On this page
- How Editorial Playlist Consideration Works
- 1. Submit Through Spotify for Artists (7+ Days Early)
- 2. Perfect Your Artist Profile
- 3. Build Pre-Save Momentum
- 4. Land User Playlist Placements First
- 5. Optimize Metadata and Genre Tags
- 6. Release Consistently
- 7. Engage Your Existing Audience
- 8. Collaborate Strategically
- 9. Target Genre-Specific Editorials
- 10. Be Patient and Persistent
- What Editors Look For
- Common Editorial Mistakes
- The User Playlist to Editorial Pipeline
- Summary
Spotify editorial playlists like New Music Friday, RapCaviar, and Today's Top Hits are curated by Spotify's in-house team. Unlike user playlists, you can't pitch curators directly—but there are proven ways to increase your chances.
How Editorial Playlist Consideration Works
Spotify's editorial team reviews submissions through Spotify for Artists. They consider: release timing, artist profile completeness, prior streaming performance, genre fit for specific playlists, and current listener engagement. Most new artists start on smaller editorial playlists before major placements.
1. Submit Through Spotify for Artists (7+ Days Early)
Why it works: Spotify requires submissions at least 7 days before release. Earlier is better—submit 2-4 weeks ahead. This gives editors time to review and schedule placements. Late submissions are rarely considered.
2. Perfect Your Artist Profile
Why it works: Complete profiles get more consideration. Include bio, artist pick, high-quality images, and verified social links. Editors look at overall artist presentation, not just the track.
3. Build Pre-Save Momentum
Why it works: Pre-saves signal listener demand. Strong pre-save campaigns show editors that listeners are waiting for your release. Use pre-save tools and promote heavily before release day.
4. Land User Playlist Placements First
Why it works: User playlist success demonstrates audience engagement. Spotify's algorithm and editors notice tracks gaining momentum on independent playlists. Use Playlist Pilot to pitch user playlists before and after release.
5. Optimize Metadata and Genre Tags
Why it works: Incorrect genre tags prevent your submission from reaching the right editors. Double-check your distributor's genre and mood tags match your music. Editors filter by genre—wrong tags mean wrong editors.
6. Release Consistently
Why it works: Artists with regular release schedules get more editorial attention over time. Spotify values consistent activity. Release singles every 4-6 weeks rather than annual albums.
7. Engage Your Existing Audience
Why it works: Strong save rates and repeat listeners signal quality. Encourage fans to save your tracks to their libraries. High save-to-stream ratios get algorithmic and editorial attention.
8. Collaborate Strategically
Why it works: Features with artists who have editorial relationships can open doors. Collaborations also expose you to new listener bases, building the momentum that gets editorial notice.
9. Target Genre-Specific Editorials
Why it works: Smaller genre playlists (Fresh Finds: Indie, Lorem, Signed XOXO) are more accessible than major editorials. Build a track record on smaller editorials before aiming for RapCaviar.
10. Be Patient and Persistent
Why it works: Most artists don't get major editorial placement on their first release. Each release builds your profile with Spotify's team. Consistency and quality over time lead to bigger opportunities.
What Editors Look For
Professional audio quality (properly mastered, no clipping). Compelling artwork (no stock photos or low resolution). Strong prior performance (saves, playlist adds, consistent monthly listeners). Genre fit for specific playlists. Unique artistic identity.
Common Editorial Mistakes
Submitting too late (less than 7 days before release). Having an incomplete artist profile. Wrong or vague genre tags in your submission. No pre-existing streaming momentum. Generic or low-quality artwork and metadata.
The User Playlist to Editorial Pipeline
The best path to editorial is often through user playlists. Tracks that perform well on independent playlists catch algorithmic attention, which can lead to Release Radar success, which editors notice. Build your foundation with user playlist promotion, then let that momentum support editorial consideration.
Summary
Editorial playlist placement requires preparation, patience, and proven audience engagement. Submit early through Spotify for Artists with complete metadata and profile. Build streaming momentum through user playlists first. Target genre-specific editorials before major lists. Consistency across releases builds your reputation with editorial teams over time.