SubmitHub is popular but not the only option for playlist promotion. Whether you want better acceptance rates, different curator networks, or alternative pricing models, these 10 platforms offer viable alternatives.
Why Consider Alternatives
SubmitHub's 5-15% acceptance rate means spending $20-60 per placement on average. The pay-per-submission model adds up quickly. Some alternatives offer better rates, different curator networks, or subscription models with unlimited pitching.
1. Playlist Pilot
How it differs: DIY tool instead of submission service. You pitch curators directly with AI-powered personalization. Pricing: $19.99-29.99/month subscription. Best for: Artists who want control over their outreach and unlimited monthly pitching. Compare with SubmitHub.
2. Groover
How it differs: Stronger European curator network with radio included. Pricing: €2 per submission. Best for: Artists targeting UK, French, and German markets. Includes radio stations and labels, not just playlist curators.
3. Musosoup
How it differs: Combines playlists with blog and press coverage. Pricing: €3 per submission. Best for: Artists wanting broader media exposure beyond just playlists. Good for PR campaigns.
4. Daily Playlists
How it differs: Campaign-based model, submit to multiple curators at once. Pricing: €9-39 per campaign. Best for: Budget-conscious artists in European markets. Lower cost per curator than individual submissions.
5. Kolibri
How it differs: Focused on indie and alternative genres. Pricing: €1.50 per submission. Best for: Indie artists wanting genre-specific curation. Smaller but more focused network.
6. Playlist Push
How it differs: Managed service—they pitch for you. Pricing: $300-500+ per campaign. Best for: Artists with budget who want hands-off promotion. Results vary significantly.
7. Soundplate
How it differs: Free submissions available, electronic music focus. Pricing: Free tier + premium options. Best for: EDM, house, and dance producers. Good supplementary tool.
8. SubmitLink
How it differs: Aggregates free submission forms. Pricing: Free. Best for: Zero-budget promotion. Quality varies—verify playlists independently.
9. Indie Music Academy Submissions
How it differs: Educational community with submission access. Pricing: Membership model. Best for: Artists wanting to learn while promoting. Combines courses with curator access.
10. Direct Curator Outreach
How it differs: Skip platforms entirely, email curators directly. Pricing: Free (time investment). Best for: Artists willing to research contacts manually. Use curator directories to find contacts.
SubmitHub vs Playlist Pilot Comparison
SubmitHub: Pay $1-3 per pitch, guaranteed response, 5-15% acceptance rate. Passive—you wait for responses. Playlist Pilot: Subscription with unlimited pitching, AI matching, direct curator contact. Active—you control the outreach. Full comparison here.
Choosing the Right Alternative
Consider your budget model preference (per-submission vs subscription), target markets (US vs Europe), genre focus, and desired level of control. Artists with time prefer DIY tools; busy artists may prefer managed services despite higher cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SubmitHub still worth using? Yes, for guaranteed feedback and specific curator access. It's best as one tool among several, not your only promotion strategy.
Which alternative has the best acceptance rate? Rates vary by music quality and targeting. DIY tools like Playlist Pilot often see higher rates because you choose who to pitch and personalize every message.
Can I use multiple platforms simultaneously? Yes, and you should. Different platforms reach different curator networks. Diversifying increases your overall reach.
Summary
SubmitHub alternatives range from DIY tools (Playlist Pilot) to managed services (Playlist Push) to regional platforms (Groover). Consider subscription vs pay-per-submission models based on your volume needs. Use multiple platforms to maximize curator reach. Each has unique strengths for different artist situations.