Streaming platforms have transformed how people listen to music and how listeners find new music. With 270 million active monthly users, Spotify is the leading streaming service in the world. And playlists contribute around 60 percent of listening time on Spotify.
While other platforms like TikTok, Youtube, and Instagram can help you build a fan base, Spotify is one of the best platforms independent artists can use to launch their music career.
Getting your music on a playlist can propel your music career into another dimension. So, how do you get your music on playlists, and is it even possible for unknown independent artists?
I recently spoke to Respect My Region’s CEO and Co-Founder on how to get your music on a Spotify playlist and in front of future fans. The information that follows is some seriously valuable and FREE game that all artists should consider when it comes to getting music on legitimately valueable Spotify playlists.
How Spotify Playlists are Made
With more than 4 billion Spotify user accounts worldwide, Spotify is one of the best ways to connect with listeners and build your audience today.
When you get your music on a playlist, you can potentially reach millions of new fans. Some of Spotify’s editorial playlists are curated by in-house teams who use algorithms to compile lists from trending or up-and-coming artists and tracks. Other editorial playlists are curated by AI and polished by Spotify teams.
Personalized playlists are often algorithm-driven, but sometimes they are branded or edited by major record labels and social influencers. And then there are user playlists created by Spotify users themselves.
How to get on Spotify playlists
There are three types of Spotify playlists:
- Listener playlists – Spotify users create their own playlists
- Personalized playlists – Spotify suggests music reflective of user preferences
- Editorial playlists – Spotify’s professional team assembles and categorizes playlists of the hottest new music
Like the other social media platforms, Spotify uses algorithms to choose feature artists for editorial and personalized playlists. These algorithms reward artists who invest time and energy into the service. So, make sure you’re willing to invest a good chunk of time interacting with Spotify to build up your credibility, listener count, and plays.
Follow these steps:
- Create a Spotify for Artists Account
- Submit your best music
- Spend time on Spotify
- Release new tracks as often as possible
- Promote your Spotify Artist profile on your website and all your social media sites
- Create your own playlists
- Pitch to independent playlist curators
- Hire an agency to pitch your music to playlists
Why You Need Placement on Spotify
Most artists shouldn’t think of Spotify, or any streaming platform, as a source of revenue. Unless you’re getting hundreds of millions of plays, the income you’ll receive from streaming is negligible. Instead, think of streaming as the ultimate promotional platform.
Inclusion on popular playlists can boost short-term growth by providing massive exposure to millions, even billions of listeners. Some of those listeners will become loyal fans, consistently streaming your music, following you on social media, going to shows, and buying your merch.
How Spotify Playlists Matter
Long-term success depends on building a loyal fan base, on Spotify and beyond. Inclusion on top playlists is a great way to drive plays and listener engagement, but it’s just one of the many ways to promote your music and expand your audience.
Spotify can spike your play count, but streaming numbers alone shouldn’t be your endgame. Building a permanent brand that makes a big impression means branching out and using all available mediums to your best advantage.
Spotify and other streaming platforms are invaluable for promoting your brand because of the sheer number of listeners exposed to your music through the platform. But your personal brand is what makes you stand out in a crowd.
How you connect with listeners and how you make them feel is what keeps them listening. And the bolder your brand, the better your chances are of getting picked for one of Spotify’s editorial playlists.
For more information about getting your music on Spotify playlists and promoting your brand, we’re here to help. Contact us here.
