The Truth About Spotify Playlist Pitching: How to Navigate 2024 and Beyond

Introduction: Clearing Up the Confusion

In the ever-changing world of Spotify playlist pitching, there’s no shortage of confusion and mixed messages. From Spotify cracking down on fake streams to services promising guaranteed placements, it’s no wonder independent musicians are hesitant. That’s why I’m here to clear the air and give you the facts—straight from me, Elliot Tousley, founder of De Novo Agency.

Let’s dive into the truth about playlist pitching, what’s allowed, and how you can use this tool effectively to grow your audience without breaking the rules.

What is Spotify Playlist Pitching?

Playlist pitching is the process of submitting your music to playlist curators in hopes of getting featured on playlists that will expose your music to new listeners. Playlists come in various forms—Spotify’s own editorial playlists, algorithmic playlists (like Discover Weekly), and independent playlists created by third-party curators.

Each type of playlist has its own strategy for pitching:

Editorial playlists: Typically managed by Spotify’s in-house team, which requires artists to pitch directly via Spotify for Artists.
Algorithmic playlists: These are generated by Spotify’s algorithm based on listener behavior, and there’s no direct pitching—your song just needs to gain traction.
Independent playlists: Created by third-party curators, ranging from influencers to music bloggers. These are the playlists most musicians aim to get featured on, as they’re often more accessible.

The Difference Between Spotify Editorial, User-Generated, and Algorithmic Playlists

When it comes to Spotify playlists, there are three primary types: editorial playlists, user-generated playlists (also known as independent playlists), and algorithmic playlists. Each of these plays a crucial role in promoting music, but they function very differently. Here’s a breakdown of each type and what you need to know about getting featured on them.

1. Spotify Editorial Playlists

Spotify’s editorial playlists are some of the most sought-after placements for any artist. These playlists are curated by Spotify’s in-house editorial team, and they cover a wide range of genres, moods, and themes. Think of playlists like RapCaviar, Today's Top Hits, or New Music Friday—these playlists can propel a song to millions of listeners.

How to Get on a Spotify Editorial Playlist

To be considered for a spot on an editorial playlist, you can submit your music directly through Spotify for Artists. However, placement isn’t guaranteed, and the competition is stiff. Spotify editors look for tracks that are:

Professionally produced
Gaining organic traction (whether through social media, independent playlists, or other channels)
Aligned with current trends or specific playlist themes

Important tip: While editorial playlists are highly valuable, they’re not something you can control directly—Spotify editors ultimately make the call based on a variety of factors, including how much attention your music is already getting.

2. User-Generated (Independent) Playlists

User-generated playlists, also known as independent playlists, are created by Spotify users, influencers, music bloggers, or even companies and brands. These playlists range in size and influence, from small niche collections to massive playlists with hundreds of thousands of followers.

Why Independent Playlists Matter

While editorial playlists are competitive, user-generated playlists offer a more accessible way to get your music in front of new listeners. Independent curators can have strong followings in their own right, and being added to a few well-targeted playlists can help you reach the right audience organically.

Unlike editorial playlists, user-generated playlists provide more opportunities for independent artists to get traction. Plus, landing spots on multiple smaller playlists can lead to your song being picked up by Spotify’s algorithms—more on that below.

3. Algorithmic Playlists (Release Radar, Discover Weekly, and Daily Mix)

Spotify’s algorithmic playlists are completely personalized for each listener, driven by their listening habits, likes, and overall engagement. These include popular playlists like Release Radar, Discover Weekly, and Daily Mix.

How to Get on Algorithmic Playlists

Algorithmic playlists are influenced by how listeners interact with your music. The more people who:

Save your song to their library
Add it to their personal playlists
Like or share it

…the more likely your track will appear in algorithmic playlists like Discover Weekly and Release Radar. While you can’t directly pitch to these playlists, building real engagement with listeners is the key to getting picked up by Spotify’s algorithms.

Is Playlist Pitching Against Spotify’s Rules?

A lot of musicians worry about whether playlist pitching is allowed by Spotify, especially with rumors swirling about the platform cracking down on certain playlists. Here’s the truth:

No, playlist pitching is NOT against Spotify’s rules—if it’s done the right way.

