Pop Rising is the primary editorial gateway for pop artists without major backing. Strong commercial production and hooks required.

Hip-Hop and Rap

RapCaviar is highly competitive and label-heavy. Most Necessary and regional playlists like Northern Bars are more accessible for independents.

Indie and Alternative

Lorem and Pollen represent editorial taste-making for indie and alternative. These playlists help artists build credibility with industry and press.

Electronic and Dance

mint is the electronic flagship. Altar and genre-specific lists (techno, house, drum & bass) serve more niche audiences.

Latin editorial is robust and well-resourced. Regional and genre-specific Latin playlists can be highly accessible for appropriate content.

Country

Country editorial is Nashville-connected. Independent artists outside the Nashville ecosystem may find access challenging but not impossible.

Rock

Rock editorial has declined in priority compared to streaming-dominant genres. All New Rock and subgenre playlists remain active.

Mood and Activity

Mood playlists value utility over artist profile. Strong sonic fit matters more than marketing plans. Instrumental and ambient artists often find success here.

Regional Considerations

Most genres have regional editorial variants:

• New Music Friday UK vs. New Music Friday US
• Rap UK vs. RapCaviar
• Regional Latin playlists for specific markets

Regional playlists are often more accessible than global flagships. If your audience or sound has regional relevance, emphasize it in your pitch.

How to Use This List

1. Identify playlists that fit your sound - Not aspirational playlists, realistic ones
2. Listen to target playlists - Understand their aesthetic and curation style
3. Note follower counts - Larger playlists are more competitive
4. Consider regional variants - Global flagships aren't the only option
5. Research similar artists - Where are comparable tracks being playlisted?

Your pitch doesn't specify target playlists (editors decide), but understanding the landscape helps you craft pitches that speak to realistic opportunities.

Pop Rising is the primary editorial gateway for pop artists without major backing. Strong commercial production and hooks required.

Hip-Hop and Rap

RapCaviar is highly competitive and label-heavy. Most Necessary and regional playlists like Northern Bars are more accessible for independents.

Indie and Alternative

Lorem and Pollen represent editorial taste-making for indie and alternative. These playlists help artists build credibility with industry and press.

Electronic and Dance

mint is the electronic flagship. Altar and genre-specific lists (techno, house, drum & bass) serve more niche audiences.

Latin editorial is robust and well-resourced. Regional and genre-specific Latin playlists can be highly accessible for appropriate content.

Country

Country editorial is Nashville-connected. Independent artists outside the Nashville ecosystem may find access challenging but not impossible.

Rock

Rock editorial has declined in priority compared to streaming-dominant genres. All New Rock and subgenre playlists remain active.

Mood and Activity

Mood playlists value utility over artist profile. Strong sonic fit matters more than marketing plans. Instrumental and ambient artists often find success here.

Regional Considerations

Most genres have regional editorial variants:

• New Music Friday UK vs. New Music Friday US
• Rap UK vs. RapCaviar
• Regional Latin playlists for specific markets

Regional playlists are often more accessible than global flagships. If your audience or sound has regional relevance, emphasize it in your pitch.

How to Use This List

1. Identify playlists that fit your sound - Not aspirational playlists, realistic ones
2. Listen to target playlists - Understand their aesthetic and curation style
3. Note follower counts - Larger playlists are more competitive
4. Consider regional variants - Global flagships aren't the only option
5. Research similar artists - Where are comparable tracks being playlisted?

Your pitch doesn't specify target playlists (editors decide), but understanding the landscape helps you craft pitches that speak to realistic opportunities.