Guide
How to Pitch Playlists That Actually Work
How to pitch playlists effectively — Spotify editorial pitches, independent curators, and the do's and don'ts of playlist promotion.
Playlist placement is one of the fastest ways to grow streams. This guide explains how to pitch editorial playlists properly and work with independent curators safely.
Steps
1 Pitch editorial playlists
In Spotify for Artists, pitch your upcoming release up to 7 days in advance with accurate genre and a clear description of the song.
- Submit the strongest single as your pitch track
- Describe mood, influences and audience
2 Research independent curators
Find playlists that match your genre and size. Check their engagement — follower counts alone don't mean quality.
- Avoid playlists with bot-like behaviour
- Prioritise curators who respond and share
3 Personalise your outreach
Message curators with a concise pitch, a clean streaming link and a thank-you. Build relationships over time.
- No mass-copy messages
- Follow up once, politely
4 Steer clear of pay-for-playlists
Paid placements and botted streams violate platform policies and can harm your catalog.
- Real growth comes from listener response
- Report suspicious services to platforms
5 Measure and iterate
Track playlist sources and retention in your dashboard. Double down on what drives engaged listens.
- Save rate and skip rate reveal quality
- Re-pitch releases with strong organic momentum
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find good independent playlists?
Search your genre on Spotify, check curators' activity and playlist growth, and look for clear submission channels.
Should I pay for playlist placement?
No — it violates platform guidelines and wastes money on inauthentic streams.
When is the best time to pitch?
Up to 7 days before release on Spotify, as early as possible once scheduled.