What Are Spotify Editorial Playlists?

Spotify editorial playlists are curated by their in-house global editorial team. These are handpicked by actual human beings who understand genre trends, mood, and audience intent. If you want to know more about the different types of Spotify playlists and how they work, check out our breakdown.

Here is a list of Spotify editorial playlists that are the most popular:

• RapCaviar, a globally influential playlist for rap fans
• New Music Friday, covering weekly releases across all music styles
• Fresh Finds, the go-to playlist for emerging talent
• Lorem, the playground for alternative sounds and genre mashups

Each editorial playlist has a distinct vibe and purpose, and behind them are playlist curators. These playlist-making gatekeepers decide what lands (and what doesn't).

How Editorial Playlists Lead to Major Growth

If you're curious to see what getting on Spotify editorial playlists can do for you, Fresh Finds is the ultimate "curation meets algorithm" example. In 2024, Spotify Fresh Finds proved to be a game-changer for emerging talent, spotlighting over 18,000 artists and driving an impressive 65 million discoveries globally.

Artists like indie-pop sensation Blondshell exemplify how Fresh Finds serves as a launchpad for growth. After being featured, she expanded her fan base, doubled her monthly listeners, and garnered international attention.

"Fresh Finds is combing blogs for patterns and paying attention to trendsetting users' listening behaviours," shares a Spotify editor behind the influential playlist. Those songs, and ones pitched to Spotify's editorial team, are considered by editors for placement. "The main thing tying together all of these artists is that they are independent," notes one editor. "[Fresh Finds] shines a light on small, independent artists that are showing some traction."

To add to this, over half of the artists who debut on Fresh Finds go on to secure spots in Spotify's flagship editorial playlists, including New Music Friday and RapCaviar. Strategic playlisting with Spotify can transform careers.

In the realm of rap and hip-hop, RapCaviar has carved out an iconic space, thanks in part to the personal touch of its former curator, Tuma Basa. As an industry insider remarked, when RapCaviar added Cardi B's "Bodak Yellow," it catapulted the track's success, highlighting the significant impact of expert curation.

Your First Steps: Set the Stage for Your Pitch

So, how do you get on Spotify editorial playlists? Getting your song in front of an editor takes preparation. They see thousands of submissions, so they're not just looking for a strong track. They need a reason to hit "Add to Playlist," figuratively and literally.

Verified Spotify for Artists Profile

Set this up immediately if you haven't already. A verified profile shows curators you're serious about being an artist. Make sure your photos, bio, and links are polished and complete.

Professionally Finished Tracks

Quality matters. Curators aren't wasting time on rough demos or "almost there" mixes. Submit fully mastered tracks that meet industry standards.

Visual Branding That Matches Your Sound

Cover art, social media imagery, and your overall artist vibe need to feel unified. When editors check out your profile, they want a clear, consistent story behind your music.

Organic Fan Traction

Yes, the numbers matter. Editors pay attention to playlist adds, pre-saves, and actual fan engagement. If listeners are buzzing over what you've got, editors are much more likely to take notice.

The downside is that if you're just starting out, you won't have an edge in this area. If you want to land on a super popular playlist, get more streams and fans first with your current tracks.

Why Should They Care Now?

Spotify's editors care about timing. They want to know: Why this track, and why now? To answer that, show real momentum:

• Is the song gaining traction on TikTok or Reels?
• Are fans pre-saving it or sharing it early?
• Are you lining up press coverage or upcoming shows?
• Are any influential people in the industry pushing the song?

Playlist curators look for signals that people already care, so they can catch the wave, not create it from scratch. They want to strike while the iron's hot.

How to Apply for Spotify Playlists

So, how do you pitch your music to Spotify playlists? Spotify makes submitting possible through Spotify for Artists, but there are some tricks you should know to help your submission along. Here are three quick ways to make sure your pitch doesn't get overlooked:

• Step 1: Submit Your Song
• Step 2: Polish Your Metadata
• Step 3: Write a Killer Pitch

We'll break this down for you, step by step.

