An Independent Artists' Guide to Strategic Playlist Plugging for Spotify and Apple Music
If you're an independent artist looking to skyrocket your streams on Spotify and Apple Music, you're in the right place. It's time to talk about playlist plugging – the not-so-secret weapon in your music promotion arsenal.
Understanding the Terrain
Spotify and Apple Music are like vast oceans, teeming with songs and artists. But you know that. To stand out, you need to understand their algorithms and user behaviours. Spotify loves engagement – the more your tracks are played, saved, and added to playlists, the more they're likely to be recommended. Apple Music, while a bit more opaque in its workings, also values listener engagement along with editorial appeal.
Crafting Your Approach
First, make sure your music is top-notch. Quality is king. Once you're confident about your tracks, it’s time to craft your playlist strategy. Customise your approach for each platform.
Spotify Strategy:
Release Consistently: Regular releases keep your name in the (algorithmic) game.
Optimise Your Profile: Use Spotify for Artists to update your profile, share your story, and analyse your listeners' data.
Get on Playlists: Start with smaller, niche playlists. They're more accessible and can lead to bigger opportunities. They’re also where new fans are likely to be hanging out.
Apple Music Strategy:
Quality and Branding: Apple Music values a strong artistic identity. Ensure your music and visual branding are on point.
Network with Curators: Unlike Spotify, Apple Music's playlists are often curated by humans. Networking can be key.
Use Apple Music for Artists: Similar to Spotify for Artists, this tool provides valuable insights.
Reaching Out to Playlist Curators
Now, the real hustle begins. Finding playlist curators and pitching your music is a delicate dance. Here are some quick tips:
Find the Right Fit: Research playlists that suit your genre and style.
Craft a Compelling Pitch: Personalise your emails. Be concise, professional, and include a streaming link.
Follow Up, But Don’t Pester: A gentle nudge after a week is fine. Spamming? Not so much…
Use Submission Platforms: SubmitHub, Groover and Playlist Push make submitting to multiple Spotify curators a lot easier, but if you want curators to do all the work and approach you, give Musosoup a go (that’s us, by the way!).
A word to the wise, though: paying to get your music on Spotify or Apple Music playlists isn't a great move, largely because it messes with the whole vibe of music discovery. And that’s bad. Playlists should be about what people really like, not who's got the deepest pockets. When money starts talking, you end up hearing the same kind of stuff over and over, and it gets harder for new artists to break through. Plus, a lot of those "pay for play" deals are sketchy at best; you could easily end up wasting your cash, or even having your release removed if it gets flagged by the platform (or just banned outright). So, while it might seem like a quick way to get your tunes out there, paying for playlist spots can backfire big time. You’re best off having nothing to do with “payola” and letting your music speak for itself.
Leveraging Social Media
Your online presence can significantly boost your chances. Engage with your audience on platforms like Instagram, X, and TikTok. Share behind-the-scenes content, stories about your music journey, and, of course, your music. Don’t forget that bit.
Building Your Own Playlists
Create and promote your playlists featuring your music alongside tracks from artists you admire. It’s a great way to engage with your community and potentially catch the eye of other curators.
Tracking Your Progress
Keep an eye on the data. How many streams are you getting? Where are your listeners located? Use this info to refine your approach and target your efforts more effectively.
Wrapping Up
In the world of streaming, persistence, quality, and smart strategy are your best friends. Remember, every big artist started where you are now. Keep pushing, keep evolving, and soon, you'll find your music climbing up those playlist ladders.
