How to Get Every Track on Your Album Playlist on Spotify

1. Understanding Spotify Playlists

• Editorial Playlists: These are curated by Spotify’s in-house team and are often considered the most prestigious placements. They include popular playlists like “Today’s Top Hits” or “Rap Caviar.”
• User-Created Playlists: These playlists are created by individual users, influencers, or independent curators. Although these playlists might not have the same massive reach as editorial playlists, they still play a crucial role in growing your audience.

2. Why Playlist Placements Matter

Getting playlist placements is one of the most effective ways to increase streams and visibility on Spotify. When your tracks are added to playlists, they are exposed to listeners who may not have otherwise come across your music. Here’s why playlist placements matter:

• Discovery: Many Spotify users discover new music through playlists rather than searching for individual songs or artists.
• Streaming Numbers: Getting your song on a popular playlist can lead to a surge in streams and followers, which will help boost your presence on the platform.
• Credibility: Being featured on respected playlists can boost your credibility as an artist and attract more listeners and industry attention.

3. Types of Spotify Playlists You Should Target

Some are more competitive than others, but each can serve a different purpose in your promotional strategy.

• Editorial Playlists:These are curated by Spotify’s internal team, and placements on these playlists are highly coveted. Some of the most popular editorial playlists include:
  • “Release Radar” (personalized for each user, promoting new releases from artists they follow)
  • “New Music Friday” (features new releases across all genres)
  • Genre-specific playlists (e.g., “Pop Rising” or “Indie Pop Hits”)
• Algorithmic Playlists: These playlists are generated by Spotify’s algorithm based on users’ listening habits. Playlists like “Discover Weekly” and “Release Radar” are algorithmic and can be a great way to expose your music to people who already listen to similar artists.
• Independent Playlists: These playlists are curated by influencers, bloggers, and independent playlist curators. They can be just as impactful as editorial playlists, especially if the curator has a strong following in your genre. Targeting smaller niche playlists can help your album reach more engaged listeners.
• Collaborative Playlists: These playlists allow other Spotify stream users to add songs, so if you have a relationship with a user who curates a playlist, you can work together to feature your tracks. These playlists may not have as broad a reach, but they can be an excellent starting point for growing your audience.

4. Preparing Your Tracks for Playlist Submission

Before you begin reaching out to curators, make sure your tracks are ready for playlist consideration.

• Ensure High-Quality Audio: Make sure your tracks are well-mixed and mastered. Spotify playlists typically feature high-quality tracks, and curators will notice if your sound isn’t up to standard.
• Optimize Your Artist Profile: Your Spotify Artist profile should be complete with a compelling bio, profile picture, and links to your social media. A polished profile increases your chances of getting noticed by curators.
• Metadata: Ensure that all metadata is correct and up-to-date. Accurate song titles, artist names, and album details help curators and Spotify’s algorithm identify and recommend your tracks more effectively.

5. How to Submit Your Music to Spotify Playlists

Submitting your tracks to Spotify playlists involves a few key steps. Here’s how to do it effectively:

• Use Spotify for Artists: Sign up for Spotify for Artists, which gives you access to valuable tools, including submission forms for editorial playlists
• Pitching to Curators: If you’re targeting independent curators, you’ll need to reach out directly. Many curators have submission guidelines on their websites or social media profiles. Be sure to personalize your pitch and explain why your track fits their playlist.
• Use Playlist Submission Platforms: There are websites and platforms where you can submit your tracks to multiple playlist curators at once, such as Submithub, Playlist Push, or Groover. These services can help you reach out to curators who specialize in your genre.

6. Building Relationships with Playlist Curators

• Personalized Communication: Avoid sending generic messages. Instead, take the time to research each curator and personalize your pitch to show that you understand their playlist’s style and audience.
• Follow-Up: If you don’t hear back after your first submission, don’t be afraid to follow up. However, make sure not to spam curators, as this can harm your relationship with them.
• Support Curators: Engage with curators on social media, share their playlists, and show genuine interest in their work. Building a positive rapport can make them more likely to feature your music.