Submitting Your Song

Use Spotify's Submission Tool

From your Spotify for Artists dashboard, select one unreleased track for pitching to Spotify editorial playlists. Head to the Music tab, click "Submit a song," and follow their process step by step.

It's worth noting that when you drop an entire album in one go, you're essentially putting all your eggs in one basket when it comes to pitching music to editors. It's a lesser-known pitfall that underscores the importance of the waterfall strategy, which allows artists to pitch each track separately. That heightens their odds of snagging those coveted editorial spots.

How Early Should I Submit My Song To Spotify Playlists?

Spotify requires you to submit your track at least seven days before its release date. That gives both editors and algorithms time to review it. If your track launches tomorrow, you won't make the cut. This is a common setback for many artists, so don't let it happen to you. Submit as early as possible, and make sure everything's set up before release day.

Nail the Metadata

This part's easy to mess up but crucial. Metadata is the unsung hero of your pitch to Spotify's editorial playlists. It's what tells curators exactly where your song belongs and whether it fits their vibe. A solid submission starts with getting your details spot-on. Here's how to do it right.

Be Accurate With Genre and Mood Choices

Genres matter. Sub-genres matter even more. If your track feels more "Bedroom Pop" or "Indie Pop," don't just slap "Pop" in your genre field. It's too broad and doesn't tell the story. Plus, in the case of pop, it makes it more competitive to get placed. Curators need sharp, specific data to place your song in the right context.

Same goes for mood. Vague terms like "cool" won't cut it. Use Spotify's available mood options (uplifting, moody, romantic, energetic). They're there for a reason. Bad metadata can send your track to the wrong curators, or worse, nowhere at all.

And if your song's a tearjerker ballad, don't label it as upbeat and happy just because you're hoping to land on a party playlist. Misleading metadata creates confusion and could get your track skipped entirely. Be real.

Use Every Field Spotify Offers

Think of metadata fields as your chance to paint a picture for editors. Spotify lets you include:

• Instrumentation (Is it synth-heavy? Acoustic guitar-based?)
• Vocal style (Female vocals, rap, spoken word, you name it.)
• Language of the song (Critical for playlists targeting certain regions.)
• Cultural influences (Don't skip this if your track aligns with global or regional playlists.)
  

The more thorough you are, the easier it is for Spotify to find your track internally. A blank field is a missed opportunity.

Stick to Spotify's Language

Spotify has its own taxonomy for genres and moods, and you need to align with the terms they use. Not sure what fits? Take a look at editorial playlists that feature songs like yours. If Spotify calls similar tracks "hyperpop," you should probably follow suit.

Stay away from over-the-top, made-up terms like "galactic indie disco," unless it's a real category on Spotify. Precision is key here, not cleverness.

Keep It Consistent Across Platforms

Confusion kills momentum. If Spotify metadata says "Alt-Rock" but your press release calls it "Darkwave," curators won't know what to make of your pitch. Keep your genre and story consistent across Spotify, social media, press releases, and anywhere you're promoting the track.

Double-Check Everything

Seriously, double-check your release info before hitting send:

• Is the release date accurate?
• Is your artist name formatted correctly?
• Are all collaborators tagged?
• Did you mark explicit lyrics, if needed?

These might seem like small details, but simple errors can delay your release or, even worse, disqualify your track from editorial consideration altogether.

Metadata is your chance to frame your song for discovery. Take the time to get it right, and be accurate, specific, and consistent. It's your first impression with Spotify's editors, and you want them to take notice.

Write a Pitch That Stands Out

What makes a good Spotify pitch? Being specific and personal, for one. So don't send generic lines like, "This is a vibe!"

Here's what you should include:

Share the Story Behind the Song

Look, editors are people too. They connect with emotion, context, and a great backstory. Give them a reason to care. What inspired the song? Was it personal? Did something surprising happen during the process? These details help your music feel real.

