How To Get On The Biggest Editorial Playlists On Spotify

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Getting on the big Spotify editorial playlists is obviously a massive win. While many people have played down the importance since algorithmic playlists rack up the majority of streams for large artists, the algorithmic connections you get on editorial playlists increase the quantity and quality of algorithmic playlists you get on. But so many of you don’t realize how to get on the best playlists on Spotify. There’s often a journey from small playlists that try out artists, and if you perform well, you graduate to the big influential playlists that have massive artists on them. Let me show you the way.

The Spotify Playlist Landscape

Recently, you may have seen headlines suggesting that major labels have an iron grip on Spotify playlists. While there's a kernel of truth to this, the reality is far more nuanced. Let's break it down:

1. Major Label Dominance is Overstated

• Headlines claiming "major labels control Spotify playlists" are misleading.

• Recent data shows a significant representation of independent artists on key playlists.

• New Music Friday, for instance, featured 70% non-major label tracks this week, and my consistent observations show that the same proportion is a baseline from week to week.

• Many genre-specific playlists have less than 10% major label representation.

2. Understanding Playlist Dynamics

• Larger playlists tend to feature more major label artists but for logical reasons.

• These playlists prioritize songs already gaining traction.

• Major labels often sign artists as they build momentum, leading to increased representation.

• The ecosystem is fluid, with independent artists constantly breaking through.

The Playlist Journey

• There's a discernible path for songs to move from smaller to larger playlists.

• This "playlist journey" is key to understanding how to grow your presence on Spotify.

Here are a few journeys of how artists go from smaller playlists to bigger ones.

Leveraging Data for Playlist Success

To navigate this landscape effectively, you need to look at the data. Here's how to use tools like Chartmetric to craft your Spotify strategy:

1. Identify Your Target Playlists

• Start with major playlists in your genre.

• Examine the profiles of successful artists similar to you.

• Note the significant playlists featuring their music.

2. Analyze Playlist Journeys

• Use Chartmetric's "playlist journeys" feature for your target playlists.

• Identify the playlists that frequently feed into your target.

• Add these "feeder" playlists to your outreach list or specifically call them out in your editorial playlist pitch (yes this does work).

3. Diversify Your Playlist Targets

• Target a mix of Spotify-curated and user-generated playlists.

• Look for submission information in the description for user playlists or use services that pitch you to playlists.

4. Leverage Playlist Connections in Pitches

• When pitching to Spotify editorial playlists, mention relevant smaller playlists.

• Use language like "would fit well on playlists such as X, Y, and Z."

5. Understand the Circular Nature of Playlists

• Success on smaller playlists can lead to larger playlist inclusion.

• Larger playlists often feed back into smaller, more niche playlists.

• Consistent presence across various playlists increases chances for future placements.

Journeys Post Placement

Let’s remember playlist journeys work in reverse order. Getting on a big playlist can also feed smaller playlists that take cues from big playlists, leading to a massive influencing effect. This includes algorithmic playlists, smaller playlists, and user playlists.

Strategic Playlist Submission

Timing and strategy are crucial when submitting to playlists. Here's how to optimize your approach:

1. Analyze Addition Patterns

• Use Chartmetric to determine when the playlist adds tracks. You can see if a user playlist likes to be pitched in advance if they mostly add in 0-7 days. Whereas you can see if a playlist likes to see how a song performs if it is added 1-6 months later.

• Submit accordingly - in advance for playlists that add new releases, post-release for those that wait.

2. Monitor Popularity Scores

• Check the typical popularity scores of tracks on your target playlists.

• A score of zero doesn't always indicate low standards - it may mean the playlist adds brand-new tracks.

• Focus on driving up your popularity score to increase playlist chances.

3. Think Long-Term

• View each track as a stepping stone for future success.

• Consistent, sustained promotion is key to building a playlist presence over time.

4. Utilize Similar Playlist Suggestions

• Explore Chartmetric's "similar playlists" feature to expand your target list.

• This can uncover valuable opportunities you might have otherwise missed.

Building Momentum Beyond Playlists

While playlists are crucial, they're part of a larger strategy:

1. Focus on Quality Listeners

• High-quality playlist placements attract engaged listeners.

• These listeners are more likely to become genuine fans.

• Engaged listeners boost your popularity score, feeding into algorithmic playlists.

2. Leverage Algorithmic Playlists

• Strong performance on editorial and user playlists can boost your chances on Release Radar and Discover Weekly.

• These algorithmic playlists can significantly expand your reach.

3. Maintain Consistent Output

• Regular releases help maintain and grow your playlist presence.

• Each successful placement improves chances for future tracks.

4. Engage Your Audience

• Encourage your fans to follow you on Spotify and save your tracks.

• Higher engagement rates can improve your standing with Spotify's algorithms.

5. Analyze and Adapt

• Regularly review your Spotify for Artists data.

• Identify which playlists are driving the most engagement.

• Adjust your strategy based on these insights.

The path to Spotify playlist success is neither straightforward nor entirely controlled by major labels. It's a complex ecosystem that rewards strategy, persistence, and quality. Independent artists can navigate this landscape by understanding the interplay between various types of playlists, leveraging data tools effectively, and maintaining a consistent release and promotion strategy.

Remember, each playlist addition is not just a win for that particular track, but a building block for your entire catalog's future success on the platform. Stay focused, stay strategic, and keep creating music that resonates with your audience. The playlists will follow.