Getting your music on popular playlists on Spotify and Apple Music can be one of the most effective ways to reach new listeners and grow your fanbase. However, it requires a targeted strategy and some know-how to increase your chances of success. Here’s a guide on how to best pitch your music to playlists.
1. Pitch directly to Spotify and Apple Music
Spotify for Artists
Spotify offers a feature where you can submit your songs directly to their editorial team via your Spotify for Artists account. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
Log in to Spotify for Artists from your computer.
Under the tab"Music" you can see your upcoming releases.
Select the track you want to submit and fill out the form. The more information you provide about your song(genre, mood, audience), the better chance editors will have of matching your music with the right playlist.
Make sure to submit at least 7 days before the release date.
Apple Music for Artists
Apple Music works a bit differently, as they don’t have the same public pitch function as Spotify. However, there are still steps you can take to increase your chances of being featured on one of their playlists:
Verify your profile on Apple Music for Artists. This can only be done once you have at least one song released on the platform.
Build your follower base on Apple Music and promote your profile via social media.
Release music regularly and spend time improving your visibility on the platform.
2. Contact third-party curators
In addition to pitching to official playlists, you can also target third-party curators who have their own user-generated playlists. These playlists may have fewer followers than the big official ones, but often the listeners on niche playlists are more engaged and loyal.
To find these curators, you can search for playlists within your genre on Spotify and try to locate the contact information of the people behind them. When contacting them, first build a relationship – for example, by engaging with their content and showing that you are a fan of their work. Once the connection is established, you can softly introduce your music and ask if they are interested in listening.
3. Be professional and personal
When pitching your music to a playlist, it’s important to be personal and professional. Make sure to include a short story about your track or album – what is it about? Are there any exciting collaborators on the project? The more context you can provide about you and your career, the better.
4. Create a strong EPK
An Electronic Press Kit(EPK) is essential when contacting playlist curators. It helps establish your professionalism and gives the curator all the necessary information in one place. A good EPK should include links to your music, press photos, audience statistics, social media, and relevant news about you.
5. Pitch in good time and be patient
Pitch your music in good time – preferably several weeks before the release date. Remember that results can take time, and you won’t always get a spot on a playlist immediately. But if you keep working diligently and building relationships with curators, you can slowly begin to see your streams grow.
Conclusion
Getting your music on playlists requires strategy and patience, but it’s one of the most effective ways to gain exposure. Make sure to refine your pitch and build relationships with playlist curators to maximize your chances of success.
About Jules Wolfson
CEO at BeMajor and Nexus Music
Jules Wolfson is a Danish record producer, songwriter, and music executive active since 2001. He's earned over 150 gold and platinum certifications, multiple Danish Music Awards, and collaborated with international stars like Usher and Timbaland. Wolfson is known for developing top Danish acts like Nik & Jay and Cisilia, consistently ranking as one of Denmark's most-played musicians on radio.
