tends to favor playlists that generate revenue, which is why mainstream, highly-streamed playlists often take priority. These playlists are filled with major-label artists whose high stream counts bring in ad revenue, making them more likely to be pushed to the top of Spotify’s recommendation engine.

For playlists that only feature unsigned or emerging artists, Spotify doesn’t always push them as aggressively, often ranking them low. In fact, curators may feel pressured to include big-name artists just to maintain their playlist’s visibility and ratings within the platform.

This leads to a situation where it might seem like the only way to succeed on Spotify is by being on a big, mainstream playlist—but that’s not the whole picture.

The Importance of Individually Curated Playlists

While it’s easy to focus on the large, high-traffic playlists, the smaller, individually curated ones shouldn’t be overlooked. Curators of these smaller playlists may not have the same reach as the massive editorial ones, but they attract a dedicated and engaged audience. Many listeners trust these independent curators, who often focus on niche genres, emerging artists, and authentic discovery.

Yes, Spotify may not always document or show immediate streams from these smaller playlists, and updates to stream data can be slow. However, that doesn’t mean your song isn't being heard. These playlists can still drive real, organic engagement.

Their audience is often more targeted, and while the streams may not come in huge bursts, they’re likely more meaningful. You’re building a true connection with listeners who are interested in what you're creating.

Don’t Fall for Botted Playlists

One mistake some artists make is assuming that getting a massive spike in streams right after a playlist placement is a sign of success. While this can sometimes be a result of legitimate playlist features, it’s more often than not tied to "botted" playlists—those that artificially inflate streams through paid services or fake listeners. These streams aren’t always genuine, and while they may look good in the short term, they don’t help you build a sustainable fanbase.

The Slow, Steady Growth

Building a genuine, loyal audience takes time. It’s easy to get discouraged when you don’t see immediate results from playlists, especially when you’re comparing yourself to artists with larger followings or massive streaming numbers. But the key to growing your music career is consistency.

Smaller playlists may not provide the immediate gratification of a viral spike, but they contribute to steady growth over time. Their audiences are more engaged, and they are more likely to return to your music again and again.

Final Thoughts: Embrace the Smaller Playlists

So, the next time you get a playlist placement on an independent, smaller playlist, don’t underestimate its value. These curators may not have the massive Spotify ranking or algorithmic push, but they can help introduce your music to the right audience. You’re building a loyal following, not chasing viral streams.

Patience, consistency, and a genuine connection with listeners are what will ultimately help you succeed. So, don’t ignore those smaller playlists—they may just be the ones that keep your music safe and help you find your audience in the long run. Keep putting your music out there, stay persistent, and remember: the journey to finding your audience isn’t a sprint—it’s a marathon.

At mysoundMusic, we help unsigned artists break through the noise and have their voice heard. Our services include playlist placements on Spotify, where we take great pride in finding solid, bot-free placements that treat your music with the respect it deserves.

While some playlists may perform better on certain days—such as Fridays versus Mondays—rest assured that every playlist we place you on is genuinely curated, offering real exposure and organic growth.

Beyond playlist placements, we also offer featured blog posts on platforms like mysoundMusic and LinkedIn, artist interviews on Vocal.Media and Medium, and podcasts available on iHeartRadio, Podbean, and more.

To further enhance your reach, we provide social media promotion across Instagram, Twitter, and other platforms, helping artists build a real online presence and connect with genuine listeners to grow their fanbase.

Whether you're just starting out or ready to take your career to the next level, we provide the tools and support you need to grow, get discovered, and make your music heard.