Curators receive 50-200 pitches weekly. Most get deleted within seconds. This guide compiles real curator feedback on the most common pitching mistakes—and how to avoid them. From generic templates to wrong-genre targeting, learn what frustrates curators and how to stand out with professional, personalized outreach.
TLDR: Top mistakes include generic templates (curators spot them instantly), wrong genre targeting (death metal to a folk playlist), attaching audio files (triggers spam filters), multiple follow-ups (one is professional, four is harassment), and ignoring curator preferences (if they say no covers, don't pitch covers). The fix: personalize every pitch, research thoroughly, and respect curator time and guidelines.
What Curators Actually Think About Pitches
We surveyed playlist curators about their pitch experiences. Common themes:
Most pitches are obviously mass-sent: Curators can tell when you're sending identical pitches to hundreds of playlists.
Wrong genre is the fastest delete: Pitching music that doesn't fit the playlist wastes everyone's time and signals you didn't research.
Short and specific beats long and generic: A 3-sentence personalized pitch outperforms a 3-paragraph template.
Follow-ups are expected (to a point): One follow-up is professional. Multiple follow-ups become harassment.
Mistake 1: Generic Template Pitches
The mistake: Sending identical pitches with only the playlist name changed: Hi, I love your playlist! Please consider my song for [PLAYLIST NAME].
Why it fails: Curators receive dozens of these daily. They provide zero indication that you actually listened to the playlist or understand its aesthetic.
The fix: Reference specific tracks on the playlist. Explain specifically why your track fits alongside them. Show you did real research.
Example improvement: From I love your playlist to I loved the recent addition of [Artist] - [Track]—the atmospheric production reminds me of my track [Your Song], which has similar moody synths and tempo.
Mistake 2: Wrong Genre Targeting
The mistake: Pitching music that doesn't match the playlist's genre, mood, or aesthetic. Curators report receiving metal pitches for acoustic playlists, EDM for folk playlists, etc.
Why it fails: Immediate delete. If you can't even identify the playlist's genre, why would the curator trust your judgment on fit?
The fix: Listen to playlists before pitching. Use AI matching for audio similarity, not just genre labels. If uncertain, don't pitch.
Reality check: Your genre-fluid track that blends hip-hop and folk doesn't fit on a death metal playlist. Be honest about where your music actually fits.
Mistake 3: Attaching Audio Files
The mistake: Attaching MP3 or WAV files to pitch emails.
Why it fails: Audio attachments trigger spam filters, meaning your pitch never arrives. Even if it does, curators won't download unknown files.
The fix: Always use Spotify links. Direct track links only—not album or artist profile links. Curators need one click to hear your music.
Mistake 4: Essay-Length Pitches
The mistake: Writing 500+ word pitches detailing your entire career, every influence, and your grandmother's opinion of your music.
Why it fails: Curators skim pitches. Long pitches don't get read. They signal you don't respect curator time.
The fix: 100-150 words for email, 50-75 words for Instagram DMs. Say only what's necessary: who you are, why your track fits, the Spotify link.
Mistake 5: Multiple Follow-Ups
The mistake: Sending 3, 4, 5 follow-up messages when curators don't respond.
Why it fails: One follow-up is professional persistence. Multiple follow-ups become harassment. Curators remember harassing artists and blacklist them.
The fix: Send one polite follow-up 7-10 days after initial pitch. If no response, move on. You can re-approach with future releases, but not immediately.
Mistake 6: Ignoring Stated Preferences
The mistake: Pitching music that violates curator-stated guidelines. If a curator says no remixes, don't pitch remixes. If they say under 3 minutes only, don't pitch 5-minute tracks.
Why it fails: Shows you didn't read their guidelines. Signals you'll be difficult to work with.
The fix: Read playlist descriptions and any linked submission guidelines thoroughly. Follow instructions exactly.
Mistake 7: Fake Flattery
The mistake: Excessive, obviously insincere compliments. Your playlist is the most amazing collection of music I've ever encountered in my entire life!
Why it fails: Curators recognize fake flattery. It feels manipulative and cheapens your pitch.
The fix: Genuine, specific compliments work. I really liked the [Artist] track you added last week references something real. Generic superlatives do not.
Mistake 8: Pitching Unfinished Music
The mistake: Pitching demos, unmixed tracks, or music that's not yet on Spotify.
Why it fails: Curators add released Spotify tracks to playlists. They can't add your SoundCloud demo. Unfinished music also makes poor first impressions.
The fix: Only pitch fully released, professionally finished tracks available on Spotify with proper metadata.
Mistake 9: Demanding Responses
The mistake: Entitled language demanding curator response or action. You need to add my song or Let me know ASAP.
Why it fails: Curators owe artists nothing. Demanding behavior guarantees rejection and blacklisting.
The fix: Respectful, non-demanding language. I'd love your thoughts if you have time and Thanks for considering either way show appropriate humility.
Mistake 10: Offering Payment
The mistake: Offering to pay curators for playlist placement.
Why it fails: Violates Spotify's terms of service. Can get your music removed from Spotify. Legitimate curators reject paid placements.
The fix: Organic pitching only. If a curator requests payment, they're likely running a manipulation scheme—avoid them.
Mistake 11: Pitching Multiple Songs
The mistake: Including 3-5 songs in one pitch. Here are all my recent singles, please add whichever you like!
Why it fails: Dilutes focus. Overwhelms curators with choices. Signals you don't know which of your tracks fits.
The fix: One track per pitch. Choose your best track for that specific playlist. If you have multiple tracks that fit, pitch them separately weeks apart.
Mistake 12: No Spotify Link
The mistake: Forgetting to include the Spotify link, or including only social media links.
Why it fails: Curators need to hear the track on Spotify to add it to a Spotify playlist. No link means no consideration.
The fix: Always include a direct Spotify track link. Make it easy for curators to listen immediately.
Mistake 13: Bragging Without Substance
The mistake: Unsupported bragging. We're the next big thing or Everyone says we sound like The Beatles.
Why it fails: Empty claims mean nothing. Curators judge music, not self-promotion. Bragging without evidence is cringe-inducing.
The fix: Let the music speak. If you have genuine credentials (notable playlist placements, press coverage, streaming numbers), mention them factually. Otherwise, focus on why the track fits the playlist.
What Curators Want To See
Based on curator feedback, ideal pitches include:
Personalization: Specific references to their playlist showing you did research.
Sonic justification: Clear explanation of why your track fits sonically, referencing actual tracks on the playlist.
Brevity: 100-150 words that respect their time.
Direct link: Spotify track link, easy to click.
Professionalism: Polite tone, no demands, no fake flattery.
Correct targeting: Music that actually fits the playlist's genre and mood.
Frequently Asked Questions
Summary
Common pitching mistakes—generic templates, wrong genres, audio attachments, multiple follow-ups, ignoring guidelines—result from failing to respect curator time and failing to do research. The fixes are straightforward: personalize every pitch with specific playlist references, research thoroughly before pitching, respect stated preferences, and maintain professional communication. Curators want to discover great music that fits their playlists. Make it easy for them by demonstrating you've done the work to understand their curation.