Introduction
Why getting on Spotify playlists is important
Getting on Spotify playlists is crucial for any artist or band looking to gain exposure and grow their fanbase. With over 345 million active users, Spotify is one of the largest music streaming platforms in the world. Being featured on a popular playlist can lead to thousands, if not millions, of streams and new listeners. Additionally, being on a playlist can increase the chances of being discovered by curators, industry professionals, and potential collaborators. In short, getting on Spotify playlists can be a game-changer for any artist’s career.
How playlists can help you gain exposure and increase streams
Playlists are an essential tool for artists looking to gain exposure and increase streams on Spotify. With over 2 billion playlists on the platform, there is a vast audience waiting to discover new music. Getting your music featured on a popular playlist can lead to a significant increase in streams and followers. Additionally, playlists can help you reach new audiences and connect with fans who may not have discovered your music otherwise. By understanding how playlists work and how to get your music featured on them, you can take advantage of this powerful tool to grow your fanbase and increase your streams on Spotify.
Step 1: Optimize Your Profile
Make sure your artist profile is complete
Having a complete artist profile is crucial to getting on Spotify playlists. This means filling out all the necessary information, including a bio, profile picture, and social media links. It’s also important to have high-quality images and a professional-looking profile. This will help you stand out to curators and potential fans. Additionally, make sure to keep your profile up to date with new releases and tour dates. A complete and active profile shows that you are serious about your music career and can increase your chances of getting on playlists.
Use high-quality images and graphics
When it comes to getting on Spotify playlists, visuals matter just as much as the music itself. Using high-quality images and graphics can make your profile and tracks more visually appealing, which can increase your chances of being added to playlists. Make sure to use images that are clear, eye-catching, and relevant to your music. You can also create custom graphics or album art that reflects your brand and style. By investing time and effort into your visuals, you can make a strong first impression and stand out from the competition.
Write a compelling bio
Your bio is your chance to tell your story and connect with potential listeners. It should be concise, engaging, and highlight what makes you unique as an artist. Start with a brief introduction and then dive into your background, influences, and creative process. Don’t be afraid to inject some personality and humor into your bio, but make sure it still feels professional. Remember, the goal is to make listeners want to learn more about you and your music. Once you have a solid bio, make sure to include it on all of your social media profiles and website.
Link your social media accounts
Linking your social media accounts to your Spotify profile is an essential step in getting on Spotify playlists. By doing so, you can increase your visibility and reach a wider audience. When you link your social media accounts, your followers can see what you’re listening to on Spotify, and you can share your playlists and tracks with them. Additionally, linking your social media accounts can help you connect with other artists and music industry professionals, which can lead to more opportunities for playlist placements and collaborations. So, make sure to link your social media accounts to your Spotify profile and keep them updated with your latest music and activities.
Step 2: Build Your Own Playlists
Create playlists that showcase your music
Creating playlists that showcase your music is a great way to get noticed by Spotify curators and potential fans. Make sure your playlist has a clear theme or mood that aligns with your music style. Include your own tracks along with other artists that have a similar sound or vibe. Collaborate with other musicians and feature their music on your playlist, which can lead to them reciprocating and featuring your music on their playlists. Keep your playlist updated with fresh tracks and engage with your listeners by asking for feedback and suggestions. This will help you build a loyal fan base and increase your chances of getting added to more Spotify playlists.
Include other artists in your playlists
Including other artists in your playlists is a great way to increase your chances of getting on Spotify playlists. When you add tracks from other artists, they may notice and add your music to their own playlists. This can lead to more exposure and potentially more followers. Additionally, featuring other artists in your playlists can help you build relationships with them and potentially lead to collaborations in the future. Just be sure to only include artists whose music fits well with your own and who you genuinely enjoy listening to.
Share your playlists on social media
Sharing your playlists on social media is a great way to increase their visibility and potentially get them added to more Spotify playlists. When sharing your playlists, be sure to include a catchy description and relevant hashtags to make them more discoverable. You can also tag artists or influencers who are featured on the playlist to increase the chances of them sharing it with their followers. Additionally, consider joining Facebook groups or subreddits related to the genre of music on your playlist and sharing it there. Just be sure to follow the group’s rules and guidelines to avoid being seen as spammy. Overall, sharing your playlists on social media can be a powerful tool in getting your music heard by a wider audience.
Step 3: Research Relevant Playlists
Find playlists that fit your genre and style
Once you have identified your genre and style, it’s time to find playlists that fit your music. You can start by searching for playlists on Spotify using keywords related to your genre or style. You can also use third-party websites and tools like PlaylistPush, SubmitHub, and Chartmetric to find relevant playlists and curators. It’s important to note that you should only submit your music to playlists that are a good fit for your sound and style. Don’t waste your time and effort submitting to playlists that don’t match your music, as this will only hurt your chances of getting on playlists in the future.
Look for playlists with a large number of followers
Once you have identified playlists that are relevant to your music genre, it’s important to look for playlists with a large number of followers. These playlists have a wider reach and can potentially expose your music to a larger audience. You can use Spotify’s search function to find popular playlists or browse through the “Browse” section to discover new playlists. Additionally, you can use third-party websites such as PlaylistPush or SubmitHub to find playlists with a large following and submit your music for consideration. However, keep in mind that these services may require a fee or commission for their services.
