What is Playlist Pitching? Music Industry Glossary
When it comes to getting your music heard by a wider audience, understanding the industry jargon is crucial. Playlist pitching is a term you'll likely come across as an independent musician. In this article, we'll break down what it means, why it matters, and how you can use it to your advantage.
Playlist pitching refers to the process of submitting your music to playlist curators, influencers, or tastemakers for potential inclusion in their playlists. These playlists can be found on popular music streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, or Tidal, and they can be a game-changer for your music's visibility and streaming numbers.
Think of playlist pitching as a way to get your music in front of people who have a proven track record of promoting new and emerging artists. When you pitch your music to a playlist curator, you're essentially asking them to give your song a chance to be heard by their followers, who are often fans of similar genres or styles.
Why does playlist pitching matter? In today's music industry, having your music on popular playlists can lead to a significant boost in streaming numbers, sales, and even touring opportunities. It's a key strategy for artists to increase their online presence and reach a wider audience. As we mentioned in our guide to music branding and SEO, having a strong online presence is crucial for success in the music industry.
So, how do you encounter playlist pitching? As an independent artist, you can start by researching playlist curators and influencers in your genre. Look for their contact information, either on their website or on social media platforms like Instagram or Twitter. Once you've found a potential playlist curator, you'll typically need to submit a press kit or a brief introduction to your music, along with a link to your song or EP.
Here's a real-world example: let's say you're a singer-songwriter who's been gaining momentum on social media. You've been noticed by a popular indie-folk playlist curator on Spotify, who has a following of over 100,000 fans. You submit your latest single to them, along with a brief bio and a link to your music. If they like your song, they might add it to their playlist, which could lead to a significant increase in streaming numbers and even touring opportunities.
Getting your music on popular playlists can be a game-changer for your career, but it requires a strategic approach.
For more information on how to pitch your music to playlists and build your online presence, check out our guides to the complete playlist strategy guide and the independent artist's guide to music distribution.