Staying updated on playlist promotion tactics gives you an edge over artists using outdated strategies. These 10 blogs publish regular, actionable content about Spotify promotion, curator relationships, and music marketing.
Why Follow Promotion Blogs
Spotify's algorithm changes, curator preferences shift, and new tools emerge constantly. Blogs tracking these changes help you adapt strategies before competitors. Free education from experts saves thousands in trial-and-error learning.
1. Ari's Take
Focus: Music business from an artist's perspective. Why follow: Ari Herstand provides detailed, honest analysis of promotion tactics. His Spotify content is especially valuable. Includes economics breakdowns and strategy guides.
2. Hypebot
Focus: Music industry news and trends. Why follow: Breaking news on Spotify changes, platform updates, and industry shifts. Good for staying current on what's happening across the music business.
3. CD Baby's DIY Musician
Focus: Practical tutorials for independent artists. Why follow: Step-by-step guides on playlist pitching, Spotify optimization, and distribution. Actionable content you can implement immediately.
4. Playlist Pilot Blog
Focus: Playlist promotion deep-dives. Why follow: Specialized content on playlist strategy, curator psychology, and AI matching. Browse the full blog for comprehensive guides on every aspect of playlist promotion.
5. Music Business Worldwide
Focus: Industry deals and streaming economics. Why follow: Understand the business side of streaming—label deals, royalty debates, and platform strategies that affect how playlists work.
6. SubmitHub Blog
Focus: Curator insights and submission tips. Why follow: Direct perspective from a major submission platform. Includes curator interviews and acceptance rate analysis.
7. Bandzoogle Blog
Focus: Website and marketing for musicians. Why follow: Broader marketing context that complements playlist promotion. Building a complete artist presence beyond just streaming.
8. Music Think Tank
Focus: Community-submitted music marketing articles. Why follow: Diverse perspectives from many contributors. Filter for Spotify-specific content. Quality varies but gems exist.
9. Soundcharts Blog
Focus: Data-driven music analytics. Why follow: Technical breakdowns of streaming patterns, playlist analysis, and industry data. Good for understanding metrics.
10. Digital Music News
Focus: Streaming platform news. Why follow: Quick updates on Spotify policies, royalty changes, and platform features that affect promotion strategies.
How to Use These Blogs
Subscribe to RSS feeds or newsletters. Set aside 30 minutes weekly to scan headlines. Deep-read articles relevant to your current challenges. Apply one new tactic per release cycle. Track what works for your genre.
Building Your Knowledge Base
Combine blog learning with hands-on promotion. Theory without action wastes time. Apply what you learn, track results, and adapt. The best strategies emerge from combining expert advice with your specific artist experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I read music marketing blogs? Weekly scanning is sufficient. Deep-dive when facing specific challenges or before major releases.
Are paid courses better than free blog content? Not necessarily. Many blogs provide course-level content for free. Paid courses offer structure and community, but blog content often covers the same tactics.
Should I follow general marketing blogs too? Yes. Email marketing, social media, and advertising fundamentals apply to music. Broader marketing knowledge strengthens your overall strategy.
Summary
Stay current on playlist promotion by following industry blogs. Ari's Take and Hypebot lead for strategy and news. CD Baby and SubmitHub provide practical tutorials. Combine reading with action—knowledge without implementation has no value. Check weekly and apply learnings to your promotion campaigns.