With thousands of tracks dropping every day, cutting through the noise takes more than just uploading your song and crossing your fingers. One of the most overlooked but powerful ways to get your foot in the door is by writing a great playlist pitch. And no, we don’t mean copying and pasting the same “Check out my new track!” message to every curator out there. We’re talking about thoughtful, well-crafted outreach that shows you care—not just about your song, but about the people curating the playlists you want to be part of.
Do Your Homework: Find the Right Playlists First
Before you write a single word, take time to really figure out where your song belongs. Not every playlist is a good fit—and that’s okay. Start by searching for playlists that actually feature songs like yours in terms of genre, mood, and vibe. Is your track a moody indie-pop anthem? A high-energy electronic banger? A mellow acoustic ballad? Match your submission to the kind of music the playlist already supports.
Don’t just look at the big Spotify editorial lists. There are thousands of independent curators on Instagram, TikTok, Reddit, and platforms like SubmitHub and Groover. These tastemakers are often more accessible—and more open—to emerging artists. The key is to pitch with intention instead of just blasting your track to everyone
Personalize Like You Mean It
If your pitch reads like it was written for a hundred other curators, it’ll probably be skipped. These folks get dozens, sometimes hundreds, of submissions every week. So how do you stand out? Be personal. Address them by name if you can. Mention a track from their playlist that caught your ear. Let them know you actually listen to what they curate.
Even a single line like, “I really loved how your playlist blends chillwave and alt-R&B—my song leans into that same space,” shows that you’re not just copy-pasting. It shows respect, and respect gets remembered.
Get to the Point (But Don’t Be Boring)
This part’s tricky, but essential: be concise without sounding robotic. You want to quickly communicate what your song is, why it matters, and why it fits. A few sentences is all it takes. Share what inspired the track, the mood it creates, or any unique element—like a feature from another artist or a meaningful backstory. You don’t need a life story or a full press kit. Instead, think about how you’d describe the song to a friend in a text message. That kind of relaxed, real-world tone is a lot more inviting than over-the-top buzzwords.
Share Your Promotion Plan
This one often gets overlooked: let them know you’re actively promoting the track. Curators want to feature songs that will bring energy to their playlists—not just musically, but in terms of engagement. Are you running a social media campaign? Teasing the release on TikTok or Instagram? Planning to perform it live? Mention it. You don’t need a massive marketing machine behind you. Just show that you’re putting in effort. A curator is much more likely to feature your track if they know you’re doing your part to get it heard.
Make Sure Your Metadata Is On Point
This might sound boring, but it matters: accurate metadata helps your pitch get taken seriously. That means clearly labeling your genre, sub-genre, mood, instrumentation, and anything else relevant. If your song is a dreamy, synth-heavy ballad with female vocals, say so. This makes it easier for curators to know exactly where your track fits. Plus, on platforms like Spotify, this kind of info is crucial for their algorithm to place your music correctly. Don’t skip it.
Follow the Rules (Seriously)
Every platform or curator has their own submission process—follow it to the letter. Spotify, for example, asks for unreleased songs to be pitched at least 7 days before release. If you ignore those instructions, you’re probably going straight to the “no” pile, no matter how good your track is. Take five minutes to read the submission guidelines. It’s a small step that shows professionalism and saves everyone time.
Be Professional, Not Pushy
You’re trying to build relationships, not just get on a playlist. So keep your tone respectful, friendly, and appreciative. Don’t demand attention or act entitled. Instead, thank them for their time, offer to follow up if they need anything, and make sure they can easily reach you if they’re interested. Music is a small world. Even if they don’t feature your current track, a positive interaction might open doors later on.
Stay Patient—and Keep Going
Rejection (or radio silence) is part of the game. Not every pitch will land, and that’s okay. Instead of obsessing over one submission, keep learning and improving. Ask for feedback when you can. Rework your pitch. Try new angles. Keep showing up. The artists who succeed aren’t always the ones with the best songs—they’re the ones who refine their craft, build relationships, and don’t give up.
Tools for Playlist Pitching
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