Identify the curators of these playlists
Once you have found the playlists that are relevant to your music, it’s time to identify the curators of these playlists. Curators are the people who create and manage the playlists on Spotify. They are the gatekeepers who decide which songs get added to their playlists. To find the curators, you can start by looking at the playlist description or title. Some curators include their contact information in the playlist description, such as their email or social media handles. You can also search for the curator’s name on social media or Google to find their contact information. Once you have identified the curators, you can start reaching out to them to pitch your music.
Step 4: Reach Out to Playlist Curators
Craft a personalized message to the curator
Crafting a personalized message to the curator is a crucial step in getting on Spotify playlists. It shows that you have taken the time to research the curator and their playlist, and that you genuinely believe your music would be a good fit. Start by addressing the curator by name and thanking them for their time and consideration. Be sure to mention specific tracks or aspects of your music that you think would resonate with their audience. Keep your message concise and to the point, and avoid using generic language or copy-pasting the same message to multiple curators. Remember, curators receive countless submissions every day, so making a genuine connection can go a long way in getting your music noticed.
Include a brief introduction and your music
When submitting your music to Spotify curators, it’s important to include a brief introduction about yourself and your music. This can help the curators get a better understanding of who you are as an artist and what your music is all about. Your introduction should be concise and to the point, highlighting your unique sound and any notable achievements or accolades you’ve received. Additionally, make sure to include links to your social media profiles and website so that curators can easily access more information about you and your music. Remember, first impressions are everything, so make sure your introduction is compelling and showcases your best work.
Explain why your music would be a good fit for their playlist
When pitching your music to Spotify playlist curators, it’s important to explain why your music would be a good fit for their playlist. This means doing your research and understanding the style, genre, and mood of the playlist you’re targeting. You should also highlight any unique aspects of your music that make it stand out and align with the playlist’s theme. For example, if you’re pitching a playlist that focuses on indie rock, you could explain how your music incorporates elements of alternative and folk, making it a perfect fit for the playlist’s diverse range of sounds. Ultimately, the key is to demonstrate that your music not only fits the playlist’s criteria but also adds value to the listener’s experience.
Provide links to your music and social media accounts
When providing links to your music and social media accounts, it’s important to make sure they are easily accessible and up-to-date. Include links to your Spotify artist profile, as well as any other streaming platforms where your music is available. Additionally, provide links to your website and social media accounts such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. This will allow curators to easily access your music and learn more about you as an artist. Keep in mind that having a strong online presence can increase your chances of being discovered and added to playlists.
Step 5: Follow Up and Track Your Progress
Send a follow-up message if you don’t hear back
If you don’t hear back from the playlist curator after a week or two, it’s okay to send a follow-up message. Keep it polite and professional, and don’t be pushy. Simply remind them of your previous message and express your continued interest in being featured on their playlist. It’s possible that they may have missed your initial message or forgotten to respond, so a gentle reminder can be helpful. However, if you still don’t receive a response after your follow-up message, it’s best to move on and focus on other playlist opportunities.
Track your progress and adjust your strategy as needed
Once you start pitching your music to Spotify playlists, it’s important to track your progress and adjust your strategy accordingly. Keep track of which playlists you’ve submitted to, which ones have added your music, and which ones have not. This will help you identify patterns and adjust your approach as needed. For example, if you notice that your music is consistently being rejected by certain curators, you may need to reevaluate your pitch or focus on building relationships with different curators. On the other hand, if you’re seeing success with certain playlists, you may want to prioritize pitching to similar ones in the future. By tracking your progress and adjusting your strategy, you can increase your chances of getting on more Spotify playlists and reaching a wider audience.
Celebrate your successes and keep pushing forward
Once you start getting added to Spotify playlists, it’s important to celebrate your successes and use them as motivation to keep pushing forward. Share your playlist placements on social media and thank the curators who added you. This not only shows gratitude but also helps to build relationships with curators who may add you to future playlists. Keep promoting your music and engaging with your fans to increase your chances of getting added to more playlists. Remember, getting added to playlists is a continuous process, so don’t get discouraged if you don’t see immediate results. Keep working hard and eventually, your efforts will pay off.
Conclusion
Getting on Spotify playlists takes time and effort
It’s important to remember that getting on Spotify playlists is not an overnight process. It takes time and effort to build relationships with curators, create high-quality music, and promote your music effectively. It’s also important to be patient and persistent, as it may take several attempts before your music is added to a playlist. However, with dedication and hard work, getting on Spotify playlists can be a great way to increase your exposure and grow your fanbase.
But with the right strategy, it can be a game-changer for your music career
With over 345 million active users, Spotify is undoubtedly one of the most popular music streaming platforms in the world. Getting your music on Spotify playlists can be a game-changer for your music career, as it can help you reach a wider audience and gain more exposure. However, it’s not easy to get on Spotify playlists, especially if you’re an independent artist. That’s why having the right strategy is crucial. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can increase your chances of getting on Spotify playlists and take your music career to the next level.
