What is playlisting?
Playlisting is when a store, streaming platform or independent curator creates their own list of songs specified to a certain genre or mood.
Why is it important?
In the 21st Century, our lives are very technology orientated. Streaming and downloading has stolen the musical limelight as the main way in which we consume music. Having your track featured on a popular playlists exposes your music to a new batch of fans. Consequently, boosting your streams, downloads and purchases. As many people turn to popular playlists as a place to discover new music.
Why is it important?
Pitching your music to the right playlists takes a lot of time and research. Research can be done online. To start, listen to the music that has previously featured on the playlist. If it is similar to yours, then make reference to this artist in your email, saying that you have a similar sound to them. To get started, search for artists similar to yourself and find out what playlists they are featured on. Then, find a way to contact the curator of these playlists. Whether it is via social media, or if you manage to get an email address.
There are many companies out there that provide a playlisting service. They are dedicated to gaining playlist curators and editors contact details and pitching your music to them for a fee. Our sister company, Horus Music, is one such company. Take a look at their playlisting service for more details.
How can you benefit?
As previously mentioned, playlisting is a great way to exposure your music to an audience that may not have come across your music. You could also benefit financially from the boost in streams and downloads. Plus, if your profile is fully utilized, merchandise and album sales could increase due to the rise in traffic directed to your website. However, it is important to remember that playlisting should only be a short term focus. You’re not guaranteed to have second and third tracks featured. Put your time and effort into retaining the new fans attention and direct them towards your social media and website.
Keep an eye out for part two of our playlisting blog to get advice on how to get your music featured in popular playlists.