Insider Tips for Getting Your Song on Spotify Playlists

Securing a spot on a Spotify playlist can transform your music career, providing increased visibility and a significant boost in streams. However, with so many artists vying for these coveted spots, it takes more than just good music to get noticed. This article shares insider tips from successful artists and playlist curators on how to pitch your song to Spotify playlists effectively.

Preparing Your Music and Profile

Before reaching out to playlist curators, it's essential to ensure that your music and artist profile are in top shape.

High-Quality Audio Production: Make sure your track is professionally produced, mixed, and mastered. Curators are more likely to consider a song that sounds polished and high-quality. If your budget allows, invest in professional production services to elevate your track.

Metadata and Tagging: Properly tag your song with accurate metadata, including the genre, mood, and any other relevant descriptors. This helps curators find your music and ensures that it’s categorized correctly.

Optimizing Your Spotify Artist Profile:

Profile Picture and Header Image: Use high-resolution images that reflect your brand and style. Consistent and professional visuals can make a strong first impression.

Bio: Write a compelling artist bio that tells your story, highlights your achievements, and gives listeners a sense of your personality and music journey. Keep it concise but informative.

Discography: Ensure your entire discography is available on Spotify. Consistency in releases can show curators that you are an active and serious artist.

Social Media Links: Link your social media profiles and official website to your Spotify profile. This provides curators with additional context and demonstrates your engagement with your audience.

Researching Playlists and Curators

Finding the right playlists and curators is crucial to a successful pitch. Targeting playlists that align with your genre and style increases your chances of being added.

Identifying Relevant Playlists:

Spotify for Artists: Use the tools available on Spotify for Artists to identify playlists that feature similar music. Look for both editorial and user-generated playlists.

Third-Party Tools: Platforms like Chartmetric, SpotOnTrack, and PlaylistSupply can help you discover playlists and gather data on their followers and activity levels.

Understanding the Curator’s Preferences:

Playlist Descriptions: Read the descriptions of the playlists to understand the type of music they typically feature. This can give you insight into what the curator is looking for.

Social Media and Websites: Many curators are active on social media and may have websites where they provide submission guidelines and preferences. Following them can also give you a sense of their musical tastes and interests.

Reaching Out to Curators:

Contact Information: Look for contact information in the playlist description or on the curator's social media profiles. Some may prefer submissions through specific platforms like SubmitHub or Groover.

Personalization: Always personalize your outreach. Mention why you think your song would be a good fit for their playlist and show that you’ve done your homework.

Crafting Your Pitch

Your pitch needs to be concise, engaging, and professional. It should quickly convey why your song is worth adding to the playlist.

Key Elements of a Compelling Pitch:

Subject Line: Write a subject line that grabs attention but remains professional. Examples include “New Indie Pop Track Perfect for Your Playlist” or “Up-and-Coming Artist with Fresh Sounds.”

Introduction: Start with a brief introduction of yourself and your music. Mention any notable achievements or previous successes to add credibility.

Song Details: Provide key details about your song, including the title, genre, and release date. Highlight unique aspects of your song that make it stand out.

Personal Connection: Explain why you are specifically pitching to this curator or playlist. Show that you’ve done your research and are not sending a generic pitch.

Streaming Links and Assets: Include links to your song on Spotify and any other relevant platforms. Attach high-quality images, press releases, or an EPK (Electronic Press Kit) if available.

Keeping It Concise: Curators receive numerous pitches daily, so keep your email short and to the point. Aim for a pitch length of around 150-200 words.

Using Spotify for Artists

Spotify for Artists is a powerful tool that provides a direct way to pitch your song to Spotify’s editorial team. Here’s how to make the most of it.

Step-by-Step Guide:

Log In: Log in to your Spotify for Artists account.

Submit Your Song: Navigate to the "Music" tab and select "Upcoming" to find your upcoming release.

Fill Out the Form: Complete the pitch form with as much detail as possible. Include information about the song’s genre, mood, and instrumentation. This helps Spotify’s editorial team categorize your song accurately.

Submit Early: Submit your pitch at least two weeks before the release date. This gives the editorial team enough time to consider your song.

Maximizing Your Chances:

Be Descriptive: Use descriptive language to convey the mood and vibe of your song.

Highlight Key Points: Emphasize any unique aspects of your song, such as collaborations, production details, or interesting backstories.

Consistency: Ensure that your pitch is consistent with the information on your Spotify artist profile and other promotional materials.

Building Relationships with Curators

Building relationships with curators can increase your chances of getting featured not just once, but repeatedly. Here are some tips on how to approach this.

Approaching Curators Professionally:

Respect Their Time: Keep your communications concise and to the point. Avoid spamming or sending multiple follow-ups too soon.

Express Gratitude: Always thank curators for considering your music, regardless of the outcome. A simple thank you can go a long way.

Long-Term Networking Strategies:

Social Media Engagement: Follow curators on social media and engage with their posts. Comment on their playlists and share their content. This helps build familiarity and shows genuine interest.

Industry Events: Attend music industry events, workshops, and networking sessions. Meeting curators in person can leave a lasting impression and provide opportunities to discuss your music in a more personal setting.

Regular Updates: Send periodic updates about your music career to curators who have shown interest. This keeps you on their radar and demonstrates your ongoing progress and dedication.

Conclusion

By following these insider tips and focusing on building genuine connections with curators, you can improve your chances of Pitching your song on Spotify playlists. Ensure your music is of high quality, research the right playlists, craft a standout pitch, and utilize Spotify for Artists effectively. Remember, persistence and professionalism are key to long-term success in the competitive world of music streaming.