Playlists have become the new radio and a powerful way to deliver your music to fresh ears.
Landing a spot on the right playlist could mean more streams, a growing fanbase, and even catching the attention of the industry’s big players.
The question is how do you get there? What’s the secret to securing those coveted spots? Don’t worry—we’re about to break it down step by step.
But first, Why Playlists Are a Big Deal
For starters, playlists expose your music to people who are hungry for new discoveries. You have a chance to build real momentum. When you land on the right playlist, it’s like getting a backstage pass to the ears of thousands—or even millions—of listeners who love the exact vibe you’re creating.
And it’s not just Spotify we’re talking about. Apple Music, YouTube Music, Deezer—all of them have their own universe of playlists waiting to amplify your sound.
Now let’s get to the steps
Step One: Get Your Artist Profile Ready
Before you go knocking on playlist curators’ doors, make sure your artist profile is ready to impress.
First things first, get verified on platforms like Spotify for Artists or Apple Music for Artists. This simple step instantly makes you look professional.
Next, take a hard look at your bio. Is it interesting, concise, and telling your story in a way that connects with your potential fans?
Your visuals matter too—ditch the blurry selfies and upload clean, professional photos that represent your brand.
Finally, check that all your music is properly listed, with no gaps or errors. This is your digital storefront—make it shine.
Step Two: Know Your Target Playlists
Not all playlists are created equal. It’s not about getting on any playlist—it’s about finding the right ones.
Some playlists have thousands of followers but no engagement. Others are small but have listeners who care about the music being shared. There are generally three types of playlists to consider.
Editorial playlists are curated directly by platforms like Spotify, and they’re hard to crack but worth it. A placement here could catapult your music.
Independent curator playlists, on the other hand, are run by music lovers or brands and tend to focus on specific genres, making them perfect if your sound aligns.
Finally, there are algorithmic playlists, like Spotify’s Discover Weekly or Release Radar, which are based on listener behavior. To get onto these, you’ll need to show consistent engagement and have fans interacting with your tracks.
Step Three: Build Relationships with Playlist Curators
Playlist curators hold the key to many independent playlists, and building genuine relationships with them can open doors.
Start by researching curators who create playlists in your genre. You’ll find them on platforms like SubmitHub or PlaylistPush, and many are active on social media.
When you reach out, keep it personal.
Address them by name, mention the playlist you love, and explain why your track fits.
For example: “Hey [Curator’s Name], I’ve been a big fan of your playlist, [Playlist Name], especially the way you include fresh [specific genre] artists. My latest track, [Track Name], has a similar vibe, and I think it would fit perfectly. Here’s the link if you’d like to check it out: [URL]. Thanks for considering!”
Keep it short, authentic, and respectful. And if they don’t respond, a polite follow-up in a week or two can work wonders.
Step Four: Use Playlist Submission Tools
You don’t have to rely on manual pitches. Platforms like Spotify let you submit tracks directly to their editorial team.
Head into your Spotify for Artists account and use the playlist submission tool to pitch unreleased tracks.
Be thoughtful about the way you describe your music—include the mood, instruments, and overall vibe. Every little detail counts.
If you want even more reach, platforms like SubmitHub or PlaylistPush connect you with independent playlist curators for a small fee. These tools streamline the process, especially if you don’t have time to network on your own.
Step Five: Create Buzz Around Your Music
Even the best playlist pitch won’t work if there’s no excitement around your music. Start by promoting your tracks on social media and engaging with your audience directly.
Encourage your fans to save your songs to their own playlists—Spotify’s algorithms love that kind of activity.
You can also consider collaborating with other artists. Share each other’s music on your playlists and cross-promote your work. The more engagement you generate on your existing music, the more likely you are to catch the attention of playlist curators.
Step Six: Monitor and Engage
Once you’ve landed a playlist placement, don’t stop there. Keep an eye on your streaming stats through Spotify for Artists or Apple Music for Artists to see how your music is performing.
Find out which playlists are driving the most engagement and lean into those relationships. If a curator added your song, thank them directly. A simple “thank you” goes a long way in building lasting connections.
Playlists Are Just the Beginning
Securing playlist placements can feel like a grind, but it’s worth it. More than just streams, playlists are a way to introduce your music to listeners who could become lifelong fans. Start small, build genuine relationships, and focus on curating a profile that excites curators and listeners alike.
Most importantly, remember that playlists are just one piece of the puzzle. Your ultimate goal should be to turn these casual listeners into a loyal audience who’ll support you beyond the playlists—because those are the fans who make all the difference.
