1. Finding Playlist Curators
Before you can submit your music, you need to find curators who accept submissions and match your genre. There are several ways to do this:
Option A: Search Spotify directly
Search for playlists in your genre and check their descriptions for contact information. Many curators include their email or Instagram handle. This works but is time-consuming.
Option B: Use a playlist database
Tools like PlaylistLookup aggregate curator contact information in one searchable database. This saves hours of manual searching.
Try PlaylistLookup free →Option C: Social media
Many curators are active on Instagram and Twitter. Search hashtags like #playlistcurator or #spotifyplaylist to find them.
2. Researching Playlists Before Submitting
Don't spam every curator you find. Take time to research each playlist to ensure it's a good fit:
- Check the genre — Does your music actually fit the playlist's vibe?
- Look at recent activity — Was the playlist updated recently? Inactive playlists are less valuable.
- Check follower count — Bigger isn't always better. Smaller, engaged playlists can be more valuable.
- Listen to the playlist — Would your track fit naturally between the other songs?
3. Writing Your Pitch
Your pitch email is your first impression. Keep it short, personal, and professional.
Example pitch template
Subject: Song submission for [Playlist Name]
Hi [Curator Name],
I've been listening to [Playlist Name] and love the vibe — especially the mix of [mention specific artist/song].
I just released a new track called "[Song Name]" that I think would fit well. It's a [brief genre description] track with [1-2 key characteristics].
Here's the Spotify link: [link]
Thanks for considering it. Keep up the great work with the playlist.
[Your Name]
Key elements of a good pitch:
- • Personalize it — Mention the playlist name and why you like it
- • Keep it short — Curators receive dozens of submissions daily
- • Include the Spotify link — Make it easy to listen
- • Don't beg — Be confident, not desperate
- • No attachments — Just the streaming link
4. Sending Your Submission
How you send your submission depends on the curator's preferred contact method:
Via Email
- • Use a clear subject line
- • Send from a professional email
- • Don't send bulk/mass emails
Via Instagram DM
- • Keep it even shorter
- • Make sure your profile looks legit
- • Don't spam multiple messages
Pro tip: Submit during weekdays, ideally Tuesday through Thursday. Avoid Mondays (busy) and Fridays (people check out early).
5. Following Up
Most curators won't respond, even if they add your song. Here's how to handle follow-ups:
- 1 Wait at least 1-2 weeks before following up
- 2 Send one polite follow-up — "Just wanted to make sure this didn't get lost"
- 3 No response after follow-up? Move on. Don't keep messaging.
6. Common Mistakes to Avoid
Curators can tell. Take 2 minutes to personalize each pitch.
This wastes everyone's time and damages your reputation.
Nobody reads a 500-word email from a stranger. Keep it under 100 words.
This violates Spotify's terms and can get your music removed.
Playlist pitching is a numbers game. Expect a low response rate and keep going.