Music Promotion: How Do You Get Your Music Playlisted

Discover the strategies and techniques for getting your music on a playlist. Understand the intricacies of music promotion and learn how to get your tracks heard by the right audience.

With the ever-growing popularity of streaming platforms, getting your music playlisted has become a crucial step in gaining exposure and reaching new audiences. Playlists have become the new radio, providing a powerful avenue for artists to showcase their talent.

However, with countless musicians vying for limited spots on popular playlists, it’s essential to understand the strategies and techniques that can increase your chances of getting playlisted. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore five key steps to help you navigate the world of music promotion and land coveted spots on playlists.

What Does Getting Playlisted Mean?

Getting playlisted refers to having your music track or album included in a playlist on a music streaming platform. This is a significant milestone for an artist, as these playlists are followed by thousands or even millions of listeners worldwide.

Being on a playlist not only increases your music’s exposure but also drives streams and downloads, potentially propelling the track to chart success. It’s a powerful promotional tool in the digital age of music, and a major objective for up-and-coming as well as established artists.

The Benefits of Playlisting: Is It Still Worth?

Playlisting remains an influential tool in music promotion, and its benefits are manifold.

Firstly, it broadens an artist’s reach, exposing their music to a larger, potentially global audience. This can lead to increased streams, downloads, and social media interactions, all of which contribute to an artist’s overall popularity.

Secondly, being part of a curated playlist can lead to valuable networking opportunities. It opens channels of communication and potential collaborations with other artists featured on the same playlist.

Lastly, getting your music on a playlist can also lead to a significant boost in revenue. As streaming platforms compensate artists per stream, the more your tracks are played, the more income you generate. In light of these advantages, playlisting continues to be a worthwhile pursuit for musicians navigating the digital music landscape.

Guide to Getting Your Music on a Playlist

The journey to getting your music on a playlist involves several key steps.

1. Create Quality Music. Your primary focus should be creating high-quality, original music. This is the fundamental prerequisite for getting noticed and considered for playlist inclusion.
2. Complete Your Artist Profile. Make your digital presence compelling. Complete your artist profile on music platforms, including a biography, discography, photos, and links to your social media. A professional and engaging profile will attract curators’ attention.
3. Submit Your Music. Most streaming platforms provide submission forms for artists to introduce their music to playlist curators. Carefully follow the submission guidelines, ensuring your music is uploaded in the correct format and within the specified timeframe.
4. Networking. Connect with playlist curators directly, if possible. You can reach out to them on social media or at music events. Make sure your approach is professional and respectful.
5. Promote Your Music. Leverage your social media platforms, website, and fan base to promote your music. The more visibility and engagement your tracks receive, the better your chances of getting playlisted.
6. Consider a Playlist Placement Service. There are agencies that specialize in pitching your music to playlist curators. Though this can be a financial investment, it also offers potentially higher chances of playlist inclusion.

Remember, the process takes time and patience. Keep making great music and your efforts will be rewarded.

Get Your Music on Streaming Platforms

To get started on your quest for playlist success, you need to ensure your music is available on major streaming platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, and Deezer. These platforms serve as gateways to millions of potential listeners worldwide. Uploading your tracks allows them to be discovered by curators and included in various playlists.

When uploading your music, pay attention to metadata such as accurate song titles, artist names, album covers, and genre tags. This information helps categorize your music correctly and increases its visibility during searches or when curators are browsing for suitable tracks.

Get Verified on Streaming Platforms

Once your music is available on streaming platforms, consider getting verified as an artist or band. Verification badges add credibility and authenticity to your profile while providing additional benefits like access to analytics and customizing artist pages.

For Spotify verification, follow the guidelines provided by Spotify for Artists or reach out directly through their support channels. Apple Music offers a similar verification process through Apple Music for Artists. Verified profiles enhance your chances of being noticed by curators who prioritize authentic and established artists.

Build A Fanbase

While impressive streaming numbers can catch the attention of playlist curators, building a dedicated fanbase is equally crucial. Cultivating a loyal following not only demonstrates your music’s appeal but also increases the likelihood of your tracks being shared and added to playlists by listeners.

Engage with your fans on social media, respond to comments and messages, and create a sense of community around your music. Offer exclusive content or behind-the-scenes glimpses to reward your most devoted supporters. Collaborate with influencers or other artists in your genre to expand your reach and tap into their existing fanbases.

Reach out For Press Coverage

In addition to playlist placements, securing press coverage can significantly impact your music’s visibility and attract the attention of playlist curators. Approach relevant music blogs, online magazines, and local newspapers for potential interviews, reviews, or features. A positive review or a well-written article can pique the interest of playlist curators scouting for emerging talent.

Craft a compelling press release highlighting key aspects of your music, such as unique soundscapes, thought-provoking lyrics, or notable collaborations. Personalize each outreach message to demonstrate that you have done your research and genuinely believe in the synergy between your music and the publication you are contacting.

Approach Playlist Curators

The final step in the journey towards playlist success is directly reaching out to playlist curators. While this approach requires time and effort, it offers a chance to showcase yourself personally and make a lasting impression.

Start by identifying playlists that align with your musical style or genre. Look for playlists curated by independent users or influential tastemakers within the industry. Utilize platforms like Soundplate, SubmitHub, or PlaylistPush that connect artists with curators seeking new tracks.

When contacting curators, be respectful of their time and avoid generic copy-paste messages. Personalize each pitch by mentioning specific playlists they curate or songs they have previously included. Share concise information about yourself as an artist along with a brief description of why you believe your track would be an excellent fit for their playlist.

Conclusion

Securing playlist placements can significantly boost your music’s exposure and open doors to a wider audience. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can increase your chances of getting your music playlisted.

Remember to focus on building a strong foundation by making your music available on streaming platforms, growing a dedicated fanbase, seeking press coverage, and approaching playlist curators with personalized pitches. With determination, persistence, and a touch of strategic planning, you can elevate your music career and see your tracks featured on playlists that resonate with listeners around the world.