The Ultimate Guide: How to Get Playlisted on Streaming Sites for Music Artists
How to get Playlisted on Major Music Streaming Sites for Independent Artists
Demzwon
11/15/20233 min read


Introduction
In today's digital age, getting your music playlisted on popular streaming sites can significantly boost your visibility and help you reach a broader audience. Playlists have become a powerful tool for music discovery, and getting featured on one can lead to increased streams, new fans, and even potential collaborations. In this guide, we'll walk you through the essential steps to increase your chances of getting playlisted on streaming platforms.
1. Research and Identify the Right Playlists
The first step in getting playlisted is to research and identify the right playlists for your music. Look for playlists that align with your genre, style, and target audience. Consider both official playlists curated by the streaming platforms and user-generated playlists with a significant number of followers. Also before you even start trying to get Playlisted, you must have distributed your music...refer to our other blogs for how to distribute your music!
2. Build Relationships with Playlist Curators
Building relationships with playlist curators is crucial for getting playlisted. Start by following them on social media, engaging with their content, and sharing their playlists. Show genuine interest in their work and music taste. You can also reach out to them directly through email or social media, but make sure to personalize your message and avoid generic copy-paste requests.
3. Create High-Quality and Engaging Music
To increase your chances of getting playlisted, focus on creating high-quality and engaging music. Take the time to refine your sound, invest in professional mixing and mastering, and pay attention to every detail. Make sure your music stands out and captivates listeners from the first note. Or Youtube search mixing and mastering videos until you can do it yourself. A lot of templates are available free online that you can get a really good sound with. These templates can help you understand the concept engineers use to get certain effects/sounds.
4. Promote Your Music on Social Media and Music Blogs
While playlist curators are essential, don't neglect the power of self-promotion. Build a strong presence on social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. Engage with your fans do live videos, share behind-the-scenes content, and create buzz around your music. Reach out to music blogs and influencers in your genre and ask for reviews or features. Use relevant #Hashtags and Tagging Artists associated with the project to increase visibility in the social media algorithms. Create merchandise you can sell and do giveaways with. Utilize Social Media ads by sponsoring Youtube, video, picture ads, that have an action button to contact you or view more content.
5. Submit Your Music to Official Playlist Submission Platforms
Many streaming platforms have official playlist submission platforms where you can submit your music directly. Take advantage of these opportunities and make sure to follow the guidelines provided. Provide a compelling pitch, include relevant information about your music, and don't forget to add a catchy bio and press photos.
Spotify:
Spotify for Artists: https://artists.spotify.com/c/access
Spotify Playlist Submission: https://artists.spotify.com/submit-your-music
Apple Music/iTunes:
Apple Music for Artists: https://artists.apple.com/
iTunes Playlist Submission: As of my last update, iTunes doesn't have a direct submission portal for playlist consideration. However, getting your music on Apple Music through a distributor (like TuneCore, DistroKid, or CD Baby) increases your chances of being discovered by Apple Music curators.
6. Collaborate with Other Artists and Producers
Collaborations can be a game-changer when it comes to getting playlisted. Reach out to other artists and producers in your genre and explore potential collaborations. Not only will this help you tap into their fanbase, but it can also catch the attention of playlist curators looking for fresh and unique sounds. You can message artists or find their info for features on their social media bios a lot of times. Search Google for contracts and keep in mind your budget and split percentages before contacting artists to work. Use Paypal to protect yourself from scammers or predatory Management so your money is safe and refundable if artists don't deliver.
Conclusion
Getting playlisted on streaming sites can significantly boost your music career. By following these essential steps, you can increase your chances of getting featured on popular playlists, reaching a broader audience, and taking your music to new heights. Remember, it takes time and effort, but with persistence and dedication, you can achieve playlist success.