Joining an official playlist may seem like the "holy grail" of digital growth. And yes, it can help you get plays up fast. But there are also a lot of myths surrounding it. Not everything that glitters on a Spotify cover is gold.
Here we tell you what's not usually said about editorial playlists, how they really work and what to expect if you get in... or if you don't.
1. There is no magic formula
There is no guaranteed way to enter. Even if you pitch from Spotify for Artists, access depends on:
- Algorithms (reactions, saves, skips, topic completeness)
- Editorial criteria (taste, narrative, editors' curation)
- External activity (noise on networks, media, videos, TikTok)
It's not enough to have a good song. You need context.
2. Not all playlists are the same
Being on an editorial playlist does not guarantee real visibility. Some have eye-catching covers but little retention. Others, such as the algorithmic ones (Radar, Daily Mix, Weekly Discovery), often generate more sustained streams than the official ones.
Council: also values organic traffic. Playlists can drive, but not sustain.
3. Peak streams don't always translate into fans
A lot of artists enter big playlists and see huge numbers for weeks... and then drop off the list. If you don't have a parallel strategy (networks, visuals, engagement), that growth is superficial.
In a nutshell: the playlist can open the door, but you have to build the house.
4. There are ways to increase your chances (without paying)
- Pitch 3-4 weeks in advance
- Including context: back story, emotional connection, collaborations
- Take care of cover, metadata, visuals and timing.
- Activate your community: the more the topic is saved and shared in the first few days, the more it attracts attention.
5. Don't obsess over them
There are artists who have never been on editorial playlists and have loyal audiences. And there are others who have been on huge playlists but haven't turned that into a career. Playlists help, but they are not the plan.
The community, the narrative, the content, the directness... it does build for the long term.
Conclusion
Editorial playlists are not the goal: they are a resource within a complete strategy. Entering doesn't guarantee anything. Not entering doesn't stop you either if you know how to work. Build from music, not from dependence. And if the playlist comes to you, be prepared.
