How to Get Playlisted on Spotify in 2025: The Ultimate Guide for Independent Artists
Start With Spotify for Artists: The Essential First Step
Before you can pitch your music for any playlist, make sure you’ve claimed and set up your Spotify for Artists account. It’s not just a dashboard—it’s your gateway to powerful tools, including real-time analytics, profile customization, and most importantly, the official playlist submission tool.
Once your upcoming release is live in your dashboard, head over to the “Music” tab, select “Upcoming,” and click “Pitch a song.” You’ll be prompted to add specific details about your track—its genre, mood, instruments, and where it was recorded. This metadata helps Spotify’s editorial team match your song with the right playlists.
Tip: Submit your pitch at least 7 days before release. The earlier, the better.
Spotify only allows one pitch per release and only accepts tracks where you’re the main artist. So choose your strongest track if you’re dropping an EP or album.
Pitch to Independent Curators: Don’t Rely Solely on Spotify Editorial
While Spotify’s in-house playlists are gold, the majority of playlists on the platform are owned by individual curators—music bloggers, influencers, and even dedicated fans.
Research playlists that match your sound by browsing Spotify and noting the names of the curators. Many will have contact details listed on their profile.
Send a short, respectful email introducing yourself, your song, and why you think it fits their playlist. Keep it personal, and always include a direct Spotify link.
TIP: If you're wondering where to start, you can actually submit your music to The Buzz Network Spotify playlists right now! Our playlists cover loads of different genres including Afrobeats, Amapiano, Hip-Hop, Rap and more. SEND US YOUR MUSIC HERE.
Activate Discover Weekly and Release Radar
Spotify’s algorithmic playlists are some of the most valuable real estate on the platform. Release Radar automatically adds your new songs to the playlists of your followers every Friday. To get there? Just build your follower base—every new release will show up automatically.
Discover Weekly is more complex. It uses listening data to serve up new music each Monday based on a user’s habits. The more engagement your track gets from listeners—saves, repeats, shares, and playlist placements—the better its chance of being picked up by Discover Weekly for thousands of new fans.
Drive External Traffic to Spotify
Spotify rewards artists who bring listeners from outside the platform. That means sharing your Spotify links across Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, YouTube, your mailing list, and anywhere your fans hang out.
Not only will this help grow your streams, but Spotify’s algorithm notices where traffic is coming from. More off-platform traffic = better algorithmic placement.
Build and Optimize Your Spotify Profile
First impressions matter. A complete Spotify artist profile makes you look professional and trustworthy in the eyes of playlist curators.
Inside Spotify for Artists, you can:
Upload a custom profile picture and header image
Write a compelling artist bio
Add social media links and tour dates
Feature playlists and pinned releases
Also, make sure you’re verified—this adds the blue check mark and unlocks additional features.
Grow Your Spotify Followers
The more followers you have, the more streams you'll generate every time you release new music.
Each follower equals a guaranteed spot on their Release Radar playlist. Encourage your fans to follow you after every drop, include Spotify links in your bios, and use calls-to-action in your posts to push that follow button.
Share Every Playlist You’re Featured On
No matter how small the playlist, shout it out on social media. This not only helps drive more streams, but also shows appreciation to the curator—building relationships that could lead to future placements.
Tag the playlist owner if you can, and show love consistently.
Curate Your Own Playlists
Don't just wait for playlist placements—start your own! Build a public playlist around a theme, genre, or vibe and mix in your own tracks with similar artists. As your playlist gains followers, your songs benefit from repeat listens and added credibility.
Bonus: Spotify’s Discover Weekly algorithm considers every playlist your song appears in—big or small—so every placement helps.
Final Thoughts: Playlist Success in 2025
Getting playlisted on Spotify is part science, part hustle, and part networking. If you consistently release great music, pitch strategically, and promote your tracks with intent, you'll build momentum over time.
The key is to start early, stay organized, and make every submission count. Spotify is listening—make sure your music is too good to ignore.
