Learn how to pitch your songs to playlist curators effectively. Discover tips on research, personalized outreach, and relationship building.

Getting your music featured on curated playlists can be a game-changer for your career. With the potential to reach thousands—sometimes even millions—of listeners, playlists on platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and TIDAL are the modern-day equivalent of radio airplay.

However, landing a spot on these sought-after playlists requires more than just a great track; it demands strategy, persistence, and a personal touch.

This guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of pitching your songs to playlist curators. You’ll learn how to find the right curators, craft a standout pitch, and build meaningful relationships to increase your chances of getting noticed.

Why Playlist Placements Matter

Before we get into the “how,” let’s talk about the “why.” What makes playlist placements so valuable to modern musicians?

• Massive Exposure: Playlist listeners often discover new music through their favorite curated lists. This is your chance to get your music directly into their ears.
• Boosted Streams and Revenue: More playlist hits lead to more plays—and with them, higher streaming income.
• Credibility and Social Proof: Being featured on the right playlist can elevate your image as an artist and spark buzz in the industry.
• Organic Growth Opportunities: A spot on a playlist exposes your music to fans who may follow your profile or even add your track to their personal playlists, creating long-term value.

Now that you know why playlists are crucial, let’s get into the “how.”

Step 1: Research Playlist Curators

Find the Right Playlists

The first step is to find playlists that are a good fit for your music. Whether you’re an indie folk artist, a hip-hop producer, or an experimental musician, targeting the right playlists is essential.

Here are some tips to help you identify the best options for your genre and style of music:

• Start with Spotify Playlists by categorizing your music under keywords or niche genres. Under Spotify’s “Made for You” or “Genre and Mood,” you’ll find curated playlists by both Spotify editors and independent curators.
• Search Google phrases like “Top indie folk playlists Spotify” or “Hip-hop playlist curators.”
• Try third-party tools like Chartmetric or SpotOnTrack to discover playlists and insights about their followers, curators, and genres.

Identify the Curators

Once you’ve found playlists that align with your music, it’s time to figure out who curates them. Here’s how to track them down:

• On Spotify: The username listed as the playlist creator is your curator. For larger playlists managed by the platform itself, these can be Spotify staff editors. For independent playlists, it will be an individual or organization.
• Social Media Links: Many curators link their social accounts or websites directly in the playlist bio.
• Professional Association: Some curators own blogs or music review websites that offer playlist features.

Pro Tip: Create a spreadsheet to keep track of playlists, curators, email addresses, social handles, and submission guidelines.

Step 2: Tailor Your Approach

Now that you know who to reach out to, the key is personalization. Playlist curators receive dozens—if not hundreds—of submissions daily, so your pitch needs to stand out from the crowd.

Here’s how you can craft a personalized approach:

Do Your Research

Before reaching out, invest time in understanding the playlist and the curator behind it. Take note of the following:

• What genres and vibes are consistently featured on the playlist?
• Does the playlist include emerging artists or only big names?
• What tone and style do the curator’s social media or previous communication reflect?

When you tailor your pitch to their specific preferences, it shows that you’ve done your homework.

Write a Compelling Pitch

When reaching out to curators, your pitch should be clear, concise, and engaging. Address them by name if possible, and show genuine interest in their playlist. Here’s an example to get you started:

Subject Line: Loved Your Playlist – A Song You May Like

Email Body:

Hi [Curator’s Name],

I wanted to say how much I admire [Playlist Name]. I’ve been following it for a while and especially enjoyed [specific artist/song from the playlist].

I think my new track “[Your Song Name]” would be a great fit for your playlist—it shares similar vibes. Here’s a quick link for your review [Include Link to Your Song on Spotify].

[Add one or two sentences about your song or background as an artist. Mention any notable achievements, genre, style, or why you think it fits the playlist.]

Thanks so much for your time! I’d love to hear your thoughts, and I’m happy to answer any questions.

Warm regards,

[Your Name] [Your Social Media Handles & EPK Link]

Short, genuine, and to the point, this approach respects the curator’s time while still creating a personal connection.

Step 3: Use Direct Outreach

Leverage Social Media

Sometimes email addresses might not be accessible. Curators are active on platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and even TikTok. Follow them, engage with their content, comment on their posts, and build a relationship before pitching via direct message.

Submit Through Platforms

Some curators use submission platforms like SubmitHub, Groover, or PlaylistPush. While these might come with small fees, they often provide valuable feedback—even if your submission doesn’t make the cut.

Step 4: Build Relationships

Playlist pitching isn’t just about one-off submissions. Building long-term relationships with curators will increase your chances of future placements and collaborations.

• Engage With Their Work: Continue listening to and sharing their playlists even after your song is featured (or passed on). Genuine support can go a long way.
• Express Gratitude: If your song gets added, send a thank-you note. It’s a super simple way to stand out.

Step 5: Don’t Rely Solely on Playlists

While playlists can provide a tremendous boost, your overall success as an artist relies on multiple factors. Engage with your fans, release music videos, perform live (or live-streamed) shows, and stay consistent with your content creation.

By diversifying your promotional efforts, you’ll ensure long-term results beyond playlists.

Unlock the Door to More Playlist Features

Landing your songs on curated playlists is a strategic process that takes time and effort—but the rewards are worth it. By finding the right curators, crafting personalized pitches, and nurturing relationships, you’ll not only gain exposure but also solidify your reputation within the music community.

Still unsure how to pitch effectively? Sign up for our free artist toolkit for additional resources, templates, and tips to elevate your music career.