Example: "This track was born out of late-night walks in my new city with just my headphones and an unsettling sense of loneliness. It's a raw, emotional indie track that turns confusion into beauty. Perfect for reflective late-night playlists."

Ask yourself: Why did you write this song? What does it mean to you? Editors (and listeners) want to feel that.

Why is This Song Timely?

Curators are constantly asking: "Why now?" Your submission needs to answer that question. Is it tied to a cultural moment, season, or trend? Maybe it's part of something bigger, like an EP or album drop. Or, maybe it's already gaining momentum on TikTok or through pre-saves. If your song has a buzzworthy angle, make sure they know about it.

Example: "We teased the chorus on TikTok last week, and it took off with over 100K views and counting. Fans are hyped for this release."

Make them feel like they're catching onto something fresh and relevant. If no external momentum exists yet, maybe tie the song to a relatable theme, like the changing seasons or current vibes in pop culture.

Describe Your Sound and Playlist Fit

Saying "this is a vibe" isn't going to cut it. You need to help curators hear your track before they even press play. Be clear, descriptive, and specific. What genres or influences does the song pull from? Where does it fit emotionally? Late-night playlists? Upbeat workout mixes? The more vivid your pitch, the easier it is for curators to visualize your track in their playlists.

Example: "It's a moody blend of lo-fi indie pop with subtle R&B grooves. Think introspective late-night hangs or chill weekend vibes."

Be Short and Straight to the Point

Spotify gives you a character limit for a reason. Keep your pitch sharp and relevant. No fluff, no filler. Avoid vague statements like "this song means so much to me," and focus on why listeners are going to care.

✅ Good: "Built around dreamy synths and raw vocals, this song captures post-breakup insomnia. It's perfect for reminiscing at midnight."

❌ Bad: "I put my heart into this song, and I hope people feel something."

Your pitch should show your heart. Let the track, its story, and its fit speak for themselves.

Proofread like your career depends on it

A sloppy pitch? That's a hard pass. Typos, lack of clarity, or rushed writing scream unprofessional. Treat this pitch like you're meeting the editor for coffee. This is your chance to make an impression, and every word counts.

Before you hit submit, read it back. Better yet, have someone else read it. You've got one shot to stand out. Don't let silly mistakes ruin it.

After You Pitch: Keep the Buzz Going

After you've sent in your pitch, the next step is waiting for your song to drop. If your track gets selected, Spotify will shoot you an email with the great news: you've landed a playlist placement!

But what if your song doesn't make it right away? Don't sweat it. Can you get on editorial playlists after release? Absolutely. But you only get to pitch once, and that's pre-release. That being said, if your track starts gaining traction post-release, you can still catch the attention of Spotify's editors and earn that coveted spot down the line.

Keep the momentum going, because the story's far from over. Submission is only half the equation. The rest comes down to taking control of your release and giving it that extra push, such as:

• Pre-save campaigns: Encourage fans to hit "save" before your song drops to boost early visibility.
• Organic engagement: Ask listeners to share your track or add it to their playlists. Every bit of activity counts toward algorithmic traction.
• Canvas visuals: Spotify's looping video feature enhances engagement and repeat streams. Pair it with social content to amplify impact.
• Ads: You can give your track a boost with highly engaging ads.

What Spotify Playlist Curators Want

You might be wondering if you need a label to get on Spotify playlists, and the answer is simple: you don't. Focus on what curators value, like authenticity, quality, and fan engagement, and you can absolutely land playlist spots as an independent artist. Here are some of the things they're looking for.

A Perfect Match for the Playlist

Every playlist has a flow. Your song needs to fit its mood, purpose, and genre alignment, even if it's amazing on its own.

Authenticity

Stick to your unique sound. If curators sense you're imitating another artist's style to get noticed, you'll likely get skipped.

