How to Get Your Music on Playlists: A Step-by-Step Guide for Independent Artists

In today’s music industry, getting your tracks featured on playlists is one of the most powerful ways to boost your visibility and gain new listeners. Whether you’re an emerging artist or an established one, playlists can exponentially grow your audience. But how do you actually get your music placed on a playlist? Here’s a step-by-step guide that breaks down the process.

1. Optimize Your Artist Profile

Before you even think about submitting to playlists, your artist profile needs to look professional and inviting. First impressions matter. Here are a few tips:

• Profile Picture & Header: Use high-quality, professional photos. This shows curators that you're serious about your craft.
• Bio: Write a concise, engaging bio that captures who you are as an artist and what your music represents. Include any notable achievements or collaborations.
• Links: Ensure your social media and website links are connected to your profile so new fans can easily follow your journey.

A polished profile doesn’t just attract more fans, it also increases your credibility with playlist curators.

2. Identify the Right Playlists for Your Music

Not every playlist is a good fit for your music, and that's okay. Instead of blindly submitting your tracks everywhere, take the time to find playlists that match your sound and style. Here’s how:

• Genre-Specific Playlists: Focus on playlists that cater to your genre. If you’re a reggae artist, don’t waste time submitting to pop playlists.
• Size Matters: While big, popular playlists might be appealing, smaller niche playlists often give you a better chance of being discovered.
• Playlist Curators: Look into who runs the playlists. Independent curators are often more approachable than official platform-run lists.

Start with smaller curators and build momentum. Getting featured on one playlist can lead to more opportunities down the line.

3. Prepare a Professional Submission

When reaching out to playlist curators, professionalism is key. Here’s what to include in your submission:

• Personalized Message: Avoid generic "Please add my song" emails. Take the time to write a personalized message explaining why your song fits their playlist. Mention something specific about their playlist to show you’ve done your research.
• Song Link: Always include a streaming link (e.g., Spotify, Apple Music). Avoid sending MP3 files unless requested.
• Brief Pitch: Write a brief pitch about your song—what’s the story behind it, what makes it unique, and why it deserves a spot on their playlist.

Remember, playlist curators receive dozens (if not hundreds) of submissions every day. Make yours stand out by being concise, respectful, and authentic.

4. Leverage Playlist Submission Platforms

If you’re looking to streamline the submission process, there are various platforms where you can submit your tracks to playlists more efficiently. Services like SubmitHub, PlaylistPush, and Groover let you send your music directly to curators. These platforms often come with a small fee, but they offer a more targeted approach and higher chances of being reviewed.

If you want a more personalized service, At Sterling Promotions we can help you navigate the playlist landscape. We work directly with curators to find the best fit for your music and help boost your streams.

5. Engage with Playlist Curators

Building relationships with playlist curators can go a long way. Rather than submitting a song and walking away, engage with the curators:

• Follow Them on Social Media: Like, share, and comment on their posts to build rapport.
• Promote Their Playlist: Share their playlist on your social channels if your song gets featured. This shows appreciation and can help create long-term relationships.
• Thank Them: A simple thank you message after being featured goes a long way. Curators are more likely to support artists who appreciate their work.

6. Stay Consistent

Don’t get discouraged if you don’t get placements immediately. Playlists are only one part of a broader music promotion strategy, and persistence is key. Continue improving your music, optimizing your profile, and submitting to new playlists regularly.

Each new placement is an opportunity to grow your audience, gain more streams, and increase your chances of landing on algorithmic playlists like Spotify’s Discover Weekly and Release Radar.

Conclusion: Playlists Are Your Ticket to Growth

In the world of digital music, playlists can make or break an artist’s career. By optimizing your profile, targeting the right playlists, and building relationships with curators, you can unlock new audiences and expand your reach.

Looking for help with playlist submissions? Our service is designed to take the guesswork out of the process and connect you with the best curators for your genre. Contact us today to start boosting your streams and reaching more listeners.