Podcast:

Streaming services and playlists

Appearing on streaming services' playlists is an effective way to boost your streaming numbers. How do you get your song rated? And are playlists really as effective as many people think?

  / 26/06/2024 /

Before Kristin Haugan became head of the media department at TONO, she worked at Universal Music. hunt for streams and pitching songs to streaming services has been something she has been actively involved in.

In the latest episode of our podcast, Musikkskaperne, she shares her experience and tells how you too can try to get your music on playlists.

Listen to the episode where you listen to podcasts here.

In the conversation, Haugan also explains what expectations one should have about the effect of being on the playlist, and what other measures one should take at the same time. More on this at the bottom of the story.

How to (maybe) get your Spotify playlist in 1-2-3

1. Upload the song you are going to release well in advance of release

There are many so-called music distributors or digital aggregators, where you pay to have your music made available on various digital platforms. Whether you use DistroKid, Indiegoboom, CD Baby or one of the many others, you should make sure to upload your music well in advance of release.

For streaming services to be able to consider your music for various playlists, they need at least a week's time.

2. Register your Spotify for Artists

Anyone with an artist profile on Spotify can access the tool. Spotify for Artists. If you're not already using this feature, you should start. It's where you track your streaming data and—you guessed it—pitch songs for playlists.

3. Pitch the song

Once you have uploaded music to your distributor ahead of release day, it will eventually appear on your dashboard in the tab Upcoming under Mmusic.

Here you can pitch the song to Spotify. Then just cross your fingers.

P.S.

Streaming services' playlists aren't everything. They're useful tools that can lead to more streams and greater exposure for your music. However, a playlist doesn't necessarily lead to many long-lasting and dedicated fans.

Building a relationship with your audience that makes them care about you and your music over time can be at least as important to a successful music career.

Find out where and how you best reach your audience, be yourself and think outside the box. It will help you in the long run!