Video Tutorial:
Background:
With the rise of streaming services, Spotify has become one of the most popular platforms for music lovers around the world. The key to success on Spotify is getting your music onto playlists. Playlists can not only help you increase your audience, but also improve the chances of your music being discovered organically. In this blog post, we are going to explore several methods that can help you get your band on Spotify playlists.
What’s Needed:
Before we dive into the methods, there are a few things you need to have in place:
- Your band’s music on Spotify
- Your band’s profile on Spotify
- A clear understanding of your target audience and their interests
- A well-crafted press release or pitch
- Good public relations skills
What requires your attention is…?
Getting onto playlists is a competitive process, and not everyone will succeed. One of the things that require your attention is the quality of your music. You need to make sure that you have great-sounding recordings and that your music stands out from the competition. Also, knowing your audience and connecting with them through social media is vital. You need to build a following to show Spotify curators that your music has a fanbase that they can tap into.
Method 1: Submit Your Music to Spotify’s Editorial Team
The first method to get your band on Spotify playlists is to submit your music to Spotify’s editorial team. Spotify has a dedicated editorial team that creates and curates playlists. These playlists range from genre-specific playlists to mood-based playlists. If your music matches the theme or genre of their curated playlist, your chances of getting featured are considerable. Here is a step-by-step guide on submitting your music for consideration:
- Log in to Spotify for Artists or sign up if you haven’t.
- Click on ‘Get Started’.
- Choose the unreleased song or album you’d like to pitch.
- Enter the song or album title and the planned release date.
- Select the genres that apply to your music.
- Type in what makes this release different or noteworthy.
- Click the send button to complete the submission.
Pros:
- This method puts you directly in front of Spotify’s editorial team.
- It’s free, and anyone can submit.
Cons:
- It’s highly competitive and selective.
- You’re not guaranteed a placement on a playlist.
Method 2: Connect with Independent Playlist Curators
The second method is to connect with independent playlist curators. They are not affiliated with Spotify, but they have a considerable following and can help drive streams and gain exposure. Here are the steps to connecting with independent playlist curators:
- Research suitable playlist curators for your genre.
- Find their contact information, usually available on their profile or social media account.
- Write a personalized pitch or press release, including links to your music.
- Send the pitch/press release to the curators you have researched.
- Follow up on your pitch to demonstrate your enthusiasm and build a relationship.
Pros:
- Independent playlist curators have the ability to drive streams and gain exposure.
- It can be a more targeted approach for reaching your audience.
Cons:
- You will need to do research to find suitable curators.
- Connecting with curators may take time and a good relationship.
Method 3: Use Social Media to Reach Your Audience
The third method is to use social media to reach your audience. Spotify provides you with the ability to share your music and playlists directly with your fans. Here are the steps to reaching your audience on social media:
- Create playlists on Spotify that match your audience’s music preferences
- Share your playlists and music on your social media platforms, concentrate on your core audience.
- Encourage your fans to follow you on your Spotify artist page
- Create engaging content, use social media to build a relationship with your fans.
- Collaborate with influencers in your niche to reach a larger audience.
Pros:
- Social media offers a direct connection with your audience.
- The promotion through social media is usually free of charge.
Cons:
- Building your audience on Spotify can be challenging if you don’t have a consistent strategy.
- It requires an investment in time to create engaging content, and consistency is necessary.
Method 4: Hire a Professional Music Publicist
The final method is to hire a professional music publicist. A publicist can help get your band on Spotify playlists through press release distribution, media outreach, networking and pitching to independent curators. Here are the steps to hire a music publicist:
- Research several music publicists and evaluate their experience and knowledge of your genre.
- Request a quote from the publicist you have chosen.
- Answer the publicist’s questions and provide information about your band/music.
- Work with the publicist to develop a pitch and press release that tells your story and gets you noticed.
- Be prepared to follow up with potential curators and the media contacts to secure placements on curated playlists.
Pros:
- A professional music publicist has connections and expertise in the industry.
- The publicist can handle the pitching and media outreach for you.
Cons:
- Hiring a professional music publicist can be expensive.
- There’s no guarantee that your music will be featured on a playlist.
Why Can’t I Get on Spotify Playlists?
Knowing why you can’t seem to get on Spotify playlists can help you identify the areas that need improvement. Here are a few possible reasons why your music is not making the cut:
- Your music is not a good fit for the playlist.
- Your profile on Spotify is not complete or attractive.
- You don’t have enough followers or plays.
Fixes:
- Study the playlists you want to feature on and adjust your music accordingly.
- Fill out your profile on Spotify accurately and professionally.
- Build a following through social media promotion, live performances and utilizing your mailing list.
Implications and Recommendations
Getting your band on Spotify playlists requires solid preparation, research, and determination. The methods mentioned in this blog post all have their strengths and weaknesses, but by combining them, you can increase your chances of success. Here are a few recommendations for getting on Spotify playlists:
- Be creative and strategic with your promotion and targeting, rather than following the crowd blindly.
- Utilize social media connections to network with other music industry professionals.
- Make the most out of your networking – once you’ve connected with a relevant contact or influencer, keep in touch.
- Be consistent with your promotion and audience-building efforts.
FAQS
Q: How long does it take to receive a response from Spotify’s editorial team?
A: The response time will vary depending on the team’s workload, but it can take up to a few weeks to hear back. If you haven’t heard back after a month, follow up with them.
Q: Can you submit multiple songs to the same playlist using Method 1?
A: No, you can only submit one song per playlist.
Q: Can I pay playlist curators to get placement on their playlists?
A: It is not advisable to pay curators for playlist placement. Spotify has strict rules against pay-to-play, and it could harm your reputation in the industry.
Q: How important is the number of plays on my tracks for playlist placement?
A: The number of plays helps curators gauge your popularity, but it doesn’t always guarantee playlist placement.
Q: How much does it cost to hire a music publicist?
A: Hiring a music publicist cost can vary widely, depending on their experience, track record, and your goals. Expect to pay anywhere from $1000 to $3000 or more.
Conclusion
Getting your band on Spotify playlists is a critical part of increasing your audience and gaining exposure. Whether you choose to submit directly to the editorial team or work with independent playlist curators, it’s important to remember that it’s a competitive process. By following the methods outlined in this blog post, being strategic and creative with your promotion, and remaining consistent, you can increase your chances of success on Spotify.