How to Get Your Music Featured in Editorial Playlists

For independent artists, landing a spot on an editorial playlist can be career-changing. These playlists, curated by platforms like Spotify, Apple Music and Amazon Music, are often followed by millions of listeners. They not only boost streaming numbers but also act as a stamp of credibility within the industry. However, competition is fierce, and the process requires more than just luck.

Understand What Editorial Playlists Are

Editorial playlists are different from user-generated or algorithmic playlists. They are created and maintained by in-house editorial teams who select tracks that fit a particular mood, genre or moment. Being featured means your music is placed alongside established artists, giving you exposure to new audiences on a massive scale.

Perfect the Basics Before You Pitch

Playlist curators expect professionalism. This means ensuring your music is properly mixed and mastered, your metadata is accurate and your artist profile is complete with a biography and high-quality images. If any of these elements are missing, even the best song is likely to be overlooked.

Releasing consistently also helps. Editorial teams are more inclined to support artists who show momentum rather than those who appear sporadically. Treat each release as part of a long-term strategy, rather than a one-off attempt at gaining playlist support.

Use the Official Submission Tools

Spotify for Artists and Apple Music for Artists both provide official submission platforms where you can pitch your unreleased track for consideration. This must be done in advance, ideally at least two weeks before release. The pitch form allows you to highlight genre, mood, instrumentation and other contextual details that help curators decide where your music fits.

When filling out these forms, precision matters. Curators want to know exactly what they’re getting. Avoid vague descriptions and instead focus on what makes your track unique.

Build Credibility Outside Playlists

Curators are more likely to feature artists who already show signs of traction. This does not necessarily mean millions of streams, but evidence that your music resonates with listeners. Social media engagement, press coverage, and inclusion on independent playlists can all demonstrate momentum.

Real-world examples prove this point. UK rapper Central Cee built significant buzz through grassroots promotion before landing on multiple editorial playlists. Similarly, indie-pop acts like Beabadoobee grew their presence through press coverage and fan engagement long before editorial support arrived.

Networking and Relationships

Although editorial submissions are handled through official platforms, networking within the industry still plays a vital role. Engaging with other curators, connecting with local radio, and building relationships with tastemakers can all indirectly influence your chances. Music supervisors and A&R representatives often communicate with playlist editors, so being on their radar helps.

The Role of Algorithmic Playlists

Algorithmic playlists, such as Spotify’s Discover Weekly and Release Radar, are not manually curated, but they can act as a stepping stone. If your track performs well in algorithm-driven lists, it signals to editorial teams that the song has strong potential. Consistent listener saves, shares and repeat streams, all of which increase this likelihood.

Tick All The Boxes

Getting featured on an editorial playlist is not guaranteed, but it is achievable with the right preparation and persistence. Focus on presenting your music professionally, submitting through official tools, and building an authentic presence both online and offline. Editorial teams want to showcase great music that feels relevant and exciting, so the more evidence you can provide of your momentum, the better your chances.

For independent artists, securing that coveted spot is about much more than luck; it’s about strategy, credibility, and consistency.