Spotify Playlist Pitching: A Guide for Artists

Spotify playlist pitching is one of the most effective strategies for growing streams as an independent artist. Getting placed in a playlist — especially an editorial one — can mean hundreds of thousands of plays in just a few days. But how does the process work? And what can you do to maximise your chances?

This guide covers everything: editorial submissions via Spotify for Artists, independent playlists, and the most common mistakes to avoid.

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What is playlist pitching?

Playlist pitching is the process by which an artist (or their team) submits a track to a playlist curator, asking for it to be included. There are two main categories:

• Spotify editorial playlists: curated directly by Spotify's team (e.g. "New Music Friday", "Hot Hits UK", "Peaceful Piano"). These reach millions of listeners.
• Independent playlists: curated by bloggers, influencers, fans or industry professionals. More accessible, but with smaller audiences.

Both categories matter in an independent artist's strategy. Editorial playlists offer massive reach, while independent playlists help build credibility and organic streams over time.

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How to submit an editorial pitch on Spotify for Artists

Editorial pitching is the free tool Spotify provides to all artists through Spotify for Artists. Here's how it works:

Step 1: Claim your profile

If you haven't already, go to artists.spotify.com and claim your artist profile. It's free and essential.

Step 2: Upload your release in advance

Editorial pitching is only available for unreleased tracks. You must upload the track via your distributor at least 7 days before the release date and then submit via Spotify for Artists.

Step 3: Fill in the pitching form

When you submit, Spotify asks for details about your track:

• Genre and mood (choose carefully — this determines which editorial team reviews your pitch)
• Language of the lyrics
• Instruments used
• City of origin
• Whether the track was recorded live or in studio
• A personal note to Spotify's team (write it in English for best results)

Step 4: Wait and monitor

After submitting, it's out of your hands. Spotify's editorial team reviews pitches independently. Check Spotify for Artists after your release date to see if and where you've been placed.

Important: you can only pitch editorially once per release, for one track at a time. Choose your lead single wisely.

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How to improve your chances of an editorial placement

There are no guarantees, but these actions genuinely improve your odds:

• Complete, professional profile: artist photo, compelling bio, social media links. A bare profile is a red flag.
• Platform engagement: Spotify looks at your data. Existing followers and track saves put you ahead.
• High production quality: audio quality matters.
• Accurate metadata: genre, mood and language must be correct.
• Pre-save strategy: the more pre-saves you accumulate before launch, the more interest Spotify registers.

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Independent playlists: how to find them and pitch

Independent playlists are curated by people or organisations outside Spotify. Here's how to approach them:

SubmitHub

The most widely used platform for pitching to bloggers, YouTubers and playlist curators. It runs on a credit system (approx. $1 per submission). Curators must respond with feedback within 48 hours.

Groover

A European platform connecting artists with curators, journalists and industry professionals. Similar pricing to SubmitHub. Popular in the UK indie scene.

Playlist Push

Focused on Spotify playlists. Pay-per-placement model, with pricing varying by playlist size.

Direct outreach

Find relevant playlists in your genre on Spotify, track down the curator via their social media or playlist description, and reach out with a personalised, professional message.

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Pitching mistakes to avoid

1. Pitching to irrelevant playlists: sending a drum & bass track to a classical playlist wastes your time and damages your reputation.
2. Copy-paste messages: curators receive hundreds of pitches daily. A generic message goes straight in the bin.
3. Pitching too late: Spotify editorial requires at least 7 days. For independent playlists, aim for 2–3 weeks before release.
4. Buying fake playlists or streams: this violates Spotify's terms and risks profile removal.
5. Not being professional after a rejection: thank the curator, ask for feedback, and build a long-term relationship.

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How to measure playlist pitching results

After your track drops, monitor on Spotify for Artists:

• Passive vs. active listeners: playlist streams are mostly passive. Watch for increases in library saves and profile follows — these show the track is resonating.
• Where your music is heard: you'll see which playlists you've been added to.
• Saves: the number of people adding your track to their library is a key quality signal for Spotify.

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FAQ on Spotify playlist pitching

Can I pitch editorial playlists for tracks already released? No. Spotify editorial pitching is only for unreleased tracks. For already-released songs, you can only pitch independent playlists.

How much does playlist pitching cost? Spotify editorial pitching is free. Platforms like SubmitHub and Groover cost roughly $1–5 per submission. Some independent curators accept free pitches via email.

How many times can I pitch the same curator? There's no hard rule, but respect their time. Don't send the same track twice, and wait for a response before sending something new.

What happens if Spotify adds me to a playlist? You'll receive a notification. Streams increase significantly during the placement period, which can last days to weeks depending on the playlist.

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