How to Submit Your Music to Spotify Playlists (Step-by-Step)

If you’re an independent artist, getting your music on Spotify playlists can be a game-changer. Playlists are one of the most powerful ways to grow your streams, reach new fans, and increase your revenue. But with thousands of songs uploaded to Spotify daily, how can you submit your music to Spotify playlists and get noticed?

In this guide, we’ll break down the exact step-by-step process to submit your tracks, optimize your chances of getting featured, and start growing your audience.

Why Spotify Playlists Matter for Independent Artists

Spotify playlists can put your music in front of thousands—or even millions—of listeners. Here’s why playlisting is crucial:

• Massive Exposure: Playlists like “New Music Friday” or “RapCaviar” can skyrocket streams.
  
• Algorithm Boost: More streams and saves signal Spotify’s algorithm to push your music to more users.
  
• Fan Growth: Listeners discovering you via playlists are likely to follow your artist profile.
  

Step 1: Distribute Your Music to Spotify

Before you can submit your music to any playlist, it needs to be on Spotify. Independent artists can’t upload directly, so you’ll need a digital distributor.

Two popular options are:

• DistroKid – Fast and affordable, unlimited uploads per year.
  
• TuneCore – Flexible pricing and a one-time upload fee option.
  

Pro Tip: Distribute your song at least 3–4 weeks before release to give Spotify enough time to review it for editorial playlists.

Step 2: Claim Your Spotify for Artists Profile

Once your distributor uploads your song, claim your Spotify for Artists account:

1. Go to Spotify for Artists.
   
2. Click Claim Your Profile and log in.
   
3. Verify your identity as the artist.

Having a verified artist profile is essential because it allows you to submit your upcoming releases to Spotify’s editorial team.

Step 3: Submit to Spotify Editorial Playlists

Spotify allows artists to pitch unreleased songs to their official playlist curators. Here’s how:

1. Log in to Spotify for Artists.
   
2. Find your upcoming release under the “Music” tab.
   
3. Click Pitch a Song.
   
4. Fill out the details:
   • Genre and sub-genre
     
   • Mood
     
   • Instruments
     
   • Language
     
   • Location

Important: Only unreleased music can be submitted. Release-day submissions won’t be considered for editorial playlists.

Step 4: Target Algorithmic and User Playlists

In addition to editorial playlists, you can leverage:

• Algorithmic Playlists
  • Discover Weekly and Release Radar are automatically generated for users who might like your music.
    
  • Focus on engagement—streams, saves, and shares—because the algorithm favors tracks that listeners complete and replay.
    
• User-Curated Playlists
  • Independent curators run popular niche playlists.
    
  • Search on social media, Reddit, and sites like Groover, SubmitHub, or PlaylistPush to pitch directly.

Step 5: Use Spotify Playlist Links to Promote Your Release

Submitting your music to playlists is only half the battle. Boost your odds of playlist placements by:

• Driving pre-saves before release day.
  
• Sharing your Spotify link across social media.
  
• Encouraging fans to save and add your track to their playlists.
  

The more traction your song gets, the more likely Spotify’s algorithm will push it to bigger playlists.

Final Thoughts

Getting your music on Spotify playlists takes strategy and persistence. By distributing your tracks through DistroKid or TuneCore, claiming your Spotify for Artists profile, and pitching strategically, you can start turning your releases into real streaming success.

Start preparing your next release today, and make playlisting a key part of your music marketing plan. Be sure to check out our other peices like Best Music Promo Services, How to Grow a Social Media Presence, and our Lucid Media Blog 2024 Recap. And as always…

STAY LUCID