Getting your music featured on Spotify playlists can significantly boost your listenership and visibility. While some services require payment, there are ways to submit your music for free. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps to get your tracks onto Spotify playlists without spending a dime. Whether you're an emerging artist or an established musician looking to expand your reach, these strategies can help you make the most of Spotify's vast user base.

Optimize Your Spotify Profile

The first step in getting your music onto Spotify playlists is to ensure your Spotify profile is as professional and appealing as possible. A well-crafted profile can make a positive impression on playlist curators and listeners alike.

Profile Picture and Header

Use high-quality images for your profile picture and header. These visuals represent your brand and should reflect your music style.

Bio and Social Media Links

Write a compelling bio that tells your story and highlights your achievements. Include links to your social media profiles to provide curators and fans with more ways to connect with you.

Consistent Branding

Ensure that your branding is consistent across all platforms. This includes your profile picture, header image, and bio. Consistent branding helps create a recognizable image for your music.

Research Suitable Playlists

Finding the right playlists to submit your music to is crucial. Not all playlists will be a good fit for your music, so it’s important to target those that align with your genre and style.

Using Chartmetric

Chartmetric is a powerful tool that provides detailed insights into playlists. Use it to identify playlists with active followers and regular updates. Focus on those that feature music similar to yours.

SpotOnTrack

SpotOnTrack is another useful tool for playlist research. It offers data on playlist growth and engagement, helping you find the most relevant playlists for your music.

Manual Research

In addition to using tools, spend time manually researching playlists on Spotify. Look at the descriptions and the types of songs they feature to determine if your music would be a good fit.

Connect with Playlist Curators

Building relationships with playlist curators can significantly increase your chances of getting your music featured. Start by engaging with them on social media.

Follow and Engage

Follow playlist curators on platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Like, comment on, and share their posts to build rapport.

Personalize Your Approach

When reaching out to curators, personalize your messages. Mention specific playlists you enjoy and explain why your music would be a good fit. Personalizing your approach shows that you’ve done your homework and respect their work.

Be Genuine

Be genuine in your interactions. Don’t just engage with curators when you need something. Show genuine interest in their work and support their playlists regularly.

Crafting Your Pitch

Your pitch to playlist curators should be concise and engaging. Here’s how to craft an effective pitch:

Email Pitch Template

• Subject Line: Submission: [Your Song Title] for [Playlist Name]
• Greeting: Address the curator by name.
• Introduction: Briefly introduce yourself and your music.
• Song Link: Include a Spotify link to your track.
• Reason for Fit: Explain why your song fits the playlist.
• Achievements: Highlight any notable achievements or press.
• Thank You: Thank them for their time and consideration.

Follow-Up

If you don’t hear back within a couple of weeks, send a polite follow-up email. Reiterate your interest and thank them again for their time.

Utilize Free Submission Platforms

Several platforms allow you to submit your music to playlist curators for free. While these platforms also offer paid options, you can still take advantage of the free submission features.

SubmitHub

SubmitHub connects artists with playlist curators and offers both free and paid submission options. Use the free credits wisely, focusing on high-quality submissions to increase your chances of getting featured.

PlaylistPush

Although primarily a paid service, PlaylistPush occasionally offers free submission opportunities. Keep an eye on their website for any such offers.

Soundplate

Soundplate is another platform that offers free playlist submission options. It’s user-friendly and connects you with curators who are actively seeking new music.

Additional Tips for Success

• Release Regularly: Consistently releasing new music keeps your profile active and engages your listeners.
• Promote Playlist Features: Share any playlist features on your social media and thank the curators publicly. This can help build further relationships.
• Network with Other Artists: Collaborating with other artists can expand your reach and introduce your music to new audiences.
• Stay Persistent: Not every submission will be successful. Stay persistent and keep refining your approach.

Getting Involved on Reddit

Reddit itself is a valuable platform for promoting your music and getting it featured on Spotify playlists. Here’s how you can leverage Reddit to your advantage:

Identify Relevant Subreddits

Subreddits like r/ThisIsOurMusic, r/Music, and r/indieheads are great places to start. Participate in discussions, share your music, and engage with the community.

Participate in AMAs (Ask Me Anything)

Hosting an AMA on Reddit can help you connect with fans and potential playlist curators. Share your story, answer questions, and promote your music.

Engage with the Community

Be an active participant in music-related subreddits. Comment on posts, offer constructive feedback, and share your experiences. Building a presence on Reddit can help you gain credibility and attract attention to your music.

Conclusion:

Submitting your music to Spotify playlists for free is possible with the right approach and strategies. By optimizing your profile, researching suitable playlists, connecting with curators, crafting effective pitches, and utilizing free submission platforms, you can increase your chances of getting your music heard by a larger audience. Remember, persistence and professionalism are key. Every successful playlist placement can open doors to more opportunities and a growing fanbase.