How to Pitch Your First Single to Playlists
Playlist pitching has become one of the most important steps for any new artist releasing music. It’s also one of the most misunderstood. Many artists imagine a mysterious gatekeeper holding the key to Spotify success, when in reality, playlisting is built on preparation, timing, and knowing how to present your track in the best possible light.
Start with the basics. Before you pitch anywhere, you need a strong foundation: artwork that looks intentional, a clean Spotify for Artists profile, an updated bio, and links to your social media. Curators — both editorial and independent — check these things. They want to know you’re an artist worth supporting, not someone dropping a single with no context.
Once your profile is in order, submit your track through Spotify for Artists at least two weeks before release. The form might feel simple, but it helps Spotify understand where your track fits. Be specific. Mention genre, mood, instrumentation, and any regional ties. If you’re from Belfast, Manchester, Glasgow — say it. Location matters far more than most people expect.
After that, focus on independent curators. These are the people who actually break new artists — smaller playlists with loyal listeners, genre-specific curators, mood-based collections, and local music sources. Find playlists that genuinely match your sound. A rock track doesn’t belong on an ambient playlist, and a synth-pop tune won’t make sense on a punk compilation. Good targeting beats mass-sending every time.
Your message to curators should be short, polite, and human. Mention the track name, release date, and one or two lines about what the song is about. Don’t oversell it; curators respond better to honest introductions than to hype. Include a private link if the track isn’t out yet, or your streaming link if it is.
Consider your local scene, too. Regional curators, smaller radio shows, music blogs, student stations — all of these feed into a larger ecosystem of discovery. If you’re building traction in your city first, playlist curators pay attention.
Finally, remember that playlists are just one part of the process. What matters is consistency. Each release builds your listener base; each playlist placement increases your visibility. Over time, Spotify’s algorithm starts to understand your audience and push your music further. Pitching isn’t about “getting on a big playlist immediately”—it’s about building a long-term pathway.
If you treat playlist pitching as a steady craft rather than a lottery, your music will find the listeners it deserves.
