In partnership with
Hey Artist,
Submitting your track to Spotify’s editorial playlists can feel like a shot in the dark.
But what if the problem isn’t your music - it’s how you're submitting it?
Today, we’ll uncover the most common mistakes artists make when pitching their songs to Spotify’s editorial team… and how you can avoid them to increase your chances of landing on those coveted playlists.
Let’s dive in 👇
🧠 Reminder: Why Editorial Playlists Matter
Spotify’s editorial playlists are curated by real people, not just algorithms. These playlists (like Fresh Finds, New Music Friday, mint, etc.) can:
Explode your stream count
Build real, lasting fans
Trigger algorithmic placement like Discover Weekly and Release Radar
Lead to new opportunities (collabs, label attention, sync licensing)
But here’s the catch: Spotify gets thousands of submissions every day. So your pitch needs to stand out - and be done right.
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❌ The 7 Most Common Mistakes Artists Make
1. Submitting Too Late
If you submit less than 7 days before release, you're too late for editorial review.
Fix:
Always upload your track at least 3–4 weeks early, and submit it ASAP after it's live in your Spotify for Artists dashboard.
2. Not Filling Out Metadata Properly
Many artists skip fields or guess genres/moods. This confuses both the editorial team and the algorithm.
Fix:
Be accurate with your genre, mood, instrumentation, and language. If your song is chill R&B with synths, don’t mark it as dance/electronic with guitars.
3. Weak or Vague Pitch Descriptions
“This is my new track, I hope you like it” won’t get you featured.
Fix:
Tell a story. Mention:
The inspiration behind the song
What it sounds like (artists/styles)
The vibe and context for the listener
Why it's unique
Great pitch = great first impression.
4. Choosing a Trendy Genre That Doesn’t Fit
Some artists try to squeeze into popular genres hoping it’ll boost visibility - but editors can tell instantly.
Fix:
Stay true to your actual sound. Editors want songs that fit their playlists, not ones that are just pretending to.
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5. Rushing the Upload Process
Uploading at the last minute can lead to typos, incorrect release dates, or missing metadata.
Fix:
Treat every upload like a launch. Double-check:
Track title
Featured artists
Genre & mood
Release date
Distributor confirmation
6. Not Submitting Through Spotify for Artists
If you’re hoping your distributor will do it for you - you might be missing out.
Fix:
YOU must submit the song through your own Spotify for Artists account. This gives you full control over how your song is presented.
7. Neglecting the Promo Plan Around Submission
Spotify doesn’t just look at what’s in the form. They also pay attention to engagement metrics.
Fix:
Build hype before release with:
Pre-save campaigns
Social media teasers
Email list alerts
Encouraging saves and shares
A well-pitched song with pre-release buzz always performs better.
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✅ Final Editorial Submission Checklist
Upload song 3–4 weeks before release
Submit via Spotify for Artists at least 7 days in advance
Carefully select genre, mood, instruments
Write a compelling pitch
Avoid typos and mismatched metadata
Promote the release early (pre-saves, DMs, social content)
Stay authentic in your presentation
💬 Closing Thoughts
Landing a Spotify editorial playlist is never guaranteed - but when you avoid these mistakes, you give yourself a real shot.
Your music deserves to be heard.
Make sure your submission process matches your talent.
Keep growing,
Rakib
MovGrowth