Getting playlist placements requires more than finding curators—you need compelling pitches that stand out. This template pack includes three proven email templates, Instagram DM scripts, subject line formulas, and follow-up sequences that convert cold outreach into playlist additions. These templates are based on curator feedback and thousands of successful pitches.
TLDR: This pack includes three complete pitch templates (formal email, casual DM, and short-form pitch), subject line formulas with 40%+ open rates, a 3-step follow-up sequence, and scripts for different curator contact methods. Personalization is key—use these as frameworks, not copy-paste scripts. Replace bracketed sections with specific details about the playlist and your music.
Why Generic Pitches Fail
Curators receive 50-200 pitches per week. Generic templates that say I love your playlist, please add my song get deleted immediately. Curators can spot mass emails instantly. They want pitches that show you actually listened to their playlist, understand their aesthetic, and have a genuine reason for reaching out.
The difference between a 2% response rate and a 20% response rate is personalization. These templates provide structure while forcing you to add specific details that prove your research.
Template 1: Formal Email Pitch
Use this template when you have a curator's email address. This format works best for established curators with larger followings who expect professional communication.
Subject Line: [Song Title] for [Playlist Name] - [Your Artist Name]
Hi [Curator First Name],
I discovered [Playlist Name] while researching playlists that feature [genre/mood description]. The recent addition of [Recent Track Name] by [Recent Artist] caught my attention because [specific reason related to your music].
My latest track [Song Title] shares a similar [tempo/vibe/production style] and I think it would fit well alongside [2-3 specific tracks currently on the playlist]. Here's the Spotify link: [Direct Spotify URL]
A bit about the track: [1-2 sentences about the song's story, production, or what makes it unique]. It's been [mention any traction: playlist adds, streams, blog coverage if applicable].
Thank you for your time. I'd love to hear your thoughts, even if it's not the right fit.
Best,
[Your Artist Name]
[Your Instagram/Website - optional]
Template 2: Instagram DM Pitch
Use this template when email is unavailable and you're reaching out via Instagram. Keep it shorter and more conversational than email.
Hey [Curator Name]! I've been following [Playlist Name] for a while—loved the recent add of [Recent Track]. My new track [Song Title] has a similar [vibe/sound] and I think your listeners would dig it. Here's the link: [Spotify URL]. No pressure either way, just thought it might fit! Thanks for curating such a solid playlist.
Template 3: Short-Form Quick Pitch
Use this ultra-concise template for curators who explicitly request short pitches or for follow-up contexts.
Hi [Name] - Quick pitch for [Playlist Name]: My track [Song Title] fits the [genre/mood] vibe, similar to [Track Already on Playlist]. Link: [URL]. Thanks for considering!
Subject Line Formulas That Work
Subject lines determine whether your email gets opened. These formulas have 40%+ open rates based on curator feedback:
Formula 1: [Song Title] for [Playlist Name] — Direct and clear. Curators know exactly what this email contains.
Formula 2: Submission: [Genre] track for [Playlist Name] — Professional format that signals a pitch without being pushy.
Formula 3: Loved [Recent Addition] on [Playlist Name] — Starts with a compliment, which increases open rates.
Formula 4: [Your Artist Name] x [Playlist Name] — Collaborative framing that suggests partnership.
Avoid: Generic subjects like New Music Submission or Check Out My Track. These get filtered as spam.
The 3-Step Follow-Up Sequence
Most curators don't respond to first pitches due to volume, not disinterest. A polite follow-up sequence doubles response rates.
Follow-Up 1 (Day 7): Subject: Re: [Original Subject Line]. Quick follow-up on my previous email about [Song Title] for [Playlist Name]. Just wanted to make sure it didn't get lost in your inbox. The Spotify link again: [URL]. Thanks!
Follow-Up 2 (Day 14): Subject: Last check-in - [Song Title]. Hi [Name], this is my final follow-up on [Song Title] for [Playlist Name]. I completely understand if it's not the right fit—no hard feelings. If you'd like to hear it: [URL]. Thanks for your time either way!
After Follow-Up 2, stop. Three emails is professional persistence. Four or more is spam.
Personalization Checklist
Before sending any pitch, verify these personalization elements:
Curator's name: Use their actual name, not hey there or dear curator.
Playlist name: Mention the specific playlist you're pitching to.
Recent addition: Reference a track they recently added (check the playlist's Recent Adds section).
Sonic similarity: Explain specifically why your track fits the playlist's sound.
Track link: Include a direct Spotify track link, not an album or artist link.
Brief context: One sentence about why this track matters or what makes it unique.
When To Send Pitches
Timing affects response rates. Based on curator feedback:
Best days: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday. Curators check emails during the week.
Best times: 9-11 AM in the curator's timezone. Morning emails get processed before inbox overload.
Avoid: Friday afternoons, weekends, holidays. These pitches get buried.
Common Pitch Mistakes
Attaching audio files: Never attach MP3s. They trigger spam filters and curators won't download them. Use Spotify links only.
Writing essays: Pitches over 200 words don't get read. Respect curator time with concise communication.
Bragging: Avoid phrases like we're the next big thing or our fans say we sound like Drake. Let the music speak.
Generic compliments: Saying I love your playlist means nothing. Reference specific tracks to prove you listened.
Multiple songs: Pitch one track per email. Multiple songs dilute focus and overwhelm curators.
Tracking Your Pitches
Create a spreadsheet to track outreach with these columns: Playlist Name, Curator Contact, Date Sent, Follow-Up 1 Date, Follow-Up 2 Date, Response, Outcome. This prevents duplicate pitches and helps identify which playlist types respond best to your music.
How Playlist Pilot Generates Pitches
Playlist Pilot's AI pitch generator creates personalized pitches based on each playlist's theme, recent additions, and curator style. Instead of manually researching each playlist, the AI analyzes the playlist content and generates relevant, customized pitch text. This saves hours while maintaining the personalization that drives results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Summary
Effective playlist pitches combine structure with personalization. Use these templates as frameworks—replace bracketed sections with specific details about the playlist and your music. Personalize every element: curator name, playlist name, recent additions, and sonic similarity. Follow up twice at 7 and 14 days. Track your outreach to measure results. The difference between successful and ignored pitches is proving you did the research.