7. Leveraging Spotify for Artists Tools

• Analytics: Monitor your streams, audience engagement, and demographic information. Use this data to identify which types of playlists your listeners enjoy and target similar playlists.
• Promotions: Promote your new releases to your followers through Spotify’s promotional tools, such as “Canvas” (short, looping videos that play with your music) and promotional links to share on social media.
• Pitch Your Music: You can use the Spotify for Artists platform to pitch your music directly to Spotify’s editorial team, which is crucial for landing placements on high-profile playlists.

8. Promoting Your Music to Gain Playlist Attention

• Social Media Promotion: Regularly post about your tracks on platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok. Engage with your followers and encourage them to share your music.
• Collaborations and Features: Collaborating with other artists, especially those with a strong following, can help expose your music to new audiences and increase your chances of being added to playlists.
• Email Newsletter: Build an email list Spotify and send updates about your new music and upcoming releases.

9. Key Tips for Getting Every Track on Your Album Playlist

• Release a Single First: Start by releasing one single from your album to build momentum. This allows you to pitch the single to curators first, and then work to get the rest of the album playlisted.
• Target Specific Playlists for Each Track: Each track on your album may fit better with different playlists. Tailor your pitches to the individual track’s style and theme.
• Be Persistent: Don’t be discouraged if your tracks don’t get placed immediately. Keep submitting, building relationships, and promoting your music to increase your chances.

 Conclusion

Getting every track on your album playlisted on Spotify is an achievable goal if you approach it strategically. By targeting the right playlists, building relationships with curators, and promoting your music effectively, you can improve your chances of getting noticed and gaining playlist placements. Stay patient, persistent, and keep pushing forward—your music deserves to be heard by as many people as possible!

FAQs

1. How long before my release should I submit my tracks for playlist consideration?

This gives the Spotify editorial team enough time to review your music and consider it for inclusion in playlists like “New Music Friday” and “Release Radar.”

2. Can I submit my music to Spotify playlists without a Spotify for Artists account?

No, you need a Spotify for Artists account to submit your music to Spotify’s editorial playlists. The platform gives you direct access to submission forms and other promotional tools to boost your visibility on Spotify.

3. What types of playlists should I target for my album tracks?

You should aim for a mix of editorial playlists, algorithmic playlists, and user-generated playlists. Editorial playlists like “New Music Friday” and genre-specific lists have the largest reach.

4. What if my song doesn’t fit popular playlists like “New Music Friday”?

If your song doesn’t fit larger, mainstream playlists, focus on targeting niche playlists that align with your track’s genre, mood, or theme. These smaller, curated playlists can still have a significant impact on increasing your streams and growing your audience.

5. How do I reach out to playlist curators?

To reach playlist curators, find their contact details on platforms like Instagram, Twitter, or their personal websites. Personalize your pitch by explaining why your track fits their playlist and providing any relevant background or stories behind the song. Be polite and professional in your approach.

6. How important is social media promotion for getting on playlists?

When curators see that you already have an engaged fanbase, they are more likely to consider featuring your music. Regularly engage with your followers on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter to keep the buzz around your album.

7. Can I submit multiple tracks from my album for playlists?

Yes, you can submit multiple tracks from your album, but keep in mind that it’s essential to tailor each pitch to fit specific playlists. Some playlists may only accept one track per artist, while others might be open to featuring multiple songs if they fit the theme.

8. What are algorithmic playlists, and how do they work?

Algorithmic playlists like “Discover Weekly” and “Release Radar” are curated by Spotify’s algorithm based on users’ listening habits. They are not manually curated by humans, but instead, Spotify’s algorithm recommends music based on what listeners enjoy.

9. How can I improve my chances of getting playlisted?

Optimizing your artist profile (complete bio, high-quality images, etc.)

Building relationships with curators (personalized pitches, engaging on social media)

Promoting your music (engage with your fans, share music on social media)

Consistent releases (release singles leading up to your album to create buzz)

Using Spotify for Artists tools (analytics, promotional tools, and pitch submission)

10. What should I do if my tracks aren’t getting playlisted?

Keep improving your music, engaging with curators, and building your presence on Spotify. Sometimes it just takes time to catch the attention of curators, so keep submitting, promoting, and making connections.