Spotify Playlists: Types and Growth 

Playlists on Spotify are one of the most effective tools for music discovery and promotion, especially for indie musicians. From Algorithmic playlists that adapt to listeners’ preferences to Editorial playlists curated by Spotify’s in-house team, these playlists can boost your streams, grow your fanbase, and even lead to career-changing opportunities. This guide explores the types of Spotify playlists and offers tips on how to get playlisted on Spotify to maximize your music’s reach.

We’ll be taking a look at the following:

1. What Are the Types of Playlists on Spotify?
   
   
2. How Can You Get Playlisted on Spotify?
   
   
3. What Are the Best Strategies to Submit to Spotify Playlists?
   
   
4. Why Are Playlists Crucial for Growth on Spotify?
   
   
5. FAQs
   
   
6. Our Final Thoughts

What Are the Types of Playlists on Spotify?

Spotify offers several playlist categories, each serving a unique purpose in helping artists connect with listeners:

1. Editorial Playlists: Curated by Spotify’s team, these playlists like RapCaviar and Today’s Top Hits feature popular and trending tracks. Getting on these playlists is competitive but impactful.
   
   
2. Algorithmic Playlists: Personalized for each listener, these include Discover Weekly and Release Radar. They are generated based on listening habits and artist-following trends.
   
   
3. Listener-Curated Playlists: Created by Spotify users, these playlists often have niche audiences. Many have gained large followings, making them valuable for indie artists.
   
   
4. Collaborative Playlists: Playlists that allow multiple users to contribute, are great for engaging with fans and creating community-driven music collections.

Pro Tip: Start with Listener-Curated playlists to build momentum before targeting Algorithmic or Editorial playlists.

How Can You Get Playlisted on Spotify?

To get featured on Spotify playlists, follow these steps:

1. Submit via Spotify for Artists: Use the platform to pitch unreleased tracks to Spotify’s editorial team. Provide detailed metadata about the song, including genre and mood.
   
   
2. Focus on Algorithmic Playlists: Encourage fans to add your tracks to their personal playlists and listen repeatedly. These actions trigger Spotify’s algorithms to include your music in playlists like Discover Weekly.
   
   
3. Promote Engagement: Ask listeners to follow your profile and engage with your tracks by liking and sharing. This signals Spotify’s algorithms to prioritize your music.

Example: Tons of indie pop artists increased their streams by big margins after fans repeatedly played their track, landing it on Release Radar.

Pro Tip: Submitting early (at least seven days before release) boosts your chances of being featured on multiple playlists.

What Are the Best Strategies to Submit to Spotify Playlists?

Submitting to Spotify playlists requires a strategic approach:

1. Identify the Right Playlists: Research Listener-Curated playlists that align with your music’s genre.
   
   
2. Use Submission Platforms: Platforms like Groover and GreaseRelease connect you with playlist curators, increasing your chances of being featured.
   
   
3. Customize Your Pitches: Tailor your message for each curator, explaining why your track fits their playlist’s theme.

Example: Greaserelease generated over 250,000+ streams for an R&B artist from a single playlist.

Pro Tip: Consistency is key—submit every release to maintain visibility and growth.

Why Are Playlists Crucial for Growth on Spotify?

Playlists drive music discovery. Statistics show that over 66% of Spotify users discover new artists through playlists. For indie musicians, playlists offer:

•   Increased Streams: Being featured leads to more plays and higher royalties.
  
  
•   New Audiences: Playlists expose your music to listeners who may not have discovered it otherwise.
  
  
•   Long-Term Growth: The more playlists your track appears on, the greater its reach and engagement.

Pro Tip: Combine playlist promotion with social media campaigns to maximize exposure.

FAQs

How do I submit my song to Spotify playlists? 

Use Spotify for Artists to pitch unreleased music. Provide detailed metadata and submit it at least seven days before the release date.

What are Algorithmic playlists on Spotify?

These playlists, like Discover Weekly, are personalized based on a listener’s habits and preferences.

Can indie artists get featured on Editorial playlists?

Yes, but it’s competitive. Building momentum through Listener-Curated and Algorithmic playlists can increase your chances.

How do Listener-Curated playlists work?

These playlists are created by Spotify users. Pitching directly to curators can help get your tracks featured.

Our Final Thoughts

Playlists are an essential part of any Spotify growth strategy. Understanding the different types of playlists on Spotify, knowing how to submit to Spotify playlists, and leveraging Algorithmic playlists are key steps for artists. Focus on building relationships with curators, engaging fans, and consistently submitting tracks to grow your music career.

We at GreaseRelease, have a bunch of curators on our network who are looking for new & exciting music to push on their massive playlists. If you make music and want to reach a wider audience, check out our submission platform and get a chance to reach millions of listeners! Submit your tracks now!