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Playlist pitching for music promotion – Make your songs stand out!
October 10, 2023 •
5 min read
In the digital age of music, where the rhythm of life is set to an endless stream of bytes and beats, music promotion has become the lifeblood of an artist's career. It encompasses all the strategies and efforts undertaken to make one's music heard, loved and shared by a wider audience. While there are various facets to music promotion, in this article, we'll dive deep into the world of streaming platforms. We'll understand the vital role of playlist pitching for music promotion, particularly on Spotify and Apple Music — a game-changer for modern musicians.
The significance of streaming platforms
Before we delve into the world of playlist placement, let's understand why streaming platforms are pivotal for musicians today. According to IFPI's industry data, streaming accounted for a whopping 83% of global recorded music revenues in 2020. It surpassed physical sales and downloads by a significant margin. Moreover, with over 450 million users combined, Spotify and Apple Music have become the go-to platforms for discovering and consuming music.
To put it simply, having your songs available on these platforms is no longer an option — it's a necessity. But merely being present isn't enough; you need to find ways to stand out in the vast sea of releases.
Editorial playlists are the holy grail of playlist placement. They're curated by the streaming platforms themselves, often featuring a mix of popular tracks and hidden gems. Getting your song featured on one of these playlists can be a game-changer for your music career. Here's why:
- More exposure: Editorial playlists have a massive following, and being featured can catapult your song to thousands, if not millions, of ears.
- Reaching new audiences: These playlists often cater to specific genres or moods, allowing you to tap into a highly targeted and engaged audience.
- Career growth: Success on editorial playlists can lead to increased visibility, more streams, and even the attention of record labels and industry professionals.
Now that you understand the importance of editorial playlists, let's see the steps an artist should follow to submit their songs for consideration.
How to submit your songs to official playlists
For Spotify:
- Claim your Spotify For Artists account: If you haven't already, head to artists.spotify.com and claim your account. This is essential for managing your artist profile and submitting tracks.
- Ensure your music is unreleased: Editorial playlists only accept pitches for unreleased tracks, so make sure your song hasn't been published on the platform.
- Focus on sound quality: High-quality audio is crucial. Ensure your music is well-produced and mastered to maximize your chances.
- Craft a convincing pitch: When submitting, write a compelling pitch that showcases your song's unique qualities. Be concise, passionate, and professional.
- Submit via Spotify for Artists: Go to your Spotify for Artists dashboard and find the "Music" tab. There, you'll see the option to submit your unreleased music for consideration.
For Apple Music:
- Claim your Apple Music for Artists account: Visit artists.apple.com and claim your account to access tools for artists, including the ability to pitch your music.
- Prepare your unreleased track: As with Spotify, make sure your song is unreleased on Apple Music.
- Write a persuasive pitch: Craft a pitch that highlights what makes your song special. Keep it concise and engaging.
- Submit via Apple Music for Artists: Log in to your account, go to the "My Music" section, and select "Pitch Music." Follow the submission process from there.
Remember, competition is fierce, and there are no guarantees. But with a solid strategy and a standout pitch, you can increase your chances of landing a coveted spot on an editorial playlist.
Exploring radio
While playlisting is a potent tool in your music promotion arsenal, it's not the only one. Building a strong social media presence, submitting your music to radio stations, collaborating with influencers and exploring emerging platforms are all valuable strategies to complement your playlist efforts.
Traditional radio may not have the same dominance it once did, but it still holds significant influence. Getting your music played on radio stations can be a valuable addition to your promotion strategy. Research stations that cater to your music style and reach out to them with professionally crafted press releases and promo packages.
While Spotify and Apple Music are giants in the streaming world, emerging platforms can offer unique opportunities for exposure. Platforms like Bandcamp, SoundCloud, Audius, and Triller can help you connect with niche audiences and build a dedicated fan base.
On Bandcamp, for instance, you can sell your music directly to fans, offering them a more intimate and supportive way to connect with your work. SoundCloud is a hub for independent artists, where you can upload your tracks and collaborate with fellow musicians. Exploring these platforms can expand your reach and diversify your audience.
Social media presence
Also, we need to consider that in the digital age, social media presence is a cornerstone of music promotion. Platforms like Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, TikTok and YouTube provide a direct line of communication with fans and potential listeners. Consistently engaging with your audience through posts, videos, live sessions and collaborations can help you grow a loyal fanbase.
- Share behind-the-scenes content: Give your followers a glimpse into your creative process, daily life, and the making of your music. Authenticity can forge strong connections with fans.
- Run contests and giveaways: Encourage engagement by hosting contests and giveaways. These can boost your online presence and create excitement around your releases.
- Collaborate with influencers: Partnering with social media influencers or content creators who align with your music genre can introduce your music to their followers.
- Utilize paid advertising: Invest in targeted social media advertising to reach potential listeners who may not discover your music otherwise.
In the ever-evolving landscape of the music industry, music promotion is essential for artists aspiring to make their mark. Streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music have become indispensable for musicians, offering vast audiences and endless possibilities. Getting your songs featured on editorial playlists is a potent strategy, as it provides exposure, access to new audiences, and opportunities for career growth.
To succeed in this competitive arena, artists must claim their Spotify for Artists and Apple Music for Artists accounts and meticulously prepare their unreleased tracks for submission. Crafting a persuasive pitch is crucial, as it can make your song stand out among the multitude of submissions.
However, it's essential to remember that playlisting is just one piece of the puzzle. A holistic approach to music promotion encompasses a strong social media presence, radio airplay, and exploration of emerging platforms. By building a multifaceted strategy and consistently engaging with your audience, you can create a sustainable and thriving music career.
In conclusion, the modern music industry offers immense opportunities for artists willing to adapt and innovate. Streaming platforms have democratized distribution, but the journey to success requires dedication, creativity and a keen understanding of music promotion. So submit your best tracks and embrace the digital age as you embark on a remarkable musical journey.
