When it comes to indie music artists breaking into the music scene, it can really be hard these days. So many new songs hit Spotify every day. Numbers show up to 100,000 tracks being uploaded daily. In that kind of environment, It’s really tough for indie artists to get noticed. But here’s a cool trick: being featured on popular Spotify playlists.
I remember when making a playlist meant burning a CD or making a mixtape. Now it’s this whole different game. Playlists aren’t just random song lists anymore; they’re like carefully designed soundtracks for our lives.
It’s kinda crazy to think about, but playlists pretty much control what most people hear now. They shape the trends, make or break new artists, and even influence how music gets made.
I’ve got playlists for everything—working out, chilling with friends, long drives. It’s like having a personal DJ for every mood or situation. I am pretty sure you can actually find a playlist for literally anything. Studying for exams? There’s a playlist. Breakup blues? Yep, got that covered, too. A playlist that Jacob Anderson used to get into the character of Louis de Pointe du Lac? Got two of them, actually!
Knowing this, it’s easy to conclude that playlists could really be very useful for artists. Especially playlists like Spotify editorial playlists. Spotify’s own music experts put them together. If you get on one, your song could really take off. It’s a great way to get more streams and fans.
Spotify editorial playlists are super important for finding new music and helping artists grow. I’ll show you how to get featured on Spotify playlists. We’ll talk about what they are, how to pitch your music, and what to do if you make it.
What Are Editorial Playlists on Spotify?
So, what are Spotify editorial playlists? They’re song collections made by Spotify’s music team. They show off the best tunes in different styles and moods.
Getting on these playlists can change everything. You’ll get way more streams and new listeners. Your song might even go viral! Especially for indie artists—it’s a huge opportunity.
Popular editorial playlists like “New Music Friday” or “RapCaviar” have tons of followers. If you’re on one, you’re in the big leagues. It’s not easy, but it’s worth trying. The benefits of Spotify editorial playlists for music promotion are undeniable.
Understanding the Playlist Ecosystem
Before we jump into strategy, let’s talk about the different types of Spotify playlists you’ll run into:
- Spotify Editorial Playlists: These are the holy grail, curated by Spotify’s own team. If you land on one of these, you’re looking at a serious boost in listeners.
- User-Generated Playlists: Don’t sleep on these! Regular Spotify users create them, and if they blow up, they can be a goldmine for exposure.
- Branded Playlists: Think of these as playlists with a corporate twist. They might not pack the punch of editorial lists, but they can open some interesting doors for promo.
Preparing Your Music for Submission
Before you send your music to playlist makers, make sure it’s really good. Your songs need to sound great. Get them professionally made if you can. They should be as good as other top songs.
Don’t forget the small stuff. Get your song info right. This helps playlist people find your music. Also, make a cool cover picture. A great image can make people want to listen.
Think of it like this: Good song info is like a neat desk. It makes things easier for playlist makers. And a cool cover picture? That’s what makes them want to press play.
Remember, every little bit helps. Make your music the best it can be before you share it. You never know who might hear it!
Strategies for Getting Featured
So, you want to land on a Spotify editorial playlist? It’s not just about luck—you’ve gotta have a game plan.
Make the Most of Your Spotify Artist Profile
First things first, jazz up that Spotify artist profile. Think of it as your music resume—keep it fresh, throw in some amazing photos, and link up your socials. Trust me, a slick profile tells curators you mean business.
Submit Your Track to Spotify Playlist Editors
Now, here’s where the magic happens—Spotify for Artists. This tool is your ticket to pitching directly to the editorial team. Let me walk you through it the way Spotify editors prefer:
- Log in to Spotify for Artists. This is the home base for all things playlist pitching.
- Got new tunes? Hit up the “PITCH FROM NEXT RELEASE” button on your Home tab. Or, if you’re on the web, check out the Music tab under “Upcoming.”
Pro tip: the more info you give them, the better your chances.
- Time to submit! Get your track in at least a week before release. Remember, it’s one song at a time, and it’s gotta be a new release—no compilations or features.
While Waiting, Know This
Wanna tweak your pitch? You can, right up until release day. But heads up, there’s no guarantee they’ll catch those last-minute changes.
If you can, pin that pitched song to your “This Is” playlist. It’s a great way to highlight your new track, especially in those crucial first four weeks.
After your song drops, keep an eye on that Playlists tab in Spotify for Artists. They’ll shoot you an email if you make the cut. But don’t sweat it if you don’t hear back right away—sometimes it takes a while to get noticed.
Oh, and don’t forget the power of networking. Hit up those industry events, chat with influencers, and team up with other artists. The more connections you make, the better your chances of landing those sweet playlist spots.
Here’s the thing about playlists—they’re always changing. Some get updated weekly, others daily. So, if you snag a spot, it might not be forever. The key is to time it right and make sure your tunes fit the vibe of the playlist you’re aiming for.
Promoting After Placement
Nice job getting on a playlist! But don’t stop there. Check out your stats on Spotify for Artists. Look at your streams and who’s listening. See how long people play your songs and how many save them. This stuff tells you what’s working.
If one type of song does well, maybe make more like that. Use what you learn to get better. It’s all about finding the right fans.
Making friends with playlist makers is smart. They get tons of messages, so make yours stand out. Be nice and show why your music is special. Don’t send the same message to everyone. That’s a quick way to get ignored.
Spotify’s great, but don’t forget other music apps. Try Apple Music, Amazon Music, and YouTube too. Put some songs only on one app to get people talking. Then use that to get more Spotify fans.
Playlists are always changing. Now there are super specific ones and ones that mix genres. It’s a cool way to find fans who really like your style.
Remember, it’s all about getting your music out there. Keep trying new things and see what works for you!
Conclusion
Spotify editorial playlists are super important for artists. They can really help you get more fans.
First, you gotta make sure your music is really good. Then you need to fix up your Spotify profile and properly follow all the steps that will make pitching your music to Spotify editors a successful journey. If you do get on a playlist, tell everyone! I mean everyone, because the work of promoting your music has only begun!
Oh, and if you figure out any good tricks or success stories, share them! We’re all in this together. Music’s tough enough as it is. Might as well help each other out. Good luck!