How to Pitch a Song to Spotify Playlists: Tips for Artists

Introduction

With more than 248 million monthly active users, Spotify is one of the most popular streaming platforms today. For artists, getting a song featured on one of Spotify’s curated playlists can be a great way to reach new listeners and boost their career. But how do you go about pitching a song to a playlist? In this article, we’ll explore how you can increase your chances of getting your song on a Spotify playlist.

Definition of Spotify Playlists

Spotify playlists are collections of songs that have been carefully selected by Spotify curators or algorithm-based computers. They can range from narrowly focused playlists such as “90s Hip Hop” to broader genre-based playlists like “Indie Pop”. Each playlist has its own distinct sound, and Spotify curators are constantly on the lookout for fresh new tracks to add to their playlists.

Overview of Problem

The competition for getting songs onto Spotify playlists can be fierce. According to a study by ReverbNation, only 1% of independent artists make it onto major Spotify playlists. That means that 99% of artists are struggling to get their music heard. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to increase your chances of success.

Research the Playlist Curators

Before submitting your song, it’s important to do some research on the people who create and manage the playlists. The biggest playlists are usually managed by experienced music industry professionals, so you should take the time to familiarize yourself with their work. You can find out who is responsible for a particular playlist by looking at the “About” section of the playlist page.

Reach Out to Playlist Curators

Once you know who is running the playlist, you can reach out to them directly. Many Spotify curators are open to hearing pitches from artists, and they may even be willing to provide feedback on your songs. It’s also important to be aware of any submission guidelines the curator has set. Some curators prefer to receive submissions via email, while others may require you to use a specific form.

Research their Playlists

Take the time to listen to the playlists to get a better understanding of the type of music the curator typically adds. This will give you a better idea of what kind of song would be a good fit for the playlist. You should also read the playlist’s description to get an idea of the mood, themes, and tone the curator is looking for.

Create a Professional Pitch

When you’re ready to submit your song, create a professional pitch that includes all of the necessary information about the artist and the song. Make sure to include a brief description of the track, its genre, and any other relevant details. Explain why the song is a good fit for the playlist and why it would appeal to the audience.

Build a Relationship with the Curator

Once you’ve sent your pitch, don’t just sit back and wait. Reach out to the curator and start a conversation. Thank them for their work and show your appreciation for their efforts. If the curator is open to feedback, offer your thoughts on their playlists and suggest ways they could improve them.

Use Social Media

Social media can be a powerful tool for promoting your song and generating interest in it. Post snippets of the song on Instagram and Twitter, and use appropriate hashtags to draw attention to it. You can also use social media to share news and updates about the track and engage with potential fans.

Leverage Other Playlists

In addition to submitting your song to major playlists, you should also consider submitting it to smaller, lesser-known playlists. These playlists may not have as large of an audience, but they can still be a great way to get exposure for your song. And if you’re successful in getting your song on a few of these playlists, you can use those successes to leverage your way into larger playlists.

Conclusion

Getting your song featured on a Spotify playlist isn’t easy, but it’s not impossible either. By researching the playlist curators, creating a professional pitch, building relationships, using social media, and leveraging other playlists, you can increase your chances of success. With hard work and dedication, you can get your song heard by millions of listeners on Spotify.