How Artists Get Playlisted

Sean
Nov 7
4 min read

Here’s the gist: getting your song onto the right playlists isn’t luck — it’s a repeatable process that mixes great music, smart timing, relationships, and small technical things most artists ignore.

Whether you’re just starting out or already dropping EPs, this guide gives you the playbook — step-by-step and practical.

Why playlists matter (and what “playlisted” really means)

Playlists are the new radio. They put songs in front of millions, drive algorithmic discovery, and feed the metrics labels and bookers look at.

But not all playlists are equal:

Editorial playlists — curated by DSP teams (Spotify, Apple Music). High reach, high prestige.
Algorithmic playlists — generated by the DSP (Discover Weekly, Release Radar). Depend on listener behavior and metadata.
User-generated playlists — made by influencers, DJs, users. Great for niche penetration.
Curator/Third-party playlists — independent tastemakers, blogs, and collectives (local and international).

Goal: stack placements across these types so the algorithms notice your traction and editorial curators keep recommending you.

The fundamentals — before you pitch (How Artists Get Playlisted)

You’ll be ignored if the song, delivery, or data is sloppy.

Start here:

Record a competitive master — good production and loudness consistent with streaming norms. Bad mix = no playlist.
Proper metadata — exact artist name, featured credits, correct release date, ISRC, and composer credits. DSPs and curators hate messy metadata.
Artwork & visuals — clear, professional cover that reads at thumbnail size. Add a short artist bio (100–200 words) and high-res artist photo.
Deliver everywhere — distribute to Spotify, Apple Music, Boomplay, Audiomack (for Nigeria), Deezer, YouTube Music. Use a reputable distributor that supports pre-release pitching.
Pre-save & pre-add campaigns — build a minimum baseline of listeners before release day.

Timing & release strategy

Timing is everything.

Pitch early: Submit to Spotify for Artists/Apple Music for Artists at least 3–4 weeks before release (earlier is better).
Release day choice: Friday is still the global release day — use it unless a local event makes another day smarter.
Staggered pushes: Have a playlist strategy for release week (week 0), week 2 (local tastemakers), week 4 (algorithms and follow-ups).

How to pitch editorial playlists (what to say — and not say)

Editorial curators get hundreds of pitches. Be professional and specific.

Do:

Use the DSP’s official pitching form (Spotify for Artists, Apple Music for Artists).
Choose accurate genre, mood, and descriptive tags.
Give a short story: “This is a Lagos-inspired afro-fusion banger produced by X, with a viral hook built for playlists like Afro Pop Heat and New Music Friday Nigeria.”
Mention any real traction: plays, radio spins, influencer posts, playlist adds, or sync interest.

Don’t:

Overhype (“world-changing anthem”) — curators value clarity over hype.
Lie about metrics — DSP curators can see real data.

Sample Spotify pitch (copy/paste)

Short description (1–2 lines): “Afro-fusion single blending highlife guitar with trap percussion — made for fans of Burna Boy and Tems. Infectious chorus and radio-ready arrangement.” Why it matters (1 sentence): “Already tested in Lagos clubs with great responses and 10k pre-saves from local listeners.” Target playlist fits: “Afrobeats Now, New Music Friday Nigeria, Afro Pop Heat.”

Build relationships — curators, DJs, influencers

Playlisting is still human. Relationships scale faster than cold emails.

Find curators: Look for local playlist curators, music blogs, and DJs on Instagram, Telegram groups, and Twitter/X.
Be useful: Send one-line messages, not walls of text. Offer exclusives (first listen), stems, or short promo clips.
Attend events: Network at shows, radio stations, and industry panels in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt.
Maintain a database: track who added you, who ignored you, and follow up politely after release.

Use local platforms and communities

Nigeria has platforms and communities that matter: Boomplay, Audiomack, local DJs, club playlists, and WhatsApp/Telegram groups. These can kickstart algorithmic traction because local engagement signals are strong.

Paid playlisting — caution and ROI

There are services claiming guaranteed placements for a fee. Be skeptical.

Avoid payola that violates DSP terms — it risks takedowns or de-ranking.
Real investments: spend on PR, radio plugging, content creation, or targeted ads that drive genuine listens.
If you use a paid service, vet it: ask for case studies, check reviews, and insist on transparent reporting.

Convert listeners into fans (so playlist adds stick)

It’s not enough to be added once. Convert that moment into a lasting relationship.

Link your socials in the track’s artist page.
Add a follow CTA in captions: “Follow for more drops.”
Engage quickly after release — post short behind-the-scenes clips, IG/TikTok challenges, and live sessions.
Collect emails & WhatsApp subs — use a simple pre-save form that asks for contact options.

Measurement — what to watch

Track these metrics weekly:

Streams by source (playlist vs. organic)
Saves and follows (more valuable than a one-off stream)
Skip rate and completion rate (how people listen through the song)
Geographic spread (where the song is playing)
Playlist conversion rate (plays per listener, saves per 1000 plays)

If a playlist gives lots of streams but no saves or follows, rethink targeting or song arrangement.

Quick checklist before you hit submit

Mastered track (yes)
Metadata & ISRC (yes)
Artist bio + 1-line pitch (yes)
Distributor pitch submitted 2–4 weeks before release (yes)
Pre-save campaign live (yes)
Local curators contacted (yes)
Social assets ready (yes)

Sample short pitch email to an independent curator

Subject: New single — “[Song Title]” — fits [Playlist Name]

Hi [Curator Name],

I’m [Your Name] (artist: [Artist Name]). I’ve got a new Afro-fusion single called “[Song Title]” dropping on [Release Date]. Short hook: [one-line hook].Here’s a private link: [stream link]Why it fits your playlist: [1 short reason connected to the playlist vibe].If you like it, I’d appreciate an add — happy to share stems or promo assets.

Thanks,

[Your Name] | [Artist handle] | [phone/IG link]

Final note — consistency wins

One playlist placement is a door. The next step is building a predictable rollout process: release, pitch, promote, analyze, repeat. Keep releasing good songs, keep relationships honest, and use local leverage — clubs, radio, DJs, and Nigerian platforms — to build the momentum algorithms reward.