How to Get on Spotify Playlists and Share Songs Like a Pro 🎵

  • Design & Creative
Contra Tips
· 6 min read

Discover how to get on Spotify playlists with our comprehensive guide covering everything from playlist basics to advanced strategies for success.

Spotify has revolutionized the world of music streaming. Millions of artists and listeners around the globe use the platform, which, if you’re an independent musician, may have you wondering how to crack the code to playlist success and boost your music career. 

That’s why we’ve compiled a comprehensive guide on how to get on Spotify playlists. We’ll break down everything you need to know about securing your spot, from playlist basics to expert tips and advanced strategies for success.



The power of playlists 🎼

Among the benefits of Spotify for artists, few are more impactful than securing a spot on the platform’s playlists. Getting on a playlist is a multi-step process that requires consistent effort to make a lasting impact, but it’s well worth it. 

Once you’ve added your music to Spotify, being featured on a top playlist increases your visibility and can boost your streaming numbers, driving your success. Spotify playlists are a powerful promotional tool that helps artists reach new fans and build a strong base for their blooming music careers.  

Later on, we’ll explain how to get your music on Spotify, but first, let’s look at the different types of playlists available. 

Types of Spotify playlists 📻

Spotify offers a few different types of playlists. These are designed to cater to its users’ diverse preferences, and each has its own unique curation method. Understanding these playlists helps you navigate the platform effectively and target people who are likely to enjoy your music. 

Here are the three primary types of Spotify playlists:

User-generated playlists 😎

These playlists are created by everyday users, music industry influencers, radio stations, record labels, and more. Although they may have a different reach than other playlists, they can still provide valuable exposure, especially if they have a dedicated following of listeners.

Editorial playlists 🎧

Spotify editorial playlists are curated by their in-house editorial team and often have the largest subscriber bases. Using Spotify for Artists, musicians can submit their new songs directly to the editorial team in hopes of landing a spot. Finding your way onto one of these playlists may significantly boost your streams and listens. 

Algorithmic playlists 🧪

These playlists are generated by Spotify’s algorithms. They’re tailored to an individual listener’s music tastes. By grouping together similar genres, artists, or moods, algorithmic playlists offer a truly customized experience that users love. 

How to get on Spotify playlists 🤘

Getting your music on Spotify playlists can jumpstart your music career! It’s a powerful way to increase your exposure, reach a wider audience, and gain listeners on one of today’s most popular music platforms. 

To maximize your chances of being featured, here are a handful of effective strategies:

Complete your Spotify account details 📝

To optimize your Spotify presence, ensure your account details and contact info are current. Add an engaging artist profile highlighting your background, musical style, and achievements. Choose an eye-catching profile picture that reflects your brand, and include links to your social media accounts to make it easy for fans to connect with you elsewhere.

Get your account verified ✅

If you’re wondering how to get verified on Spotify, it’s simple: Navigate to the Artist Spotify Verification section, initiate your artist account, fill in your information, and wait for your badge. A verified account establishes credibility and authenticity. The badge is a signal to users that you’re a legitimate artist.

Use Spotify for Artists 🎨

Use Spotify for Artists to submit your music directly to Spotify’s editorial team. They’ll consider it for their curated playlists — a great way to boost your visibility on Spotify. Your music might be just what they’re looking for; you’ll never know if you don’t try. 

Reach out to independent curators 📞

This is a quick and easy method for getting on playlists. Submit your tunes to independent Spotify playlist curators that feature similar music. Your popularity could skyrocket if they have a substantial following.

Get featured on Spotify Discover Weekly and Release Radar playlists 🌟

Getting on these algorithmic playlists (which are unique to every user) is an excellent avenue for reaching potential fans. Increasing your engagement with listeners boosts your chances of landing on Discover Weekly playlists. Getting new listeners to follow you on Spotify helps you end up on their Release Radar playlists.

Create your own playlists 🏗️

Compile public playlists to showcase your music alongside similar tracks from other artists. The more people notice your creations, the better! You can also curate collaborative playlists on Spotify with other artists and users. These joint playlists can help introduce your music to new audiences and broaden your reach through cross-promotion. 

Promote playlists featuring your songs 📡

If your music is included in a playlist, spread the word! Share the playlist everywhere, including on social media, your website, and other promotional channels. Tag the playlist’s curator in your posts to show appreciation and foster potential collaboration opportunities in the future.

Expand your fanbase 📢

The more followers you have on Spotify, the better. Engage with your listeners through comments, messages, and social media posts, and collaborate with other artists to broaden your reach and actively promote your music. These efforts will help grow your following and improve your chances of being featured on popular playlists.

Additional tips for getting featured ✨

We have a few more tips to maximize your chances of success on Spotify. Incorporating these ideas into your overall approach better positions you to make a lasting impact and secure a coveted spot on influential playlists. 

  • Promote your songs on other platforms. Leverage popular social media outlets, such as TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook, to create buzz about your music. You can also ask influencers if they’d like to feature your music in their content.
  • Work on your branding. Cohesive and recognizable branding is an excellent way to stand out to playlist curators on Spotify. Create a memorable image that represents your artistic identity.
  • Trigger the Spotify recommendation algorithm. Spotify’s algorithm rewards you when users stream your songs from beginning to end, listen more than twice, include your songs in playlists, and add your music to their Liked Songs. 
  • Create a track development plan. Outline a strategic plan for releasing your music, and don’t forget to consider alternatives, such as Amazon, Apple Music, and Pandora.

Maximize your Spotify success 🎶

Patience and perseverance are vital to achieving your musical aspirations and maximizing your presence on Spotify, but a smart strategy helps, too. Following the tips outlined in this guide significantly increases the odds of hearing your music on Spotify playlists. 

If you’re an independent musician, join the commission-free Contra platform. We’re the perfect place to promote your songwriting services and find gigs you want to play — all while getting paid and keeping 100% of it. For tips, tricks, and advice about making money online, music production, podcast recording, and more visit our blog.



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