Spotify for Artists editorial pitching
The only legitimate way to pitch to Spotify's editorial team is through Spotify for Artists.
Requirements
- Verified Spotify for Artists account
- Unreleased music (not yet available on Spotify)
- Pitch submitted at least 7 days before release (4 weeks recommended)
The pitching process
Claim your Spotify for Artists profile
If you have not already, verify your artist profile at artists.spotify.com. This requires having at least one distributed release on Spotify.
Navigate to the Music section
Find your upcoming release in the Music tab. Only unreleased tracks can be pitched.
Click 'Submit' on your track
Select the song you want to pitch for editorial consideration.
Complete the pitch form
Fill in all requested information: genre, mood, style, and your description of the track.
Write your pitch description
Craft a compelling 1-2 paragraph description explaining your song. Be honest and specific.
Submit and wait
Once submitted, you cannot edit the pitch. Wait for potential placement, which may or may not happen.
Writing an effective pitch
According to Spotify's pitching guide, successful pitches share common traits:
Include:
- What the song is about and why you wrote it
- Accurate genre and subgenre classification
- Mood and energy description
- Relevant cultural context or timeliness
- Any notable collaborators or credits
Avoid:
- Comparisons to major artists unless accurate
- Hype without substance
- Generic descriptions that fit any song
- Requests or demands
Example pitch structure:
"[Song title] is a [genre] track about [theme/story]. The production
features [notable elements] with [mood descriptor] energy. This song
marks [context: new direction, collaboration, story]. It connects
with [target audience] and fits [specific playlist type] moments."
The AI disclosure question
Should you mention AI in your editorial pitch?
Arguments for disclosure:
- Transparency builds trust if asked later
- Spotify's policies may soon require it anyway
- Some editors may appreciate honesty
Arguments against:
- May bias editors before hearing the music
- No current requirement to volunteer this information
- Focus should be on the music's quality
Recommendation: Focus your pitch on the music itself. Do not hide AI involvement if directly asked, but your pitch should sell the song's merits, not explain its origin story.
Release Radar and algorithmic playlists
You cannot pitch to algorithmic playlists, but you can optimize for them.
Release Radar
When you pitch at least 7 days before release, your track automatically appears in your followers' Release Radar. This is guaranteed if you pitch in time, regardless of editorial placement.
Optimization:
- Build followers before releasing
- Pitch every release (even without editorial expectations)
- Release consistently to train the algorithm
Discover Weekly
Based on listener behavior and track similarity. Influenced by:
- Saves and repeat listens
- Playlist additions by listeners
- Similarity to other tracks users enjoy
Strategy: Focus on creating music that generates saves and repeat plays. Quality and listener engagement matter more than pitch tactics.
Independent playlist curator outreach
Beyond Spotify's editorial team, thousands of independent curators maintain playlists. Approach thoughtfully.
Finding legitimate curators
SubmitHub
According to SubmitHub reviews, the platform connects artists with curators transparently.
- How it works: Pay for submission credits; curators must respond within 48 hours
- Typical approval rate: Around 5-14%
- Cost: A few dollars per submission
- Benefits: Guaranteed response, feedback, no false promises
Tips for SubmitHub success:
- Select curators with 30%+ average approval rates
- Choose "specific and honest feedback" option
- Target curators who feature your genre
- Quality over quantity in submissions
Direct outreach
Find curators through:
- Spotify playlist search in your genre
- Instagram and Twitter music communities
- Music blogs that maintain playlists
- Playlist-focused subreddits (for information, not spamming)
Best practices:
- Personalize every message
- Explain why your track fits their specific playlist
- Be professional and brief
- Accept rejection gracefully
- Build relationships over time
Red flags (avoid these)
Warning
Paying for guaranteed playlist placement can result in your music being removed from Spotify entirely. Legitimate services offer submission opportunities, not guaranteed results.
AI music-specific considerations
Curator attitudes
Independent curators vary in their AI music policies:
- Some actively seek AI music: Growing niche audience
- Some are indifferent: Judge purely on quality
- Some specifically exclude AI: Personal or philosophical reasons
There is no complete list of curator policies. The best approach is to submit quality music and accept that some curators will decline for non-quality reasons.
Spotify's evolving policies
Spotify's 2025 AI policies focus on:
- Removing unauthorized voice cloning
- Blocking spam and mass uploads
- Implementing AI disclosure in credits
These policies affect distribution more than pitching, but curators may become more aware of AI involvement as disclosure becomes standard.
Pitch framing
When contacting independent curators:
- Lead with the music's qualities
- Be prepared to answer questions about creation
- Do not misrepresent your music's origin
- Focus on fit for their audience
Realistic expectations
Set appropriate expectations for playlist pitching:
Editorial playlists
- Typical success rate: Very low (under 1% of pitches)
- Timeline: May hear nothing; placement not guaranteed
- Impact: Can be transformative if it happens
- Sustainability: Usually temporary boost, not permanent
Independent playlists
- Typical success rate: 5-15% on platforms like SubmitHub
- Impact: Variable, from minimal to meaningful
- Best approach: Many small placements > chasing one big win
- Relationship building: Curators may feature you again
Algorithmic playlists
- Path: Build through engagement, not pitching
- Timeline: Grows as catalog and listener base grow
- Sustainability: More stable than editorial placement
Long-term playlist strategy
Build sustainable playlist presence over time:
Release consistently
Regular releases give you more pitching opportunities and train algorithmic playlists.
Pitch every release
Even without editorial expectations, pitching ensures Release Radar placement for followers.
Build genuine connections
Curators who like your music may feature future releases without outreach.
Focus on listener engagement
Saves and repeat plays influence algorithmic placement more than any pitch.
Create your own playlists
Include your music alongside similar artists; becomes a discovery source.
Measuring playlist impact
Track how playlists affect your performance:
High saves and follower gains indicate quality playlist placement. High streams but low saves may indicate placement on playlists with passive listeners who do not engage deeply.
Beyond Spotify
While Spotify dominates playlist discussion, other platforms matter:
- YouTube playlists: Curated compilations drive discovery
- Apple Music: Editorial and algorithmic playlists
- Amazon Music: Growing playlist network
- YouTube Music: Connected to YouTube channel presence
For AI music creators, YouTube often offers lower friction than audio-only platforms, making it a strategic primary focus while building Spotify presence through consistent releases and pitching.
Playlist pitching is a numbers game with uncertain outcomes. Focus on creating quality music, pitching every release through proper channels, and building genuine engagement. Sustainable success comes from catalog building and listener relationships, not single playlist placements.
