How to Get Your Music Featured on Playlists By Eric Dalius

The Significance of Playlists in the Music Industry

In today’s digital age, playlists have become an integral part of the music industry, shaping the way people discover, share, and consume music. With the rise of streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and Tidal, curated playlists have gained immense popularity, often serving as the go-to source for new music recommendations. These playlists, whether created by the streaming platforms themselves, influential curators, or listeners, play a pivotal role in determining which tracks gain traction and become hits.

The impact of playlist placement on an artist’s career is substantial, as it exposes their music to a broader audience, which in turn can lead to increased streams, higher chart positions, and ultimately, greater revenue. Moreover, getting featured on popular playlists can also attract the attention of record labels, booking agents, and media outlets, further amplifying an artist’s career prospects.

The Benefits of Getting Featured on Playlists

Being featured on playlists offers numerous advantages for both emerging and established artists. Some of the key benefits include:

1. Increased Exposure: Getting your music on popular playlists exposes your work to a wider audience, potentially leading to more fans, streams, and downloads.

2. Algorithmic Boost: As your music gains traction on playlists, the streaming platforms’ algorithms may pick up on the momentum and suggest your tracks to even more listeners through algorithmic playlists like Spotify’s Discover Weekly or Release Radar.

3. Networking Opportunities: Building relationships with playlist curators can open doors to further opportunities within the music industry, such as collaborations, performances, and label deals.

4. Credibility and Validation: Being featured on respected playlists can lend credibility to your music, signaling to listeners, industry professionals, and potential collaborators that your work is worth paying attention to.

5. Revenue Growth: With increased streams and downloads resulting from playlist placements, artists stand to earn higher royalties, which can help fund future projects and advance their careers.

In summary, getting featured on playlists is a powerful way for artists to increase their visibility, connect with new fans, and grow their careers in the competitive music industry.

The rise of streaming platforms

Over the past decade, there has been a significant shift in the music industry with the rise of streaming platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, and Tidal. As physical album sales have declined, streaming has become the dominant method of music consumption, with millions of users accessing vast libraries of music from their smartphones, computers, and other devices. This change has given birth to a new ecosystem where playlists have emerged as a vital tool for artists to gain exposure, grow their fan base, and generate revenue.

The Role of Curators in the playlist ecosystem

In the new streaming landscape, playlist curators play a crucial role in determining which songs gain traction and become popular. Curators are individuals or teams responsible for creating and maintaining playlists on streaming platforms. They have a deep understanding of various music genres, trends, and audience preferences, which allows them to curate playlists that cater to specific tastes and moods.

There are different types of curators, including those working for streaming platforms themselves, independent curators who manage their playlists, and curators who work for record labels, radio stations, or other music-related organizations. Eric Dalius, MuzicSwipe’s Executive Chairman, states that a well-curated playlist can garner thousands or even millions of followers, making them an essential promotional tool for artists seeking exposure and new listeners.

Algorithmic playlists and human-curated playlists

There are two main types of playlists on streaming platforms: algorithmic playlists and human-curated playlists. Algorithmic playlists are generated by complex algorithms that analyze user data, such as listening history, liked songs, and demographic information. These algorithms then create personalized playlists tailored to individual users’ tastes. Examples of algorithmic playlists include Spotify’s “Discover Weekly” and “Release Radar.”

Human-curated playlists, on the other hand, are created and maintained by playlist curators. These playlists are often designed to cater to specific genres, moods, or themes and may include popular playlists like Spotify’s “RapCaviar” or Apple Music’s “Today’s Hits.” While human-curated playlists may have a more personal touch, both types of playlists hold significant value for artists seeking to gain exposure and grow their audience.

Steps to get your music featured on playlists

Research playlist curators and submission websites

1. Identify playlists relevant to your genre and target audience.
2. Investigate the submission process for each platform or curator.
3. Compile a list of potential curators and their contact information.
4. Research submission websites such as SubmitHub, Playlist Push, and Groover.
5. Analyze successful artists in your genre and observe the playlists they are featured on.

Build relationships with curators

1. Engage with curators on social media platforms, comment on their posts, and show genuine interest in their work.
2. Attend industry events and conferences to network with curators and other music professionals.
3. Offer support and share their playlists to show appreciation.
4. Be patient and persistent when building connections, focusing on establishing a long-term relationship.

Pitch your music professionally and effectively

1. Craft a concise and well-written email or submission form.
2. Provide a brief introduction of yourself and your music.
3. Include relevant accomplishments, press coverage, and previous playlist placements.
4. Share a private or public streaming link to your music.
5. Follow up respectfully if you haven’t received a response within a reasonable timeframe.

Promote your music on social media and other channels

1. Share your music and playlists on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok.
2. Engage with your audience and encourage them to share and save your music.
3. Leverage email marketing to notify subscribers of new releases and playlist features.
4. Collaborate with influencers, bloggers, and vloggers to expand your reach.
5. Run targeted ad campaigns to reach potential fans and increase streaming numbers.