Proof That Fans Are Paying Attention

Pre-saves, solid press coverage, and organic fan activity show curators you're worth their time.

Consistent Releases

Curators want to see a pattern. Artists who drop music consistently stand a better chance of earning Spotify playlist placement over time.

Expanding Your Strategy Beyond Submissions

Sometimes pitching directly isn't enough. Building relationships with tastemakers and playlist promotion Spotify strategies can help boost your visibility.

1. Work with Press and Blogs

Coverage from niche sites (like Pitchfork or Earmilk) or even regional blogs will draw extra attention to your track. Many curators actively monitor these spaces.

2. Collaborate With Established Artists

A feature with a well-connected artist increases your track's reach and signals to curators that your song has momentum.

3. Tag Editors Publicly (Carefully!)

Some Spotify editors are active on LinkedIn, Twitter, or other platforms. A genuine shout-out or thank-you post featuring your Spotify link makes a stronger impression than spamming promo messages.

4. Leverage Spotify Artist Programs

Programs like RADAR, EQUAL, and Frequency highlight emerging voices from underrepresented genres and communities. Getting involved increases your chances of getting on Spotify playlists and shows editors you're putting in the effort.

One thing to note: While this guide focuses on editorial playlists, don't overlook user-curated playlists. These are independently run and can also drive meaningful traction, especially early in a release cycle.

What Artists Get Wrong About Editorial Playlisting

Let's rip the band-aid off: even the best pitches fail if your track doesn't fit the playlist or align with Spotify's larger narrative.

Here are some things that artists get wrong:

Overlooking Long-Term Growth

Think beyond one song. Editors notice artists who consistently release strong material and evolve their craft.

Thinking Buzz = Placement

TikTok success is great, but if your viral track completely clashes with a playlist's mood, curators won't force it in.

Using Fake Streams

Spotify uses advanced detection systems that quickly flag bot-driven streams, sometimes removing songs or freezing accounts altogether. Organic buzz always wins out.

Thinking You Need A Label To Land On An Editorial Playlist

Nope, though it helps. Plenty of unsigned artists get featured every single week, though labels and distributors do have connections. The key if you're unsigned is a smart strategy, good timing, and making sure your music is ready to resonate.

Assuming Editors Only Pick Tracks From Popular Artists

Editors love spotlighting lesser-known talent with fresh sounds and compelling stories. Your narrative and authenticity can be just as powerful as your streams when grabbing their attention.

Hoping One Editorial Playlist Placement Will Make You Famous Overnight

Playlists aren't a magic wand. Think of them as a piece of the bigger puzzle, a tool that can amplify your reach, but not a guaranteed ticket to instant stardom. Growth takes time and consistent effort, and playlists are just one part of the journey.

Play the Long Game

Here's the truth no one likes to admit about how to get on Spotify playlists: it's not always immediate.

But if you're showing up consistently and growing your audience authentically, you'll build a reputation that earns the attention of curators over time.

Do the work, stay the course, and every release brings you closer to that big moment. Real growth beats shortcuts every time.

Your Next Steps

Playlists should amplify your strategy, not replace it. Instead of hoping one placement changes everything, focus on building a repeatable release system that builds trust with Spotify's editors and its algorithm and also sets you up for long-term wins instead of short-term spikes. In other words, make editorial placements one of many pillars in the foundation of your music promotion.

Here's a sample timeline to get you started (8 weeks out):

• Week 8–6: Finish master, artwork, and visuals
• Week 5: Submit to the distributor
• Week 4: Upload to Spotify for Artists & submit pitch
• Week 3: Begin teaser & pre-save campaign
• Week 0: Release day! Promote heavily, monitor engagement
• Week 1+: Share playlist adds, pitch to press/blogs

If you want to focus on your music instead of pitching to editors, or if you want help deciding which is the best organic playlist promotion for you, let's talk. Whether you're looking to get more organic streams or need guidance on listener growth, remember: persistence and authenticity win.