Optimise Your Spotify Editorial Playlist Submission: 5 Essential Tips

Getting featured on the right Spotify playlist can be a game-changer for artists and bands looking to expand their fanbase. With the right approach, it’s an effective way to reach the right audience. Here are our top five tips to ensure your Spotify editorial playlist submission stands out and gets your music heard by the right ears.

1. Identify Your Niche

The key to landing a spot on an editorial playlist is specificity. Editorial playlists are categorised not just by genre but also by mood, instrumentation, and even the artist's location. To determine the best fit for your song, start by identifying a few keywords that describe your track. For example, you might use terms like “instrumental lo-fi,” “Chinese flute,” or “progressive jazz metal.”

Next, consider other attributes that describe you as an artist/band, such as location, gender, and instrumentation. Compile a list of these keywords for reference in the next step.

2. Find the Perfect Playlist

With countless editorial playlists available, it can be daunting to know which to choose for your music. This is where the list of keywords comes into play. Enter each keyword into Spotify to discover relevant playlists, aiming for something specific and relevant to your song. With playlists like “Made in London” or “Café Africa” available, location can be highly important. Even gender can play a role; playlists like “Women in Jazz” may align well with your music. Once you find a selection of playlists, examine the other artists featured. It’s good practice to pitch to playlists that include artists at a similar level of monthly listeners to yours. 

One final tip: make sure you are looking for the right type of playlist. Be sure to check for the green Spotify logo in the byline next to the curator's name. Avoid personalised playlists marked “Made for [your name]” as these aren’t suitable for submission.

3. Choose Your Most "Playlistable" Song

Selecting the right song for submission is crucial. Again, think about the niche that your song fits into. The right song may not be the strongest you have, it may just suit a playlist more than your others. Focus on the one that’s most “playlistable.”

For instance, if you’re in a Japanese dream pop band, you may discover there isn’t a specific “Japanese Dream Pop” playlist to submit to. However, one track on your upcoming album is a chill, ambient instrumental track that is perfect for the “Ambient Japan” playlist – it’s the right niche and the other artists featured have a similar amount of monthly listeners to your band. Even though the playlist doesn’t suit the band specifically, that one dreamy ambient track is a perfect fit and, because of, this may have a much higher chance of getting playlisted than the other songs on the album. This method can also help you branch out and reach a wider audience.

Remember, if you’re releasing an album, you don’t need to pitch the singles; any track from your album can be submitted!

4. Submit at Least Four Weeks in Advance

While Spotify recommends a minimum of 7 days' notice for Spotify editorial playlist submissions, we advise aiming for at least four weeks in advance. Curators receive hundreds of pitches daily, so giving them ample time to review your pitch is crucial.

Early submission also lets you strategise your release and consider promotional tactics to maximise your exposure.

5. Write an Engaging Pitch

This is where your writing skills come into play. Craft a concise and engaging pitch that incorporates 3 to 5 of the keywords you identified earlier. Most importantly, mention the specific playlist where you envision your song fitting. This helps curators understand your vision and the context of the music.

By following these five tips, you can significantly enhance your chances of getting featured on a Spotify editorial playlist. With the right preparation and approach, you’ll be on your way to reaching new audiences and growing your fanbase. Happy submitting!