Tips For Artists: How To Get On Spotify Playlists

Getting your music onto Spotify playlists can be a significant stride in advancing your music career. As streaming platforms increasingly dominate the music industry, many different types of playlists have become powerful tools for discovery and audience growth. 

Even though I work in music business, I'm also a huge music fan and I find most new artists through various Spotify playlists. 

This works exceedingly well for discovering new music, and it's also where the benefits for indie musicians come in: Spotify offers a unique opportunity for independent artists to be heard by potentially millions of listeners and fans worldwide.

How To Get On Spotify Playlists

So you've worked hard on your track in your favorite DAW, and now it's time to get it out to the world. What is the best way to release it for maximum exposure?

Understanding the intricacies of Spotify's system for playlist inclusion is the crucial first step. Your tracks can gain exposure by appearing on a variety of playlists—from algorithmic ones like Discover Weekly to Spotify's editorial selections or user-created mixes. 

Getting on popular Spotify Playlists can lead to increased streams, followers, and a more substantial online presence.

In order for your music to stand out, it's essential to familiarize yourself with the platform’s guidelines for submission and to craft a compelling narrative around your songs. 

By strategically pitching your music and using Spotify for Artists, you can increase the likelihood of catching the attention of playlist curators and expanding your reach within the music community.

Understanding Spotify Playlists

Spotify playlists are integral to music discovery and can significantly impact your career as an artist. They vary in type and are curated through different methods, and obtaining a spot on one can boost your exposure.

Types of Spotify Playlists

Spotify's playlists come in various forms, and understanding them can help you strategize your approach to getting featured.

Official Spotify Playlists

Curated by Spotify’s editorial team, these are genre, mood, or activity-specific. Getting on an official Spotify playlist can help you gain new fans.

Algorithmic Playlists

Spotify's algorithms work behind the scenes and personalize the playlists for each listener with examples like Discover Weekly and Release Radar.

User-Generated Playlists

User-generated playlists are created by individual users and can range from personal favorites to community-driven lists with a large following.

How the Spotify Algorithm Works

The Spotify algorithm is a complex system that influences which tracks are included in listeners' personalized playlists.

User Interaction

Your tracks might be picked if listeners engage positively with them (like saving them or playing them frequently).

Related Artists and Tracks

If your music is similar to a user’s preferences, it could end up on their Discover Weekly.

Release Frequency

Consistent releases keep your material fresh and increase your chances of being recognized by the algorithm.

Importance of Playlist Placement for Artists

Securing a spot on a Spotify playlist can elevate your music's reach and listenership:

• Exposure: Being on a playlist can introduce your music to a target audience that's already inclined to your genre or style.

• Streams and Revenue: Playlists can drive streams, which translates to higher royalties.

• Credibility and Reputation: Playlist placement can act as a badge of credibility and form listener perceptions.

Optimizing Your Spotify Profile

Before you can attract listeners and curators, make sure your Spotify profile stands out and accurately represents your music and brand.

Creating a Compelling Artist Profile

Your Spotify artist profile is your chance to make a strong first impression. Think of it as a digital handshake with potential fans and influencers.

Artist Bio

Write a clear, engaging bio that tells your story. Highlight your achievements, but also get personal – share your influences, milestones, or an anecdote that makes you relatable.

Images

Use high-quality, professional photos for your profile picture and header. This includes having consistent branding that aligns with your music and artwork.

Social Media Links

Add links to your social media profiles, making it easy for listeners to connect with you across platforms.

Music Website

If you have a personal music website, link it in your profile to direct potential fans to more in-depth content about you.

Leveraging Spotify for Artists

The Spotify for Artists dashboard is a critical tool for managing your presence and analyzing your reach on Spotify.

Access to Analytics

Keep track of your streaming numbers, audience demographics, and song performance. Understand your listeners to tailor your promotions effectively.

Profile Customization

Make sure to regularly update your profile through the dashboard to keep content fresh for returning fans and enticing for new ones.

Playlist Submission

Submit upcoming releases to Spotify’s editorial team through the platform's song pitching feature, increasing your chances of playlist features.

Whether you're signed with major labels, are an emerging artist, or an indie artist, taking the time to craft and maintain a professional Spotify profile can be a pivotal step in your music career progression and help you make more money from your music.

Building Your Presence on Spotify

To maximize your chances of getting onto Spotify playlists, it's essential to cultivate a strong presence on the platform and leverage various channels to promote your music.

Promoting Your Tracks

Social Media Platforms

You should utilize your social media accounts to share your Spotify links regularly. 

By doing that, you can capture the attention of a wider audience by creating shareable content around your music, such as behind-the-scenes looks that encourage fans to stream and add your tracks to their playlists.

