Landing a spot on an editorial playlist like New Music Friday – can seriously level up your release. It can boost exposure, attract new fans, trigger the algorithm, and drive streams. Our Artist Relations team has a solid track record of building strong pitches, but to give your release the best possible shot, it’s essential to understand how the process works, what we’ll need from you, and how to maximise your chances.
First Things First: No Guarantees
Let’s be real: there are no guarantees when it comes to editorial playlists. It’s a competitive space, and curators weigh a lot of different factors when deciding what to feature. That said, a great pitch and the right prep can make all the difference.
What You Need To Know
1. Editorial Playlists Only
We pitch exclusively to editorial playlists curated by platforms like Spotify, Deezer, Amazon Music, Apple Music – not user-made or algorithmic playlists.
2. Only Brand-New, Unreleased Music
DSPs only accept new, unreleased tracks for editorial playlist consideration. If your song has already been publicly released in any way, it won’t qualify for editorial pitching.
3. Give Us the Full Picture
We can only work with the information you provide, so give us as much clear, detailed info as possible. We’ll refine your pitch, but the raw material needs to come from you.
4. Use Your Word Count Wisely
While you can specify preferred playlists, you’re often better off using that precious word count to sell your release. What makes your song special? Why does it deserve a slot?
Timelines Matter
For our playlist pitching service, we require a minimum of 5 weeks notice. This gives us enough time to:
• Prepare a strong pitch and submit to DSPs
• Give curators enough time to consider your track
• Maximise your chances for exposure and placements
On top of that, submitting your track to Spotify at least seven full days before release is key to ensuring it makes it onto Spotify’s Release Radar, which can help boost your streams.
Keep in mind, pitches with less than 5 weeks lead time often have lower chances, and we can’t guarantee submissions if the timeline is too tight.
What we need from you:
Social Media:
Share any significant numbers from your socials – follower counts, engagement, anything worth highlighting. If you’re just starting out or the numbers aren’t there yet, don’t stress. It’s just helpful context, not a dealbreaker.
Similar Artists:
Which artists have influenced your sound or share a similar vibe? Think about who you’d love to support on tour, or whose fans would naturally get into your music. This helps us understand where your track might sit and who it could resonate with on playlists.
Streaming Link:
We ask you to provide a private and accessible streaming link – ideally on SoundCloud. This makes it easy for us and, more importantly, for editors to check out the track. If the link doesn’t work or the track gets taken down, there’s a good chance it’ll be skipped over. Make sure it stays live and private right up until the release.
Tell Us the Story Behind the Song
This is your moment to shine and the most important element of your pitch. What makes your track stand out? A fresh sound, a meaningful message, or a cool collaboration? Make that front and centre in your pitch.
Consider including:
- The inspiration behind the track
- How the track came into being – where was it recorded? Who with?
- Collaborations with notable producers or artists
- What the song means to you or your fans
This context helps us shape a narrative that resonates with playlist editors.
Promotion Plans: Tell Us Everything
We want to hear your full marketing plan – not vague ideas, the details really matter!
Consider including:
- Confirmed press coverage: Where will your release be featured? What are critics saying?
- Radio support: Who’s spinning your track?
- Live plans: Upcoming tours, sold-out shows, or major support slots? Share them!
- Digital advertising: How much are you spending, and on which platforms?
- Music videos: Are you working with a notable director?
- Merch drops or launch events: Any special plans?
- PR support: Who’s managing it, who are the targets, and what’s the strategy?
Editors like to see that you’re taking your release seriously and putting the effort into marketing it. The more specific you are, the stronger your pitch will be.
Still Unsure?
If you’re not sure about any part of the process or need help, don’t hesitate to reach out to your account manager, with your Pro or Premium plan. We’re here to help you put your best foot forward. Remember, we can only work with the information you provide us – we don’t make anything up, so if you want us to work on the strongest pitch possible, don’t skimp on the details!
Let’s get your music heard – properly.