As an artist, playlists are your secret weapon when used strategically. Today, playlists are a market and getting on a playlist can cost you a lot, plus there are a lot of playlists who are fueled with bot traffic - not really your ideal fans (unless you release AI music maybe). These aren't just casual listeners; we're talking about music enthusiasts who are passionate about discovering new sounds in specific genres or moods. Spotify playlist pitching can be through a variety of tools such as Submit Hub or directly through Spotify for editorial playlist placements.

What many musicians don't realize is that Spotify's approach to music discovery is more sophisticated. The platform employs a multifaceted recommendation system that is based on many variables.To start, let’s consider playlist features as part of a very cohesive strategy. Press coverage and social media mentions can enhance Spotify features, creating a mutually beneficial cycle. While streaming statistics are not the sole metric of success in the music industry, strong numbers and prominent playlist placements can significantly boost discovery by labels, agents, publishers, journalists, and new fans.

But how can I get my music featured on a Spotify playlist?

A. Get verified
Getting verified as an artist on Spotify is a straightforward process. If you haven't done it yet, DistroKid offers free Spotify for Artists verification when you use their distribution service. The verification checkmark next to your name signifies your legitimacy and offers several advantages:

• Control over your artist page → http://artists.spotify.com
• Access to extensive fan insights
• The ability to pitch your songs directly to Spotify’s editorial team for playlist consideration

The checkmark next to your name signifies your legitimacy and provides several benefits:

• Grants you control over your artist page
• Provides access to fan insights
• Allows you to pitch your songs directly to Spotify’s editorial team for playlist consideration

B. Be Active on Spotify
While getting featured on popular editorial playlists is a common goal for many artists, algorithmic playlists generate a significant number of listens. The more active you are on Spotify, the greater your chances of being noticed by both human curators and the algorithm.
Regularly release new music, even if it's just singles, and focus on promoting your artist page to build your Spotify following. This will ensure your new tracks appear in your followers' 'Release Radar'. Enhance your songs' appeal by creating short looping videos with Canvas.
Spotify's algorithm favors artists who bring listeners to their platform. Promote your artist page and encourage pre-saves of upcoming releases through all available channels, including your music website, social media, fan newsletters, email signatures, and live shows.

C. Craft an Engaging Pitch for Independent Curators
First, allocate some time for listening and research. Look for independently curated playlists that suit your music well. Identify the creators of these playlists (the username is listed at the top, under the playlist title and description) and check if they accept pitches.
If you have connections with publicists, managers, label executives, or other industry professionals who know relevant curators, leverage those relationships. If not, find the contact information for curators accepting submissions and build a rapport with them through social media. Write each curator a personalized pitch detailing why your song would be an ideal fit for their playlist.
The approach should be similar to pitching music journalists, talent buyers, or other industry contacts. Consider their perspective and why they should be interested in your message from an unknown artist. Clearly outline the benefits for them. Demonstrate your authenticity and that you've genuinely listened to their playlist. Keep your message concise but specific about your request. Describe the mood, vibe, or activity your song complements to make it easy for them to say "yes."

D. Pitch Your New Music Directly to Spotify’s Editorial Team
Once you have a verified Spotify for Artists account, you can utilize Spotify's official and complimentary process to submit your unreleased song for playlist consideration.
Importantly, regardless of whether your song is chosen for an editorial playlist, submitting ensures it will be added to your followers' 'Release Radar' playlists. This inclusion sends positive signals to the algorithm, potentially boosting your visibility and reach on the platform.

• Submitting your song early is crucial. Aim to pitch it at least one week before its release date, with multiple weeks in advance being optimal, giving editors ample time to review it.
• Ensure your song has high production value; this is a significant factor in playlist consideration. Complete every part of the submission form thoroughly and accurately. Details about your track's mood and genre are particularly important as they guide the submission to the right editors.
• Emphasize context and community. Spotify's playlist editors value the full story behind your song—provide details on who, what, why, when, where, and how it came to be.
• Share any notable press coverage, music video plans, gigs and promotions.
• Context is key alongside your music, so make sure to highlight any interesting stories or background that could enhance their understanding and interest in your submission.
• If your song is selected, Spotify will notify you via email. Additionally, you can monitor the 'Playlists' tab in Spotify for Artists to view all the playlists where your song has been included.

And don't forget: If you secure a playlist feature, regardless of its size, maximize its impact by spreading the news across all your platforms. Express gratitude to the curator to show your appreciation.

If you haven't yet gained traction with playlist features, stay focused and patient. Building genuine buzz and refining your craft takes time. Remember, playlisting is just one facet of your broader music marketing strategy. Consistently maintain your online presence and invest in comprehensive digital marketing efforts—all of which contribute valuable data to Spotify's algorithm.