Artists
Playlist pitching for artists
Playlists are where new fans discover music. A single placement on the right playlist can introduce your sound to thousands of listeners who've never heard of you. For independent artists, pitching curators directly is one of the highest-value activities you can spend time on.
Finding the right playlists to pitch
Not every playlist is worth pitching. A 100,000-follower playlist sounds impressive, but if it's full of pop hits and you make leftfield techno, it won't help you. Look for playlists where your track genuinely fits. Search your genre on Spotify and Apple Music. Listen to the first few tracks on each playlist. Does your music belong alongside them? If yes, that's a playlist worth pitching. Pay attention to playlist size too. Curators running playlists with 500 to 5,000 followers are often more responsive to pitches than those running massive playlists. They're building something, they care about curation, and they're more likely to listen to music from unknown artists. These smaller placements add up. Ten placements on 1,000-follower playlists can equal the impact of one placement on a 10,000-follower list, with a much higher chance of actually getting added.
How to pitch without a PR team
You don't need a publicist to pitch playlists. You just need a good track and a respectful approach. Start by finding the curator's contact info. Many list a submission email in the playlist description or their social media bio. Some accept submissions through dedicated platforms. Once you have their email, send them a Promoly campaign with your track. Keep the message short. Mention the playlist by name so they know you've actually looked at it. Include one or two relevant details: your genre, any previous placements, or a quick note about why your track fits their playlist's mood. Don't beg or oversell. "I think this would be a great fit for [playlist name]" is better than "this is the best track you'll hear all year." Let the music do the convincing.
Turning placements into relationships
Getting added to a playlist once is good. Getting added to every new playlist that curator creates is better. When a curator adds your track, thank them. Follow the playlist. Share it on your social media and tag the curator. This small gesture sets you apart from the dozens of artists who pitch and disappear. When you have a new release, reach out to curators who've added you before. They already know your sound and have shown they like it. These warm pitches convert at a much higher rate than cold ones. Over time, your network of friendly curators becomes one of your most valuable promotional assets. It takes time to build, but it compounds with every release.
Playlist Pitching checklist for artists
Search for genre-matching playlists
Spend an hour on Spotify and Apple Music finding playlists where your music fits. Note the curator names and submission details.
Listen before you pitch
Play the first five tracks on each playlist. Make sure your sound genuinely belongs there.
Find curator contact info
Check playlist descriptions, curator social media bios, and personal websites for submission emails.
Upload your track to Promoly
Add your audio, artwork, and release details. Include BPM and genre tags if relevant.
Write a short, personalised pitch
Mention the playlist by name. Keep it to three or four sentences maximum.
Send three to four weeks before release
Give curators enough time to listen and schedule the addition for release week.
Check who listened
Promoly shows you who played your track and for how long. Focus follow-ups on curators who engaged.
Follow up once
If a curator played your track but didn't respond, one polite follow-up a week later is fine. No more than that.
Thank curators who add your track
A quick thank-you message and a social media share of their playlist goes a long way.
Quick tips
Pitch one track at a time
Curators evaluate tracks individually. Sending your entire EP makes their job harder and reduces the chance they'll listen at all.
Don't pay for placements
Paid playlist placements violate most platform terms of service and attract bot listeners who hurt your metrics. Pitch organically.
Keep a curator spreadsheet
Track which curators you've pitched, whether they added your track, and when you last reached out. This prevents embarrassing double-pitches.
Pitch Spotify for Artists too
Submit through Spotify's official editorial pitch tool at least seven days before release. It's free and separate from your curator outreach.
Frequently asked questions
How many playlists should I pitch per release?
Quality over quantity. Ten to twenty well-researched playlists that match your sound will produce better results than blasting 200 random curators.
When should I pitch curators?
Three to four weeks before release day. This gives curators time to listen, consider, and schedule the addition.
Do curators expect to get paid?
Legitimate curators don't charge for placements. If someone asks for money, walk away. Paid placements violate platform policies and attract low-quality listeners.
What if no one responds?
It happens, especially early on. Keep pitching with each release. As your catalogue grows and your name becomes familiar, response rates improve.
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