When independent musicians are releasing new music, a playlist marketing strategy shouldn’t be overlooked. And your marketing approach to playlists on Spotify and Apple Music, doesn’t have to be a singular one. This article will help break down 10 ways to get your track playlisted.
From putting in sweat equity and doing research and pitching playlists directly to amazing platforms like MySphera where you can get your music into the ears of a powerful roster of tastemakers, there are plenty of options for you. It’s important to find what works best for you with your time and resources in mind.
These are the 10 ways to get your track playlisted.
MySphera
As an independent musician, having a network of influential people might not be something you possess. That’s where MySphera steps in and will help you out. Get your music connected to the new age of content creators. Get your music into Bloggers, influencers, and playlisters through a simple campaign. And authenticity is the key with these campaigns. The end goal is to connect with people who can bring you tangible value and help you convert new fans.
Pitching Curators
It’s understandable that you might not have the resources available to connect with people actively seeking new music for playlists, but that isn’t a road block for you. Putting in the sweat equity to pitch your music to playlist curators is something very real, and totally achievable. You just need to do it in a smart and efficient way to maximize your time spent doing this. Try finding a playlist in your music genre, seeing who the curator is, and then sending them a DM on Instagram or another social network. Open up that DM with a brief message to show them you took time to research their playlist, and why your music may be a good fit. Don’t be too spammy. Try to personalize it the best you can. See some wins pour in!
OmariMC
This no-nonsense music promotion. Omarimc.com is a professional music promotion agency and music marketing blog. They’ve been supporting clients ranging from independent musicians of all genre’s to major labels on playlist promotion and have amassed a solid network of curators to get your music to. If you’re looking for promotion applicable to a specific platform like Spotify or Apple Music, Omari and team got you covered.
SubmitHub
SubmitHub a platform created by bloggers for bloggers. The network of curators on this platform is strong and covers all genre’s of music. With SubmitHub, you get a platform with a simple and easy to use interface and the ability to hand-pick the curators you submit your music to. This gives you the flexibility to do research on the curator or influencer prior to submitting your music to them. They also deliver insights on the curator like what is their approval rate, etc. SubmitHub should absolutely be apart of your playlist marketing strategy.
Spotify For Artists
One of the nice things abut Spotify for Artists is that they give you the ability to have your tracks playlisted once they’ve been uploaded and are slated for a release. You’ll need to create and verify your Spotify for Artists profile, and give yourself some time prior to the release date of your project for proper consideration.
Musosoup
Musosoup differentiates itself from some of the competition in the fact that they listen to your music before you make any payment to them for their service. If they don’t think the quality is up to standard for their host of curators, then you don’t need to pay any money upfront to get an automatic no. If you are up to standard, get ready for curators to come to you if your music is a good fit for them.
Soundplate
Soundplate a great free option if you’re on a budget and have time to submit your tracks to playlists yourself.
The website lists countless playlists that are organized by genre, making it easy to find the appropriate playlists to submit your track to for free.
The different playlists that are open for submission are constantly getting updated, so keep checking for new playlists that relate to your genre.
Curator’s Free Submission Forms
In some instances, a popular playlist curator may have their own playlist submission form built into their website or blog. Instead of pitching these curators it’s important to follow their built in process to be most effective. Our very own Breakout Indie Music playlist on Apple Music is a great example of just this.
Daily Playlists
Another free option for independent musicians to get playlisted is Daily Playlists which allows for free submissions to multiple playlists. You simply need to create an account and connect your Spotify profile. Then it’s time to make your submissions. There is no guarantee this will work 100% of the time. But it’s a great platform to get considered for playlists at no cost.
Start your own playlist
An often underutilized method is for independent musicians to start their own playlist. Starting your own playlist in a genre you music fits into could be a great way leverage playlists to expand the reach of your music. Consider creating a search engine optimized playlist name to try to cut through. For example, if you’re a LoFi Hip-Hop producer, try making a playlist like Inspiring LoFi Hip-Hop Beats. Remember to keep it updated frequently.
For after you try these 10 ways to get your track playlisted
After working through these 10 ways to get your track playlisted, you’ll want to shift gears to other important channels for marketing your latest release. TikTok, in particular, is a social platform that every musician should have on their radar. Primarily, because TikTok is centered around music with your tracks being distributed directly into the platform. Check out our TikTok Guide for Music Releases for more inspiration.
