There are different types of playlists on Spotify. If we classify them by who creates them, we find algorithmic playlists (split into random and personalised), independent curators, editorial, artists, brands, one or more users, and record labels.
Spotify playlists and how to get on them:
- Request access at https://artists.spotify.com/ or through the Spotify for Artists app.
- Keep your profile up to date and complete.
- Be active: release singles or EPs consistently.
- Make songs with quality mixing and mastering.
- Collaborate with more established artists.
- Try contacting curators directly or join a forum for curators and artists (for example SubmitHub). You can find independent curators on Spotify playlists: look for the ones that suit your style, as many include their contact details in the description.
- Use Spotify Analytics to track your growth.
- Make songs that grab attention within the first 30 seconds and include stand-out elements of a style.
What is a Spotify pitch?
The pitch is the process of presenting your new songs to editors so they can add them to a playlist that fits. Since 2018 anyone with Spotify for Artists can do it, once the song has been uploaded to Spotify but not yet released.
How do you pitch on Spotify?
1. Log in to Spotify for Artists: any artist with an aggregator, distributor or record label can access it.
2. Pitch your music: go to “Home” in the top menu, where you will be prompted to pitch if you have new music, or go to the “Music” tab and click “Upcoming”. Choose the song and click “Pitch a song”.
2.1 Fill in all the requested information as accurately as possible. As a tip, fill in the form in English and don’t skip any field.
2.2 Check that all the information is correct: you can edit it under “Upcoming Releases”, but once the editors have read it they are unlikely to pick up the changes.
2.3 Finish the pitch: click “Next” and, when everything is ready, click “Pitch” to send the request.
3. Be patient: if your song makes it onto a playlist, you will receive an email from Spotify letting you know, or you can check in the “Playlists” section of your Spotify for Artists, where you can copy a unique link to share on your social media.
IMPORTANT
For Diskover to send your song’s pitch directly to the editors, in addition to pitching it yourself you need to fill in the following form: https://diskover.co/pitch-request
Even so, don’t be discouraged if your song doesn’t get placed: at least Spotify makes sure to add it to your fans’ Release Radar playlists. And keep trying with every new release. Good luck!
Warnings:
- Going through this process does not guarantee your track will get onto a Spotify curated playlist.
- The song must be your own and unreleased.
- New playlists and artists usually try their luck on local playlists first.
- Spotify editors prefer original singles to remixes.
- Only one single can be pitched per release.
- Getting onto playlists depends on the editors’ criteria, and payment is forbidden.
- Manage your timing: allow at least a month from delivering the song to the distributor until release day.
- You should pitch as early as possible, and at the latest one week before release.