Spotify is fine with artists submitting their music to playlist curators for consideration. In fact, major labels and platforms like DistroKid offer playlist pitching services as part of their marketing. The problem arises when shady tactics are involved, such as:

Paying for guaranteed placement: Any service that guarantees a spot on a playlist in exchange for money is violating Spotify’s terms.
Fake streams and bots: Using bots or fake accounts to artificially inflate your streams or followers can get your music pulled from Spotify.

At De Novo Agency, we pride ourselves on sticking to ethical, transparent practices. Our goal is to get your music in front of real curators and listeners, not to game the system with fake plays or false promises.

What to Avoid When Pitching to Playlists

Navigating the world of playlist pitching is tricky, especially when you’re trying to avoid getting flagged by Spotify’s algorithms. Here are some of the key things to avoid:

Don’t pay for guaranteed playlist spots: This is a major red flag. Curators who sell placements may be running pay-for-play schemes, which can harm your reputation and potentially get you penalized by Spotify.
Avoid playlist networks with suspicious activity: If a playlist promises thousands of streams overnight or features multiple tracks from unknown artists with inflated play counts, be cautious. It could be using bots or fake listeners.
Stay clear of playlists with low engagement: Look for playlists with active followers who interact with the music—skip those with a high number of followers but very few likes, comments, or playlist saves.

By avoiding these pitfalls, you’ll protect your career from the consequences of fake streams and maintain your integrity as an artist.

What Makes a Successful Playlist Pitch?

A great playlist pitch is not just about sending your song and hoping for the best. You need to craft a personalized, compelling message that gives curators a reason to feature your track. Here are the essentials:

Tailor your pitch: Don’t send the same generic message to every curator. Research each playlist and explain why your track fits their vibe.
Include key details: Your artist bio, links to your social media and previous releases, and a high-quality track are all essential components of a good pitch.
Be professional and brief: Curators get a lot of submissions, so make your pitch concise but informative. Respect their time and get straight to the point.

A good example of a playlist pitch might look something like this:

"Hey [Curator Name],
I’m [Your Name], an indie pop artist from [Location]. I’ve been following your playlist, [Playlist Name], for a while and I love the music you feature. I think my new track, [Track Name], would be a perfect fit because it has a similar vibe to [Artist Name] and [Artist Name] who you’ve recently featured.
Here’s a link to my track: [Spotify Link].
Thanks for your consideration, and I hope you enjoy it!"

This personalized approach shows you’ve done your homework and aren’t just spamming curators with random submissions.

The State of Playlist Pitching in 2024 and 2025: What Artists Need to Know

As Spotify continues to improve its platform, it’s cracking down harder than ever on fake streams and shady playlist practices. In 2024 and heading into 2025, the focus is on authentic listener engagement. Here’s what that means for you as an artist:

Playlist algorithms are getting smarter: Spotify’s technology can detect fake streams and artificial engagement more easily than in previous years. Curators who use bots are getting flagged and penalized.
Independent playlists are still powerful: Despite the crackdown, independent playlists remain one of the most effective ways to get discovered. The key is to target reputable curators and avoid any service that feels like it’s cutting corners.

As the industry evolves, playlist pitching is shifting toward long-term, organic growth. Artists who focus on building a genuine fanbase and staying transparent with their marketing efforts will come out on top.

Conclusion: Trust the Process, Grow Organically

Playlist pitching remains one of the most effective tools for independent artists to grow their audience on Spotify—when done the right way. By avoiding shady practices and focusing on ethical, transparent pitching, you can get your music in front of real listeners, building long-term success without risking your reputation.

At De Novo Agency, we’ve been helping independent artists navigate the complexities of Spotify playlist pitching since 2017. Our approach is built on transparency, integrity, and results—no shortcuts, no bots, no broken promises.

If you’re ready to grow your fanbase the right way, check out our Spotify Playlist Pitching service here. We connect your music with real curators and listeners, ensuring organic growth that aligns with Spotify’s guidelines.

We’re here to help you every step of the way—let us handle the playlist pitching so you can focus on what you do best: making great music.