Getting Your Music Helped: A Guide to Submitting Your Tracks to Spotify Playlists

As a musician, getting your music discovered by new fans is one of the most crucial steps to a successful music career. One effective way to increase your reach is by getting your tracks included on popular Spotify playlists. But with millions of songs on the platform, standing out from the crowd can be a daunting task. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of submitting your music to Spotify playlists and provide some valuable tips and FAQs to help you on your journey.

Why Should I Submit My Music to Spotify Playlists?

Spotify playlists are an incredibly powerful way to get your music in front of new listeners. Here are some reasons why submitting your music to playlists can help your music career:

1. Exposure: Getting your music included on a popular Spotify playlist can instantly increase your reach and expose your music to millions of users.
2. Discovery: Spotify playlists are an excellent way for new listeners to discover new music. Your tracks will be visible to listeners who are interested in the same genres and styles as your music.
3. Boost Your Ranking: Having your music featured on a Spotify playlist can also boost your track’s ranking on the platform, making it more likely to appear in search results and be discovered by listeners.
4. Grow Your Fanbase: By increasing your exposure, you’ll attract new fans and potentially grow your fanbase, which can lead to more gig opportunities, album sales, and more.

Who Should I Target?

There are two types of Spotify playlists you can submit your music to: Algorithmic playlists and Editorial playlists. Algorithmic playlists are curated based on user behavior, such as likes, plays, and searches, while Editorial playlists are curated by Spotify’s human curators, who have expert knowledge of music genres and styles.

1. Algorithmic Playlists: These playlists are a good target if your music is gaining popularity and is appealing to a large audience. Submit your music to playlists that cater to the genre or style of your music, such as New Music Friday or Discover Weekly.
2. Editorial Playlists: If your music has a niche audience or appeals to a specific segment of the market, editorial playlists might be a better fit. Look for playlists curated by industry experts or bloggers who share your music interests, such as Folktronica or Indie Pop.

How to Submit Your Music to Spotify Playlists

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to submit your music to Spotify playlists:

1. Check if Your Music is Eligible: Make sure your music is on Spotify and your profile is verified. Your track must be published and not explicitly marked as a "free sample" or "promotion only" track.
2. Identify Relevant Playlists: Use platforms like SubmitHub, Music Gateway, or Playlist Converter to find relevant playlists. You can also search on Spotify for playlists with a large number of followers or engagement.
3. Understand Playlist Rules: Research each playlist’s rules and requirements, such as format, genre, and duration limits. Ensure your track meets these requirements.
4. Submit Your Track: Use SubmitHub or other playlist submission platforms to submit your track. Provide clear and concise metadata, such as track title, artist name, and album artwork.
5. Wait and Follow Up: Wait for a response, usually within a few days or weeks. If your track is not accepted, consider re-submitting after 30 days.
6. Promote Your Music: Use social media to promote your submission and thank any playlist curators who accepted your track. This can help drive engagement and encourage more playlists to feature your music.

Tips and Best Practices

1. Keep it Simple: Make sure your metadata is accurate, concise, and easy to understand.
2. Consistency is Key: Use the same artist name, track title, and album artwork across all your submissions.
3. Playlists Are Subjective: Not all curators will accept your track. Don’t be discouraged by rejection.
4. Build Relationships: Engage with playlist curators and bloggers in your niche. Building relationships can lead to future collaborations and promotions.
5. Experiment and Adapt: Continuously test different playlists and track submissions. Adjust your strategy based on performance and feedback.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How long does it take for my music to be added to a Spotify playlist?

A: Submission to playlists is not guaranteed and may take several weeks or months.

Q: Can I submit my music to multiple playlists at once?

A: Yes, you can submit your music to multiple playlists simultaneously, but ensure each submission meets the specific playlist requirements.

Q: What is the best time to submit my music to Spotify playlists?

A: The best time to submit your music depends on the playlist’s target audience. For popular playlists, submitting your music during peak hours (usually 3-5 PM EST) might be more effective.

Q: Can I ask a Spotify curator to feature my music on a playlist?

A: No, do not directly contact a Spotify curator. Instead, follow the official playlist submission channels.

Q: How can I track the performance of my tracks on Spotify playlists?

A: Use tools like Spotify Analytics or Hopper HQ to monitor your track’s performance and track engagement on the platform.

Q: Are there any playlist submission services that guarantee acceptance?

A: No, there are no guarantees of acceptance with playlist submission services. Some services may have high success rates, but success depends on your music quality, competition, and the playlist’s editorial preferences.

In conclusion, getting your music included on popular Spotify playlists is an effective way to increase your exposure and attract new fans. By understanding the benefits, targeting relevant playlists, and following a clear submission strategy, you’ll increase your chances of success. Remember to be patient, adapt your strategy, and continuously engage with your audience.