Playlists are the primary way listeners discover new music on streaming platforms. For EDM artists, getting on the right playlists can mean the difference between a few hundred streams and hundreds of thousands. Here's how to approach playlist pitching strategically.
Editorial vs. Independent Playlists
There are two main types of playlists to target:
Editorial playlists are curated by the platform's in-house team. Spotify's "mint," Apple Music's "danceXL," and Deezer's "Electronic Chill" are examples. These playlists have massive followings and can drive significant streams. Getting on one requires pitching through your distributor or label before release.
Independent playlists are curated by users, blogs, and influencers. They range from a few hundred followers to millions. These are often easier to get on and can still drive meaningful streams, especially when you land on several at once.
How to Pitch to Spotify Editorial
Spotify allows artists and labels to pitch unreleased music through Spotify for Artists. Here's how to maximize your chances:
- Pitch early — Submit at least 7 days before release, ideally 2-3 weeks
- Choose the right genre — Be as specific as possible. "Progressive House" beats "Electronic"
- Write a compelling pitch — Describe the track's mood, influences, and story. Mention any notable collaborators
- Include context — Mention upcoming shows, social media momentum, or press coverage
- Don't overpitch — One song per release. Don't submit every track on an EP
Building Relationships With Independent Curators
Independent playlist curators are people, and people respond to genuine outreach. Here's how to approach them:
- •Find relevant playlists — Search Spotify for playlists in your genre. Look at who curates them
- •Follow and engage — Follow the curator on social media. Engage with their content before pitching
- •Send a personal message — Don't use templates. Reference specific tracks on their playlist and explain why your song fits
- •Provide a private link — Give them early access to your track before release
- •Follow up once — If you don't hear back in a week, one polite follow-up is fine. Then move on
Platforms for Playlist Pitching
Several platforms connect artists with playlist curators:
- •SubmitHub — Pay-per-submission platform with thousands of curators
- •Playlist Push — Campaign-based pitching to verified curators
- •Groover — Similar to SubmitHub, popular in Europe
- •Daily Playlists — Free and paid options for independent curators
What NOT to Do
- •Never pay for playlist placement — Buying spots on playlists violates Spotify's terms and can get your music removed
- •Don't use bot services — Fake streams will get flagged and can result in your track being pulled
- •Avoid generic mass emails — Curators can spot copy-paste pitches instantly
Measuring Success
Track your playlist performance using Spotify for Artists or your distributor's analytics dashboard. Key metrics to watch:
- •Playlist adds — How many playlists picked up your track
- •Listener-to-follower conversion — Are playlist listeners following you?
- •Save rate — High save rates signal to the algorithm that listeners like your track
- •Skip rate — If people are skipping your track early, it may not be the right playlist fit
How Red Star Media Helps
Our team pitches every release to both editorial and independent playlists across all major platforms. We have established relationships with curators in the electronic music space and tailor each pitch to the specific track. Learn more about our services.