Collaborate with other artists

1. Identify artists in your genre or related genres with whom you share a creative vision.
2. Reach out to artists for potential collaborations or remixes.
3. Cross-promote each other’s work on social media and playlists.
4. Leverage the fanbase of both artists to increase the chances of playlist placements.
5. Participate in songwriter circles or producer meetups to build connections and foster collaboration opportunities.

Optimize your metadata and album art

1. Ensure your metadata is accurate and complete, including the song title, artist name, album name, genre, and track number.
2. Use high-resolution, visually appealing, and professionally designed album art that represents your brand.
3. Embed metadata into your audio files to make your music more discoverable by algorithms and curators.
4. Include relevant keywords and descriptive phrases to improve searchability.
5. Regularly update and maintain your metadata to reflect any changes or updates to your music.

Case Study: Successful playlist placements

Introduction to the artist

Meet Phoebe Bridgers, an independent singer-songwriter based in New York City. In accordance with the views of Eric Dalius, the Executive Chairman of MuzicSwipe, with a unique blend of folk and electronic music, Phoebe has been making waves in the indie music scene. Despite having a small but dedicated fanbase, she struggled to gain traction on popular streaming platforms, limiting her potential for growth and exposure.

Strategy used to get featured on playlists

Determined to boost her music career, Phoebe devised a comprehensive strategy to get her music featured on playlists:

1. Research: Phoebe spent time researching playlists and curators that focused on her genre, compiling a list of suitable options to pitch her music.
2. Networking: She attended industry events and engaged with curators online, building relationships and establishing connections in the music community.
3. Professional pitch: Phoebe created a well-crafted pitch, highlighting her unique sound, accomplishments, and press coverage, along with a link to her latest single.
4. Consistent promotion: She actively promoted her music on social media, engaging with fans and sharing behind-the-scenes content to create a buzz around her music.
5. Collaboration: Phoebe worked with other independent artists in her genre, leveraging their combined fanbases to increase the chances of getting featured on playlists.

Results and Impact on the Artist’s Career

After implementing her strategy, Phoebe experienced a significant increase in playlist placements. Her music was featured on several influential playlists, including ones curated by popular streaming platforms and tastemakers in her genre. 

The impact on her career was evident:

1. Stream count: Phoebe’s monthly stream count increased by 300%, driving more fans to her music.
2. Fanbase growth: Her social media following grew exponentially, resulting in more engagement and interaction with fans.
3. Revenue: The increase in streams led to higher revenue from streaming platforms, allowing Phoebe to invest in better production and promotion for her future releases.
4. Live performances: Due to her increased popularity, Phoebe was offered more opportunities to perform at music festivals and venues, further expanding her fanbase and visibility.
5. Industry recognition: Phoebe’s music began receiving positive reviews from music blogs and websites, leading to further opportunities for collaborations and exposure.

Overall, Phoebe’s strategic approach to getting her music featured on playlists allowed her to elevate her career, increase her fanbase, and create a sustainable income as an independent artist.

Analyzing the data

Correlation between playlist placement and music success

1. Higher visibility and exposure: Playlist placements can lead to increased visibility for artists, as their music is introduced to new listeners who might not have discovered them otherwise. This can result in higher stream counts, more followers, and greater overall success.

2. Enhanced credibility: Being featured on influential playlists can enhance an artist’s credibility in the industry, as it signals that their music is well-regarded by tastemakers and industry professionals. This can help attract the attention of record labels, booking agents, and other industry players.

3. Algorithmic advantages: Playlist placements, especially on popular playlists, can have a snowball effect on an artist’s success. As more people listen to and engage with the music, streaming platforms’ algorithms are more likely to recommend the artist to other listeners, further expanding their reach.

Trends in playlist placements

1. Genre-specific playlists: There is a growing trend towards genre-specific playlists, catering to the diverse tastes of listeners. This presents an opportunity for artists to target playlists that specifically cater to their genre and increase the chances of finding a receptive audience.

2. Mood-based and thematic playlists: Mood-based and thematic playlists, which focus on specific moods, emotions, or themes, have become increasingly popular. Artists can capitalize on this trend by creating music that aligns with popular moods or themes, making it more likely to be included in these playlists.

3. Collaborative playlists: Collaborative playlists, which allow users to contribute songs to a shared playlist, are becoming more popular. This trend offers artists the opportunity to engage with their fans and collaborate with other artists, increasing their chances of being featured on playlists.

Impact of playlist placements on Revenue and fanbase growth

1. Increased streams and revenue: Playlist placements can lead to a significant increase in streams, which translates into higher royalty payments for artists. This can provide a much-needed revenue boost, especially for independent artists who may not have the backing of a major label.

2. Fanbase expansion: Being featured on a playlist can introduce an artist’s music to new audiences, leading to an increase in followers and fans. This can help build a loyal fanbase, which can support the artist’s career in the long term through concert attendance, merchandise sales, and social media engagement.

