How to Get on Spotify Official Playlists in 2024: A Step-by-Step Guide

How to Get on Spotify Official Playlists in 2024: A Step-by-Step Guide

Landing a spot on a Spotify official playlist can be a game-changer for any artist. With millions of daily listeners relying on Spotify’s curated playlists to discover new music, getting your song featured can lead to a significant increase in streams, followers, and overall exposure. But how do you actually get onto these coveted playlists? In this guide, we’ll break down the steps to give your music the best chance of being noticed by Spotify’s curators in 2024.

1. Ensure Your Music is Professionally Produced

The first step in getting noticed by playlist curators is to ensure your music is of the highest quality. Spotify’s editorial team is more likely to consider tracks that are polished, well-produced, and sound professional.

• Work with a Professional Studio: Recording, mixing, and mastering your tracks with a professional studio like Studio Chaddy gives you a competitive edge. Curators expect high production value, so having a well-produced track is non-negotiable.
• Mastering for Streaming: Make sure your track is optimised for streaming platforms. A studio with expertise in mastering for digital platforms can ensure your music sounds great across all devices.

2. Distribute Your Music Through Spotify for Artists

Before you can pitch your music to Spotify’s editorial team, you’ll need to get your music on Spotify through a distributor. Services like DistroKid, TuneCore, and LANDR (which Studio Chaddy partners with) are popular choices for independent artists.

• Claim Your Spotify for Artists Profile: Once your music is on Spotify, claiming your Spotify for Artists profile is crucial. This gives you access to your streaming data, allows you to customise your profile, and, most importantly, lets you submit tracks to Spotify’s editorial team for playlist consideration.

3. Prepare Your Release in Advance

Planning is key when pitching to Spotify’s playlist curators. To maximise your chances, you’ll want to give yourself plenty of time to prepare your release.

• Release Lead Time: Spotify recommends submitting your track at least 7 days before release to allow the editorial team time to review your pitch. However, aiming for 4-6 weeks in advance gives you even more time to build momentum around your release and promote it across social media.
• Choose One Track to Focus On: When submitting music to playlists, you can only pitch one track at a time, so choose wisely. Focus on the track that you think has the best chance of gaining traction.

4. Optimise Your Spotify for Artists Profile

Curators often review your profile before deciding whether to include your track. A professional, complete profile can make a strong impression.

• Professional Bio & Images: Update your profile with high-quality images, a compelling bio, and links to your social media. Make sure your profile reflects your brand as an artist.
• Artist Playlists: Create your own Spotify playlists to show that you’re active on the platform and engaging with the community. Include your tracks alongside music from artists who inspire you or are similar to your sound.

5. Submit Your Music to Spotify Playlists

Once your track is ready for release, you can submit it for playlist consideration directly through Spotify for Artists. Here’s how:

• Log in to Spotify for Artists: Go to the “Upcoming” section to find your unreleased track and click “Submit a Song.”
• Complete the Submission Form: The key here is to be as specific as possible. Spotify’s playlist curators want to know everything about your track — the genre, mood, and instruments used. Also, explain why your song should be considered for a playlist and how you plan to promote it. 

  Pro Tip: When filling out the submission form, don’t be vague. Mention any specific playlists you think your track fits on (e.g., “Fresh Finds” or “New Music Friday”) and include details that set your track apart.

6. Build Momentum Through Promotion

Spotify’s editorial team will take notice if your track is already gaining traction. A solid promotion plan can help boost your chances of being added to a playlist.

• Social Media & PR: Promote your upcoming release through all available channels. Use social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter to create buzz around your release. Behind-the-scenes studio footage, teaser clips, or countdowns can all help generate excitement.
• Pre-Save Campaigns: Encourage fans to pre-save your song on Spotify. This boosts your release day numbers and signals to Spotify that there’s demand for your music.
• Collaborate with Influencers: Partner with influencers or other artists to increase your reach. Influencers can help create viral moments for your song, which can catch the attention of playlist curators.

7. Consistency is Key

While landing on an official playlist can give you a major boost, consistency is crucial for long-term success. Keep releasing music regularly to maintain and grow your presence on Spotify.

• Release Singles Regularly: Instead of waiting to release a full album, focus on releasing singles every few months. This keeps your profile active and gives you multiple opportunities to pitch your music to playlists.
• Engage with Your Fans: Regularly engaging with your audience can help keep your streams steady. Host live sessions, share personal stories behind your songs, or offer fans exclusive content.

Final Thoughts

Getting onto a Spotify official playlist is no easy feat, but with a combination of high-quality production, a strategic release plan, and effective promotion, your chances of being noticed increase significantly. By working with a professional studio like Studio Chaddy, you can ensure that your music is well-produced and ready for submission.

Ready to create playlist-worthy tracks? Get in touch with Studio Chaddy today and let’s make your music stand out in 2024.