How to Build and Grow your own Playlists
If you’re looking to make it big, or at least bigger, in the music world, you’ve got to get your head around music streaming. Platforms like Spotify are your best friends, and mastering playlist curation is like having a secret weapon in your arsenal. Here’s the lowdown on how to make the most of it.
Why Playlists Matter
In today’s digital age, playlists are where it’s at. They’re not just for listening; they’re a powerful way to get your music out there. Understanding how Spotify’s algorithms work can give you a serious edge. And if you’re feeling brave, becoming a playlist curator yourself can be a game-changer.
Building Your Playlist
Creating and growing your own Spotify playlist isn’t a walk in the park, but it’s totally doable. Here’s how to nail it:
Start with the Right Songs and Theme
The heart of any great playlist is the music. Think about the vibe you want to create. Is it a high-energy workout mix? A chill background soundtrack for studying? Whatever it is, keep it consistent and specific. Don’t just go for a generic “Hip Hop” or “Rock” playlist. Narrow it down to something like “Poolside Summer BBQ Vibes” or “Late-Night Lo-Fi Cruising Beats.” The more unique and focused, the better.
Hook Them with the First Few Tracks
First impressions matter. When someone stumbles upon your playlist, they’ll probably listen to the first three to five tracks before deciding if it’s worth their time. Make sure these songs set the tone and showcase what your playlist is all about. These should be your top picks, the ones that’ll keep listeners hooked.
Promote Your Own Music
If you’re an artist, this is your chance to shine. Slip your tracks into the mix alongside similar artists. This way, fans of that genre will discover your music naturally. It’s a seamless way to get more ears on your tracks.
Mix It Up
People love discovering new music, but too many unknown tracks can be a turn-off. Find a balance between well-known hits and hidden gems. This keeps your playlist fresh and exciting without alienating listeners.
Growing Your Followers
Once you’ve got your playlist set, it’s time to grow your following. Share it on social media, collaborate with other curators, and engage with your listeners. The more you promote it, the more followers you’ll gain.
Aesthetics – First Impressions Matter
Believe it or not, the name of your playlist is just as crucial as the music in it. It should reflect the mood or genre but also be catchy enough to stand out. Think about the playlists you follow – they probably have memorable names. A name like “Summer Fun” might describe the content, but it’s generic and forgettable. Instead, go for something that grabs attention, like “Sunkissed Beats” or “Islander Electric Waves.”
Once you’ve nailed down a name, stick with it. People who discover your playlist might not remember it right away, and changing the name could make it harder for them to find it again. Consistency builds recognition and trust with your followers.
Cover Image
Next up, the playlist cover image. You want something visually striking and professional-looking. Use AI tools like Midjourney to generate images, then tweak them with Canva or Adobe Spark. Adding the playlist name or your own logos to the cover art can make it easier for people to recognize and remember your list. The goal is to create something that looks polished and matches the vibe of your playlist.
Bio and Description
Don’t forget to add a bio or description to your playlist. This is your chance to get creative and describe the vibe to your followers, both new and old. Include keywords that people might search for, like specific artists, genres, or feelings. Throw in your relevant social links to build credibility with users. This is a great opportunity to boost your brand’s discoverability through Spotify’s playlist discovery algorithm.
Promoting – Sharing Your Playlist with the World
Alright, your playlist is sounding great and ready to go! Now, it’s time to get it out there. Here’s how to spread the word and get those followers rolling in.
Reddit is a goldmine for organic growth. Check out subreddits like r/spotifyplaylists, r/chillmusic, and r/electronicmusic. These communities are always on the lookout for new music. Just remember, don’t spam. Engage with the community, share your playlist thoughtfully, and you’ll see results.
Social Media
Leverage your social media channels. Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and Facebook are all powerful platforms to promote your playlist. Post about it, get your friends and followers to share it, and if you’ve included tracks from indie artists, give them a shoutout. They’ll appreciate the support and might share your playlist with their audience, bringing in new followers.
Paid Ads
Got a budget? Running Facebook or Meta ads can be super effective. Instead of promoting individual songs, promote a playlist with a mix of your music and similar artists. This can lower your cost per conversion and grow your following faster.
Sync Across Platforms
Tools like TuneMyMusic are great for syncing playlists between platforms. Share the same playlist across Spotify, Apple Music, and other streaming services to maximize your reach.
Growth – Building Your Following Organically
Growing your playlist’s follower count takes time, but it’s definitely doable with consistency. Focus on organic growth. People are more likely to follow playlists that already have a decent number of followers, so the more you get, the easier it becomes to grow. Avoid buying followers – it’s not worth it and most platforms frown upon it.
Collaboration
Partner with other playlist curators. Reach out to those with similar playlists and propose a share-for-share deal. This can introduce your playlist to a new audience that might not have found it otherwise. Just be wary of fake curators with botted playlists. Check the followers to spot fakes.
Check out this article on spotting fake playlists > How to spot & avoid botted playlists on Spotify — Musosoup
SEO
Leverage SEO to make your playlist more discoverable. Spotify playlists rank in search results, so a solid description with keywords like artist names, genres, and moods can help. Learn about SEO and understand what affects the SERP score, then package your playlist accordingly.
Here is an article to get you started on SEO > How to Get Discovered Using Spotify SEO
Updates – Keep It Fresh, But Don’t Overdo It
Keeping your playlist fresh is key to retaining followers and attracting new ones. You don’t want your playlist to get stale with the same songs forever, so rotate tracks regularly. But don’t go overboard with constant changes. Updating once a month or every few weeks is a good rhythm, once a week at max. Remove older tracks and add new ones to keep things interesting and consistent.
Playlists with 50-100 songs tend to perform best. Too few songs might not keep listeners engaged for long, while playlists with hundreds of songs can be overwhelming. Keep your playlist tight, and don’t overstuff it with too many tracks by the same artist. A focused playlist with a variety of artists in the same genre will keep listeners hooked.
Integration – Promoting Your Music Using Your Playlists
For musicians, creating and promoting your own playlist is a fantastic way to get your music heard by more people. By blending your tracks with similar artists, you can introduce your music to fans of those artists. This subtle form of promotion can be much more effective than spamming links to individual songs.
Running Meta ads to your playlist can also be a game-changer. By promoting a themed playlist that includes your tracks and other well-known artists in your genre, you’re offering value to listeners while sneaking in your own music. The cost per conversion for playlist ads tends to be lower than for single-song promotions, making it a more cost-effective way to grow your audience.
Using tools like TuneMyMusic, you can sync your playlist across different platforms and even run ads on other platforms, broadening your reach and maximizing the impact of your playlist promotion.
In Conclusion
Building and growing a Spotify playlist is a proven marketing tool for indie musicians seeking to expand their organic reach. From choosing a memorable name and image to curating the perfect set of songs, every detail counts. By understanding your audience and blending creativity, strategy, and persistence, you can create a relevant playlist that is self-sustainable. Share your taste with the world, gain followers, and create something people will want to revisit. Explore streaming algorithms, SEO, playlist trading with other artists, advanced monetization techniques like running ads, and cross-platform integration using tools like TuneMyMusic.