As a musician or label, getting on a Spotify playlist can be a game-changer for your exposure and streaming numbers. The good news is that getting on a playlist is not solely based on luck - the magic is in how you write your pitch. In this guide, we'll walk you through the steps of crafting a compelling pitch that catches the attention of Spotify curators and lands you a spot on their playlists. So whether you're just starting out or looking to expand your reach, read on to discover the secrets of getting on Spotify editorial playlists.
How To Create A Pitch
Submitting your music to Spotify's editorial team through Spotify for Artists is easy. First, log in to your Spotify for Artists account. Once you're in, navigate to the "Music" tab and select the track you want to submit for playlist consideration. On the track page, click the "Submit for playlist consideration" button, located next to the "Save" button.
Precursors
Before crafting a pitch to get on a Spotify editorial playlist, it is important to understand what they're looking for. The quality of your music, including the mix and originality, is crucial in attracting listeners and playlist curators. Your overall online presence, including blog posts, social media coverage, and online reputation, also plays a key role in being considered for a playlist. Additionally, save rates on your tracks and third-party playlist (more on that at the bottom) placements can help demonstrate the popularity and demand for your music. All of these factors contribute to making you a strong candidate for a Spotify editorial playlist and will make your pitch more appealing to curators.
It's also important to have your social media linked on your artist profile, as well as a detailed About section, and impressive artwork if possible.
Research
Before writing your editorial pitch, it's important to carefully consider which playlists, moods, instruments, and other criteria are the best fit for your music. This will help ensure that your pitch is targeted and relevant, increasing the chances of it being accepted.
Start by researching the different playlists on Spotify, paying attention to the theme, mood, and style of each playlist. Think about which playlists align with your music and target audience. Next, take a look at the instruments and other criteria that are listed, and consider how they apply to your music. This information will help you determine which playlists are the best fit for your pitch.
Selecting Genres/Moods
Before crafting your editorial pitch on Spotify, it's important to answer a series of questions about the genre, language, mood, themes, and instruments of your music. These questions help Spotify curators understand the specifics of your sound and determine if it's a good fit for their playlists.
Take time to carefully consider the genres, language, moods, themes, and instruments that best describe your music. Make sure your selections accurately reflect the unique elements of your sound. This information will be used to determine which playlists your music is a good fit for, so it's important to be as accurate and specific as possible.
It's better to be specific instead of broad here.
The Pitch Itself
One of the biggest challenges of crafting a pitch for Spotify's editorial team is the limited character count. With only a few hundred characters to work with, it's important to make every word count and clearly convey the key reasons why your music deserves a spot on a playlist. This requires a bit of strategy and careful editing, but with a bit of practice, you'll be able to write a pitch that effectively showcases your music and sets it apart from the competition.
When writing your pitch, focus on the unique aspects of your sound, your target audience, and why your music is a good fit for specific playlists. Use clear, concise language and avoid overly promotional or sales-y language. Highlight your achievements, such as chart positions or positive press coverage, but keep it brief and relevant. Your goal is to pique the interest of the Spotify curator and give them a clear understanding of what makes your music special.
It's also very important to save 30-50 characters to mention Editorial playlists your music relates to. You can use a tool like artist.tools to see every Editorial playlist in your genre.
Remember, a well-crafted pitch is an important first step in getting on a Spotify editorial playlist. Take your time and refine your pitch to make the most of the limited character count and increase your chances of success.
An Example
This is a pitch that landed an editorial placement in Spotify's 1,500,000-follower playlist "tear drop" and strong Radio/Discover Weekly support.
This is an artist who had very little online presence at the time of this pitch.
Gew up in Ridgefield, WA singing/producing from age 15. Last single “Another Life” had 24.8% save rate & premiered with Systemic Entertainment. Trying is a pop rap song about the difficulties & consequences of not being open with your significant other. Produced by Southern Beatz. Mktg: $250 in ads on pre-save + post-release, third party curator/blog push, lyric video + BTS release through Systemic on YT. Drew + Systemic are huge “tear drop” fans on Spotify.
Conclusion
In conclusion, getting on Spotify's editorial playlists can significantly boost your exposure and help you reach a wider audience. By following the tips outlined in this guide, including crafting a targeted and relevant pitch, selecting the right playlists, and answering questions about your music, you'll increase your chances of success and make your music more discoverable on Spotify.
Remember, the key to success is to make every word count and clearly convey the unique elements of your sound and why your music is a good fit for specific playlists. With a bit of strategy and practice, you can effectively showcase your music and reach new listeners on Spotify.
Footnote
Having a presence in third-party playlists can dramatically improve your odds of being put in a Spotify editorial playlist.
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