• Twitter and Instagram: Announce new releases and engage with followers through Instagram stories, tweets, and live sessions.

• Facebook: Create events for your music releases and invite your followers.

• TikTok: Leverage trending challenges or start your own challenge related to your music.

Your Own Playlists

I like checking out playlists created by new artists where they’re sharing their music alongside well-known tracks. It gives me the listener an inside look at your influences, and how your music sounds next to them.

If you nailed the target sound and your songs sound great next to the big-name artists, that places your music in the same category in the listener’s mind. I think that’s huge in terms of gaining true fans! 

Your own playlists can also increase visibility and organically attract Spotify playlist curators.

Playlist Consideration

Use Spotify’s official pitching tool to submit your track for playlist consideration. Do this well ahead of your release date to increase the chances of being featured on Release Radar.

Make sure to encourage your fans to follow you on Spotify and engage with your content.

Online Presence and Music Blogs

Contact music blogs and ask them to feature your music, which can lead to more exposure and potentially catching the eye of curators.

Actively seek feedback and cultivate relationships with users and curators by engaging in conversations and showing interest in their playlists.

By focusing on these strategies to promote your tracks and connect with both curators and users, you'll set a solid foundation for your success on Spotify.

Strategies for Getting on Playlists

To enhance your chances of getting your music on Spotify playlists, focus on networking with playlist curators and leveraging specialized services that can help showcase your tracks.

Reaching out to Playlist Curators

When targeting Spotify curators, make sure your music aligns with their playlists. 

Begin by identifying relevant playlists and the curators behind them. These can be Spotify’s editorial team for their official playlists or independent playlist curators for user-generated lists. 

It's important to establish a connection before sending your music. Personalize your pitch by explaining why your track fits their list and provide a direct link to your song.

Start by going to Spotify for Artists to submit unreleased music directly for playlist consideration.

You should also use social platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram to reach out. Research if they prefer submissions via email or a submission link.

Using Third-Party Services and Tools

Third-party services can play a pivotal role in getting your music onto playlists. 

Companies like Playlist Push offer services where, for a fee, they pitch your music to a network of playlist curators. 

When considering these services, prioritize those that:

• Offer access to a wide network of independent playlist curators.

• Have a good reputation with artists and record labels.

• Provide transparent reporting on where your music has been placed.

Another strategic move is to work towards getting featured on Spotify’s algorithmic playlists like Release Radar. Make sure your profile is up-to-date and you’re engaging with your existing followers, as their listening habits help determine your placement on these playlists.

Release Strategy and Timing

Crafting a strategic release plan is crucial for the visibility and success of your new music. Paying attention to the timing of your releases can place your music in front of more listeners and help you build momentum in your career.

Timing Your Releases

To maximize your chances of getting on Spotify playlists, consider launching singles to lead up to your main release. This gradual method keeps your audience engaged and helps build anticipation. 

Here's what I would suggest for a release schedule:

• Single 1: 4 months before album

• Single 2: 2 months before album

• Album: Release date

• Post-Release Singles: Monthly to maintain momentum

Releasing music on Fridays can also be advantageous, as Spotify updates popular playlists like New Music Friday, Discover Weekly, and Fresh Finds on this day. 

Your music distributor needs to have your tracks ready well in advance, ideally 4-6 weeks before your release date, to be eligible for these playlists.

Leveraging New Release Features

Spotify's new release features offer valuable opportunities

Spotify for Artists

Use the Spotify for Artists dashboard to submit your track for playlist consideration at least 7 days before the release to increase your chances of featuring in Spotify's algorithmically generated playlists.

Real-time Stats Tracking

Monitor stream counts in real-time within the first week of release via the Spotify for Artists app to gauge the immediate reception of your music.

By timing your releases strategically and using the tools Spotify provides, you can effectively place your music in front of a larger audience and accelerate your music career.

Conclusion

Leveraging Spotify playlists for promoting your music is a crucial step in advancing your music career in today's streaming-dominated music industry. 

Spotify offers a unique platform for independent artists to reach millions of music lovers worldwide, and getting featured on playlists is one of the best ways to gain exposure and grow your fan base. 

By understanding the intricacies of Spotify's playlist system and optimizing your Spotify artist profile, you can increase your chances of getting your music heard by the right people. 

Whether you're an emerging indie musician or a seasoned DIY artist, utilizing Spotify's playlist feature and engaging with Spotify users and curators is a great way to showcase your music and connect with your audience. 

We've outlined some great strategies in this article. Stay proactive in promoting your tracks, and you can position yourself for success and make the most out of Spotify's vast music ecosystem.

About the author

Tero Potila is a professional music composer and producer. His career combining knowledge and experience from music, TV, film, ad, and game industries gives him a unique perspective that he shares through posts on teropotila.com.