In today’s day and age of the internet and smart-technology, it’s become much easier for anyone and everyone to be a self-starter. This is the case across all industries, but is especially true for artists. Independent artists of all types and categories have more avenues than ever before to help them release their work and promote themselves through a wide variety of channels. Musicians have often found it difficult to get their work distributed to the masses. Yet, in today’s era, there are plenty of ways for musicians to be proactive about their music distribution in order to gain followers, traction, and eventually a large base of dedicated listeners.

Social media channels like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok have all given creators direct avenues through which they can reach their audience. For musicians specifically, though, there are other streaming services like Spotify and SoundCloud that allow you to release your music to be enjoyed by the masses.

The following is a list of ways for you to get your new music on the playlists of popular music streaming services.

1. Creating an Artist Profile

There are a few different streaming services that are specifically geared toward independent and up and coming artists. A lot of these platforms have artists begin their journey in the same way; with an artist profile. An artist profile is important to have because it effectively differentiates music listeners and regular users from artists who want their music heard and will be uploading tracks regularly.

Artist profiles come with a variety of functions and features that regular user-listener profiles don’t come with. This includes certain promotional technology, as well as different advertising options, and even merchandising avenues in some instances. While creating your artist profile, you’ll want to be as specific and thorough as possible. This will help Spotify, or any other music streaming service properly sort your music and will help users find it as well.

2. Submitting Original Music

After creating your artist profile you’re going to want to figure out how to upload music to Spotify or whatever music streaming platform you’re using. This is relatively easy, and only varies slightly from streaming service to streaming service.

However, it’s important to note that if you’d like to be paid or actually sell your music on any of the popular streaming services, like Spotify, you’re going to have to submit your music for review. Once it’s been reviewed by the people at Spotify, it’ll be available for public listening and you can collect actual cash based on listens and sales. If your music is approved and made available on Spotify, you’ll also be granted more promotional and advertising opportunities. You may even have the chance to be featured in a playlist or on the discover page.

3. Using a Music Distribution Service

One of the most hassle-free ways to get your music on popular playlists is through a music distribution service. Music distribution services are great because they take the headache out of actually making your music publicly available.

The pricing on music distribution services varies, but even the more affordable options allow musicians to hold onto their rights and royalties while being paid appropriately for listens, streams, and other metrics. Some even come with additional features like the ability to build a website and an ecommerce store.

4. Managerial Submissions

While it isn’t always possible, another way for you to get your music on playlists is to actually sign with a record label, manager, or agent. This is somewhat-similar to working with a music distribution service in that it takes a lot of the actual work out of your hands.

The main difference is that it’s a lot easier to get started with solo-music-distribution than it is to find an agent or label willing to sign you off the bat.

5. Targeting Relevant Playlists

When it comes down to it, the best way to get your music on popular playlists is to start by targeting the most relevant playlists in which your music will fit in. You can contact the curator or playlist owner of specific playlists and pitch them your music directly.

If you work to select playlists that your music fits into seamlessly, you’ll have a better chance of vibing with the playlist curator and getting approval to add your music. This can boost streams, listens, and popularity, which can eventually snowball into bigger and bigger opportunities for you as a musician.

Wrapping Up

The music industry is historically difficult to break into effectively as a musician or artist. That being said, it isn’t impossible, and modern technology has only made it easier for startup musicians to break onto the scene, gain a fanbase, and turn their dream career into a reality. With the right technology and services, you can not only reach your audience, but you can effectively grow it.