Spotify Playlisting Strategy

Playlists are the primary discovery mechanism on Spotify, driving the majority of streams for most independent artists. There are three types of playlists: editorial (curated by Spotify staff), algorithmic (generated by Spotify algorithms based on listener behaviour), and user-created (made by independent curators, brands, and listeners). A comprehensive strategy addresses all three.

For editorial playlists, use Spotify for Artists to submit your upcoming release at least 7 days before the release date (ideally 3 to 4 weeks). Write a compelling pitch that describes the song, its story, its mood, and who it is for. Mention any notable collaborators, press coverage, or context. Be honest and specific — Spotify curators read thousands of pitches and can spot generic descriptions instantly. Not every song will get playlisted, but every submission is an opportunity.

Algorithmic playlists — Discover Weekly, Release Radar, and Radio — are driven by listener behaviour. The algorithm looks at save rates, repeat listens, playlist additions, and skip rates. To optimise for algorithmic playlists: encourage fans to save your song (not just stream it), ask them to add it to their personal playlists, and release consistently so you appear in Release Radar regularly. The first 24 to 48 hours of release behaviour heavily influence algorithmic promotion.