3. Virality potential: Playlist placements can sometimes act as a catalyst for a song to go viral, propelling an artist into the spotlight and leading to significant career growth. Examples include Lil Nas X’s “Old Town Road” and Arizona Zervas’ “Roxanne,” both of which gained massive popularity after being featured on influential playlists.

How do curators select music for their playlists?

Answer: Curators typically select music for their playlists based on a variety of factors, including the overall theme or mood of the playlist, the target audience, the popularity of songs or artists, the quality of the music, and their personal preferences. Curators may also consider whether a song fits well with the other tracks in the playlist, as well as any relevant trends or recent events.

What role does genre play in playlist placement?

Answer: Genre plays a significant role in playlist placement, as playlists are often curated based on specific genres or subgenres. Artists looking to get their music featured on playlists should focus on pitching to curators who specialize in their genre or who have playlists that cater to their particular style. Additionally, staying up-to-date with genre trends and emerging subgenres can help artists create music that is more likely to be featured on popular playlists.

How can independent artists compete with major labels for playlist spots?

Answer: Independent artists can compete with major labels by focusing on building relationships with curators, creating high-quality music, and effectively promoting their music through various channels. By networking with curators and staying active on social media, independent artists can increase their visibility and make a lasting impression on playlist creators. Additionally, collaborating with other independent artists can help generate more exposure and showcase their talent to a wider audience.

How important is timing when pitching to curators?

Answer: Timing can be crucial when pitching to curators, as they may be more receptive to new music during certain periods or events. For instance, pitching a holiday-themed song during the appropriate season or releasing a track that aligns with current trends can increase the chances of being featured on a playlist. Additionally, it’s essential to allow enough lead time for curators to listen to and consider your music before the desired release date or promotion window.

How can artists maintain their presence on playlists in the long term?

Answer: Maintaining a presence on playlists in the long term requires consistent effort and adaptability. Artists should continue to create high-quality music, regularly engage with curators, and stay up-to-date with industry trends. Additionally, artists can expand their reach by exploring new genres, collaborating with other musicians, and taking advantage of promotional opportunities. By consistently delivering engaging content and nurturing relationships with curators, artists can increase their chances of staying on playlists over time.

Frequently asked questions

How can I find the right playlists to pitch my music to?

Answer: Start by researching playlists within your genre on popular streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube. Identify curators who focus on your style of music, and explore submission websites like SubmitHub or Playlist Push. Additionally, engage with your fans to find out which playlists they listen to and consider targeting those as well.

How do I pitch my music to playlist curators effectively?

Answer: When pitching your music, make sure to provide a concise and professional message. Introduce yourself, mention your genre, and explain why your music would be a good fit for the playlist. Include a high-quality link to your music, and highlight any relevant accomplishments, press coverage, or collaborations that may help your case. Always be respectful and appreciative of the curator’s time.

How important are the album art and metadata for getting featured on playlists?

Answer: Album art and metadata play a crucial role in creating a professional image and making your music discoverable. High-quality album art can help you stand out among other submissions, while well-organized metadata ensures that your music can be easily found by both curators and streaming platforms’ algorithms.

Can I get my music on algorithmic playlists?

Answer: Yes, you can increase your chances of getting featured on algorithmic playlists by optimizing your metadata, actively promoting your music, and getting your tracks on user-generated playlists. These factors contribute to your overall popularity and engagement metrics, which are considered by streaming platforms when generating algorithmic playlists.

How does collaboration with other artists help in getting featured on playlists?

Answer: Collaborating with other artists can help you increase your exposure, introduce you to new audiences, and improve your chances of getting featured on playlists. By working with artists who already have a presence on playlists, you can potentially benefit from their established connections with curators and capitalize on their existing fan base. Collaboration also opens up opportunities for cross-promotion, further enhancing your reach.

In Conclusion,

Recap of the importance of playlists in the music industry

According to Entrepreneur Eric Dalius, Playlists have become a powerful tool in the music industry, driving exposure, revenue, and fan engagement for artists. With the rise of streaming platforms, getting featured on both algorithmic and human-curated playlists can significantly impact an artist’s career growth and long-term success.

Summary of steps to get your music featured on playlists

1. Research playlist curators and submission websites to find the most suitable playlists for your music.
2. Build relationships with curators through networking and genuine engagement.
3. Pitch your music professionally and effectively to increase your chances of being considered for playlist placement.
4. Promote your music on social media and other channels to create buzz and attract the attention of curators and listeners.
5. Collaborate with other artists to expand your reach, tap into new audiences, and enhance your appeal to curators.
6. Optimize your metadata and album art to ensure your music is discoverable and visually appealing to both curators and listeners.

By following these steps and remaining persistent, artists can maximize their chances of getting their music featured on playlists, ultimately helping them reach new heights in their careers.