So you wanna get playlisted on Spotify, huh? I can only imagine myself applying for a membership in some club or the bouncer of which was an algorithm. You can be cueing at the bar ordering a drink and in a blink of an eye you are grooving with Drake or outside pondering if your music was too out there (read weird).
Here’s the real tea about getting playlisted on Spotify: it’s both easier and harder than you think. But don’t worry, I’m here to spill all the industry secrets, the good stuff, and the parts that’ll make you want to throw your laptop across the room.
The Golden Ticket: Editorial Playlists
It is time to begin with what probably remains the biggest and the most beloved – editorial playlists. These are selected with the help of actual editors employed at Spotify (there are some real people writing the description!). Getting on one of these things is like striking the music lotto ; instead of cash prizes, however, one is showered with streams, followers, and sufficient visibility so that one may be able to convince their parents that music is a real job.
How can you forget Lil Nas X’s story of how he rose to fame through the song ‘ Old Town Road’ that gained him entry into editorial playlist. That’s the dream, baby! But here is what they did not teach you: editorial curators are not leisurely waiting for your link to SoundCloud. Much as they are flooded with submissions, they do not want to see your track swim in that sea of oblivion.
The Reality Check: What Actually Works
Here’s where I have to be brutally honest (sorry not sorry). Getting playlisted on Spotify isn’t just about having good music. I know, shocking right? It’s about timing, strategy, and sometimes pure dumb luck.
As for an example, Billie Eilish did not né pop up today on Today’s Top Hits list. Her team knew that: release dates intentionally set, metadata filled out correctly, and most importantly, they used Spotify for Artists as if it is their place of work because it is).
The Submission Process: Not Rocket Science, But Close
When you’re trying to get playlisted on Spotify, the first step is actually the easiest: use Spotify for Artists to submit your unreleased track. You get one shot at this per release, so make it count. It’s like online dating – your bio better be good because swipe left is permanent.
Create a proposal that would persuade the targeted audience yet avoid using the conventional approach that we see from other companies. “This song is for fans of…” Zzzzz. I know you will be tempted to give a monotonous breakdown of the overview, the subsequent sections, and conclusion, so save me the time and wake me before you finish the list. It also offers a new way to think about why your specific music style matters in this world and Muslim society, in today’s context. What’s the story? What could be so special in this track among other 60 thousand pieces of music that are uploaded daily?
The Algorithmic Playlists: Your New Robot Friends
This is where it gets a bit Science Fiction and kicks into a dystopian kind of setting. Spotify uses a recommendation system similar to the tag ‘you might like this’ on facebook, which views all your activities. You are familiar with these playlist names – Release Radar, Discover Weekly, Radio – all these playlists are curated by Artificial Intelligence that scans music for DNA.
The secret to interacting with the algorithm is (4) Consistency. This is where the major difference is: artists like Russ had this into a longer time already – he was releasing songs on a weekly basis for years. This algorithm prefers activity, interaction, and the listeners who do not turn away after the first half a minute of the song.
Independent Curators: The Wild West
Now we enter controversial territory. The curators of independent playlists are among the biggest blessings or the biggest curses depending with whom you talk to. Some are true music lovers who have accrued many followers. There are people, who are running what I would like to refer to as ‘playlist farms’ – they buy fake streams and detrimental for everyone.
When approaching independent curators to get playlisted on Spotify, do your homework. Check their playlist engagement. Real playlists have active listeners, not just big numbers. I’ve seen playlists with 100k followers but zero saves – that’s fishier than a sushi restaurant in the desert.
The Dark Side: What Not to Do
Los Angeles the time has come to address the issue that’s been lurking in the hallway like an overactive tapeworm – Payola. Yes, the particular type of promo people are paying for is getting their songs into playlists. No, you shouldn’t do it. Spotify acting more vigilante than a parent who is trying to make sure that their child has not come home after the designated time.
Do you also recall when several popular playlists lost their playlists as a result of selling the placements? In the same vein, thousands of performers were terminated at a faster pace than one can easily utter “terms of service violation.” Don’t be that artist.
Building Your Own Empire
Here’s the plot twist nobody talks about: sometimes the best way to get playlisted on Spotify is to create your own playlists. Start small, be consistent, and actually curate good music (not just your own tracks on repeat).
Just look at what Alina Baraz was able to do – it simply created playlists with similar artists and became popular They already had a familiar face tapped on her music when she released her own music. Smart cookie.
The Long Game: Why Patience Isn’t Optional
If you’re expecting overnight success from getting playlisted on Spotify, I’ve got a bridge to sell you. This is a marathon, not a sprint. Even artists who seem to blow up overnight usually have years of groundwork behind them.
Pay much attention to who your readers are and establish good relations with them. Write a response, go on Facebook/Twitter, perform, or State your case for the relevance of concerts. The more real fans that you have then playlists shall follow suit.
The Future of Playlisting
This is such an evolving environment than perhaps a fashion change over the years 90’s. Spotify is always introducing different ways of recommendations, enhancing or modifying the rules of its application. What is relevant in writing today may not be relevant in the next year.
But here’s what won’t change: good music finds its audience. Polish your craft, understand the system, and be patient. Getting playlisted on Spotify is just one piece of the puzzle. The real goal? Creating music that matters to people.
Namely, each popular artist begins his or her musical path without a single stream. It shall come one day if you keep turning the wheel of creativity, and God forbid, never lose your USB drive with all your playlist.
Now go forth and be victorious against those playlists! And if you find my name in your Release Radar, you will know that I have also succeeded.
