Curator directories list playlist curators with their contact information and submission preferences. These databases save hours of manual research by aggregating curator data in one place.
What to Look for in a Curator Directory
Quality directories provide more than contact info. Look for follower counts, playlist update frequency, genre tags, and submission preferences. Bot detection is essential—many directories list fake playlists that won't deliver real streams.
1. Playlist Pilot Database
Type: AI-powered directory. Cost: Included with subscription ($19.99-29.99/mo). Best feature: Every playlist scored for bot activity. AI matches your music to relevant curators. Contact info verified. Filter by genre, follower range, and engagement rate. Explore the database.
2. SubmitHub Curator Network
Type: Submission platform with directory. Cost: Pay per submission. Best feature: Largest network with 1,000+ active curators. Curators verified as active. See acceptance rates before submitting.
3. SubmitLink
Type: Free aggregator. Cost: Free. Best feature: Collects submission forms from curators who self-register. No cost to access. Quality varies—verify playlists independently.
4. Soundplate Curator Database
Type: Free + premium. Cost: Free tier available. Best feature: Strong in electronic music genres. Curators submit their own playlists. Good for EDM, house, and dance producers.
5. Indie Bible
Type: Subscription database. Cost: Annual subscription. Best feature: Comprehensive industry contacts including playlist curators, radio, and press. Regularly updated. Requires filtering to find relevant curators.
6. Groover Network
Type: Submission platform. Cost: €2 per submission. Best feature: European focus with playlist curators, radio, and blogs. Curators vetted for activity and response rates.
7. PlaylistMap
Type: Free directory. Cost: Free. Best feature: Organizes playlists by genre and mood. Community-submitted data means variable quality. Good for initial research.
8. Spotify Playlist Network Groups
Type: Facebook groups. Cost: Free. Best feature: Connect directly with curators in genre-specific Facebook groups. Search 'Spotify playlist [your genre]' to find active communities.
9. Reddit Playlist Communities
Type: Subreddits. Cost: Free. Best feature: r/SpotifyPlaylists and genre-specific subs feature curator self-promotion. Engage authentically—don't spam. Good for relationship building.
10. Music Industry Contact Databases
Type: Professional databases. Cost: Varies. Best feature: Services like Buzz Angle and Chartmetric include curator data for serious professionals. Enterprise pricing but comprehensive data.
How to Verify Directory Quality
Before pitching any curator from a directory, check the playlist directly. Look for recent updates (within 30 days), realistic follower-to-listener ratios, and varied track origins. Use bot detection tools to identify fake playlists.
Building Your Own Contact List
Combine multiple directories into your own spreadsheet. Track who you've pitched, responses received, and placement results. This turns scattered directory data into a personal CRM for ongoing promotion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are free curator directories reliable? Free directories work but have more outdated data and unvetted playlists. Paid directories typically offer better quality control and verification.
How do I know if a curator is still active? Check when the playlist was last updated. If no new tracks in 30+ days, the curator may be inactive. Also check if their contact info is current.
Should I use multiple directories? Yes. No single directory covers all curators. Use 2-3 sources to maximize your reach and find curators competitors miss.
Summary
Curator directories save research time by aggregating contact information. The best directories (Playlist Pilot, SubmitHub) include quality metrics and bot detection. Free directories (SubmitLink, PlaylistMap) work for budget promotion but require manual verification. Always check playlist quality before pitching.