How to Get Your Music Featured on Spotify Playlists and Music Blogs
The Power of Being Featured
For indie artists today, playlist and blog placements aren’t just about getting more streams—they’re about getting seen. A feature on a playlist or a music blog can expose you to fans, other artists, and even industry decision-makers who would never have found you otherwise. And here’s the secret: it doesn’t have to be a giant playlist or top-tier blog. Sometimes, a small, well-curated space is where your most meaningful connections are made.
We realized then that although playlists are helpful, they are a step—not the destination.
Common Mistakes Artists Make
One of the biggest mistakes I see? Artists throwing money at fake curators and shady “playlist services.” It’s tempting to buy your way in—but if the playlist is full of bots or low-quality listeners, it’ll confuse the algorithm. Instead of matching you with real fans, the system will feed your music to the wrong audience, hurting your chances long-term.
Avoid:
- Pitching to random big outlets with no alignment
- Writing five-paragraph bios in cold emails
- Sending attachments instead of links
- Paying to be placed without vetting the playlist
Is Your Profile Pitch-Ready?
Before you even think about pitching, ask yourself: Is my presence ready for discovery?
Here’s what I look for:
- A great song with a story
- A clear visual identity (photos, cover art)
- Something else happening—an event, a merch drop, a challenge
- A plan beyond the pitch: visuals, activation, maybe even a short campaign
Make the curator’s job easier by looking like someone worth rooting for.
Research the Right Outlets
Don’t just spray and pray. Find playlists and blogs (or vloggers, podcasters, and reaction channels) that make sense for your sound. Today’s “blogs” live on TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram.
Tips:
- Look at who’s posting about artists you respect
- Identify IG channels, reaction YouTubers, or podcasters reviewing similar music
- Focus on fit—not just follower count
- Keep a spreadsheet with contact info and submission history
How to Craft a Great Pitch
I’ve used Symphony and SongTools before—and they work if your song already has some traction. These platforms can amplify momentum, but I wouldn’t lead with them. Use them for songs that are already bubbling, not your very first try.
Remember: the goal isn’t just a playlist. It’s what happens after. Do fans click through to your artist page? Do they check out your visuals? Do they follow you? Those next steps are where the real wins are.
Keep Track & Stay in Touch
Track your outreach. Seriously.
- Who did you pitch?
- What did you send?
- Did they respond?
And if they did feature you—thank them! Stay in touch. Curators and bloggers love consistent artists who respect their time. If you don’t get a reply, that’s okay. A gentle follow-up is fine. Then move on and keep building.
“The new blog is not a long-form read—it’s a YouTube reaction, a TikTok breakdown, a podcast shoutout.”
Final Word of Advice
If this was easy, everyone would be on every playlist. The truth? Some slots are locked up by majors—but there’s still space for you. You just have to be strategic. Be patient. Be consistent.
Find indie curators who care. Build your own playlists. Keep showing up with music that means something. The right people will notice.