How to pitch your song to Spotify playlists
There are two ways onto Spotify playlists. Pitch Spotify's editors through Spotify for Artists, for free: one unreleased song per release, at least 7 days before release day, which also puts it on your followers' Release Radar. And pitch independent curators who run their own playlists, by email or submission form, a few weeks before release.
Pitch Spotify's editors
- 1
Deliver early
Upload to your distributor at least 4 weeks ahead, so the release shows up in Spotify for Artists with time to spare.
- 2
Open the upcoming release
In Spotify for Artists, go to Music, then Upcoming, and choose the release.
- 3
Pick one song
You can pitch one song per release. Pick your focus track, the one with your video and ads behind it.
- 4
Describe it
Fill in genre, mood, style and instruments honestly. Editors use these to send the song to the right playlists.
- 5
Tell the story
A few sentences on what the song is, what it's about and what you're doing to promote it.
Write a pitch editors read
- Lead with what makes the song different, in one sentence.
- Say what it's about, and anything true and specific behind it.
- List your plans: the video, press, shows and ads around the release.
- Add your best recent result, like a playlist add, a sold-out show or growth on a past release.
- Skip the hype words. Editors read thousands of pitches; plain and specific stands out.
Pitch independent curators
- 1
Find playlists that fit
Look at the playlists that already feature artists who sound like you. On an artist's Spotify profile, the Discovered On section lists some of them.
- 2
Find the curator
Many list an email or submission form on the playlist or their social profile.
- 3
Write a short, personal note
Use their name, say which playlist and why the song fits it, and add a private link. Two or three sentences.
- 4
Follow up once
A week later, one short follow-up. Then thank everyone who adds it.
What to avoid
- Services that guarantee streams or playlist placements. Fake streams can get your song pulled from Spotify.
- Pitching a song that's already out to Spotify's editors. Editorial pitching is for unreleased music only.
- Sending the same copied message to every curator. They can tell.
Pitch from Artistboard
Keep curators, writers and radio in Contacts, and send pitches and follow-ups from your own Gmail with Outreach templates and sequences. The Release Checklist reminds you to send the Spotify pitch at least 7 days before release.
Start pitchingQuick answers
Is it free to pitch to Spotify playlists?
Yes. Pitching Spotify's editors through Spotify for Artists is free. Most independent curators take submissions for free too; be careful with anyone who charges for a guaranteed placement.
How far in advance should I pitch to Spotify?
At least 7 days before release day, and earlier is better. Upload to your distributor at least 4 weeks ahead so the release appears in Spotify for Artists in time.
Can I pitch a song that's already released?
Not to Spotify's editors; editorial pitching is for unreleased music only. You can still pitch released songs to independent curators.
How many songs can I pitch?
One song per release to Spotify's editors. With an EP or album, pitch your focus track.
How do I know if my song got on a playlist?
Spotify doesn't send a yes or no. After release, check the playlists your song is on in Spotify for Artists.
Does pitching guarantee a playlist add?
No. Even a good pitch often isn't picked. A pitch at least 7 days ahead still gets the song onto your followers' Release Radar.