As an artist, getting your music added to a Spotify playlist is one of the best ways to gain more streams and listeners on this platform.

But how can you gain a Spotify placement on these playlists?

First, you need to know what these playlists are and what role they play in helping you grow an audience on Spotify.

There are three types of Spotify playlists – listener playlists, Spotify editorial playlists, and Spotify algorithmic playlists.

Now, let’s discuss each of these playlists and how they differ from each other.

 

1. Spotify Algorithmic Playlists

Spotify algorithmic playlists are highly personalized playlists that are made by the platform’s algorithms based on the user’s listening habits.

Two important Spotify algorithmic playlists include Release Radar and Discover Weekly.

Release Radar is a weekly playlist that is unique for each listener.

It is updated every Friday and features new tracks by artists that the platform assumes the listener enjoys based on his Spotify activity.

Discover Weekly, on the other hand, is updated every Monday.

It features tracks that the platform thinks the listener will enjoy based on his listening habits.

Spotify considers the albums, tracks, and artists the user likes, shares, and adds to his playlists to make recommendations for his Discover Weekly playlist.

The platform also considers the songs they skip, so keep this in mind as an artist.

 

 

2. Listener Playlists

Listener playlists are also known as user-generated playlists or user playlists.

These playlists are made by users, and they have the option to make their playlists public or secret.

Besides regular users, many public personalities, businesses, and companies also make their own playlists to expand their branding.

 

3. Spotify Editorial Playlists

Spotify editorial playlists are created by the platform’s editorial team.

This team comprises genre specialists and music experts hired by the platform to manage and curate Spotify’s playlists.

Spotify editorial playlists are the most popular playlists on the platform because of their large following.

Some of these playlists are context-driven, like Relax & Unwind and Teen Party.

In contrast, others are genre-specific, such as Rock This, RapCaviar, and Hot Country.

Spotify’s editorial team will usually test out new songs on a smaller feeder playlist and then promote the songs that perform well to a different playlist.

For example, a song that performs well on the New Noise playlist might end up on Rock This.

How Can these Playlists Grow Your Audience?

Spotify’s algorithmic playlists can help you gain a large number of streams.

That’s because it can reach a highly targeted group of users who are most likely to enjoy your music.

A Spotify placement on this playlist is particularly beneficial for artists in a less popular genre.

Moreover, users who listen to Release Radar and Discover Weekly playlists tend to be more engaged than those who are not.

On the other hand, user-generated playlists can produce a large number of streams and listeners for emerging artists.

These playlists may also influence the platform’s algorithmic playlists.

That’s because when someone adds your music to their playlists, it gives data to the platform about the kind of music they enjoy.

Spotify takes note of this data and recommends your track to other listeners with similar listening habits.

But if you’re after follower numbers, Spotify’s editorial playlists are the real winner.

This playlist can help you gain thousands of new streams and listeners due to its large following.

However, you also need to remember that many of these new streams can be drive-by streams.

Since they can be passive about their listening habits, they are less likely to become active, loyal fans. 

How Can You Plan Your Spotify Campaign Strategy for Playlist Placement?

Your goal is to gain placements on the major playlists discussed above.

To do that, you need to submit your upcoming tracks to the Spotify editorial team via Spotify for Artists.

Use their playlist pitching option to get your track on Spotify’s playlists.

And the earlier you submit your track, the better.

Try to submit your song at least one to two weeks before the release date.

This will help increase your chances of getting on Release Radar and Discover Weekly.

Keep in mind that Spotify considers overall engagement, so encourage your fan base to follow your profile on Spotify, and add your tracks to their playlists.

Don’t forget to conduct a pre-save campaign before your track’s release date.

Final Thoughts

Spotify has made it easier for artists to have their tracks featured in one of the platform’s playlists.

To increase your chances of getting a Spotify placement, consider reaching out to listener playlists that fit your song’s genre, vibe, theme, or mood.

You should also create a meaningful pitch and playlist submission.

Also, don’t forget to connect with as many curators as possible to increase your chances of getting on Spotify playlists.

You will find that you will notice a substantial growth in your monthly streams and listeners on Spotify in time.