What should I include in a Spotify song pitch to increase my chances of being featured?

When pitching your song to Spotify editors, remember they're looking for genuine connection and a clear understanding of your music. First, get laser-focused on your genre. Don't just say "pop," tell them if it's "indie pop," "dream pop," or something else specific. This helps them place your track accurately. Then, weave a compelling story. What inspired the song? Did it come from a personal experience, a social commentary, or a unique artistic vision? Editors respond to narratives, so make it relatable and engaging. Also, highlight what makes your song stand out—the unique instrumentation, powerful vocals, or catchy hooks.

Next, show them you've done your homework. Research specific Spotify editorial playlists that align with your sound and mention them by name. "I think this song would fit perfectly on 'Fresh Finds Pop' or 'Indie Pop Chillout' because..." This demonstrates you understand their curation and respect their work. If you have any past successes, even small ones like local radio play or blog reviews, include them. Keep your pitch concise and professional, and submit it well in advance of your release. Most importantly, let your authentic voice shine through. Editors can tell when you're being genuine, and that connection is key. Make sure all your Spotify for Artists information is up to date, and you have high-quality audio and cover art.

Having written hundreds of Spotify pitches for musicians and bands, the idea is to quickly grab the attention of the curator in a way that's relevant to the style of the intended playlist. So, each playlist pitch should have a slightly different tone.

Keep the musical description accurate, use third person language, reflect on your intentions if relevant, as well as the style and instrumental tone or emotional impact. Sometimes it's good to mention similar artists or influences, and you could also think about getting a third party review or write-up for some relevant feedback and quotes to use as you write each pitch.

The character limit is 500, so you want to utilise that space as effectively as possible - imagine how someone might get you to press play on a new track, what would they have to say?

Good luck with it, and reach out if you need any assistance - I'll be happy to help. 

I have been assisting artists with PR content and pitches since before Spotify emerged, and one common pitfall for many artists is the struggle to keep their messages brief. While the saying "less is more" often holds true, some artists provide too much information. It's crucial to focus on what truly matters and to present content in the most concise manner possible. This is especially true when pitching for Spotify