How to submit music to Spotify playlists without paying?
Q&A
Jan 13, 2026
You can submit your music to Spotify playlists for free through several methods. First, use Spotify for Artists to pitch unreleased tracks directly to Spotify's editorial team at least 7 days before your release date. Second, reach out to independent playlist curators through free submission platforms like SubmitHub's free tier, Playlist Partner, Soundplate, and Daily Playlists, which connect you with thousands of curators who accept submissions at no cost. Focus on building genuine relationships with curators by engaging with their playlists before pitching, and make sure your track genuinely fits their playlist's vibe and genre. Remember that legitimate playlist placement takes time and persistence, so avoid any service that guarantees placements or requires payment upfront, as these often violate Spotify's terms of service.
Getting playlist placements is just one piece of building a sustainable music career, and at Futureproof Music School, we teach you the complete picture through our music marketing courses and guidance from Futureproof Mentors who've successfully grown their own artist projects. Kadence (Futureproof's AI music coach) can also help you develop a strategic release plan that maximizes your chances of playlist consideration by ensuring your production quality, metadata, and promotional timeline are all optimized before you hit submit.
How long should I wait before following up with a playlist curator after submitting?
Wait at least 2-3 weeks before sending a polite follow-up message, as curators often receive hundreds of submissions daily. If you don't hear back after one follow-up, move on to other playlists rather than sending multiple messages to the same curator.
Should I submit my track to Spotify editorial playlists before or after my release date?
Submit to Spotify's editorial team through Spotify for Artists at least 7 days before your release date, as they cannot consider tracks that are already live. User-generated playlists can be pitched anytime, but curators prefer fresh releases within the first 4-6 weeks.
What metadata increases my chances of getting playlisted without promotion services?
Focus on accurate genre tags, relevant mood descriptors, and a complete artist profile with bio, social links, and high-quality images. Spotify's algorithm and curators use this metadata to match your music with appropriate playlists, so be specific rather than listing every possible genre.
Founder of Futureproof Music School with 20+ years in music technology and education. John combines technical expertise with a passion for empowering the next generation of producers.