Short answer: A good playlist pitch is five lines: who you are, the song, genre and mood, why it fits their playlist, and one Spotify link. Write each one for that playlist and keep it under 100 words. Don't mass-send the same text.
Template 1: Cold email to an independent curator
Subject: [Song title] by [Artist] for [Playlist name]
Hi [Name],
I'm [Artist], an [genre] artist from [city]. My new song "[Title]" is [out now / out on date].
It's [mood], [tempo], and I think it fits [Playlist name], especially next to "[track from playlist]."
Listen: [Spotify link]
Thanks for listening either way.
[Name]
Template 2: Instagram or TikTok DM
Hey [Name], big fan of [Playlist]. I just released "[Title]," a [mood] [genre] track that I think would sit well after "[track]." Link: [Spotify link]. Thanks for listening!
Template 3: Follow-up (send once, 10 to 14 days later)
Subject: Re: [Song title] for [Playlist name]
Hi [Name], following up in case this got buried. Link again: [Spotify link]. No worries if it isn't a fit.
Template 4: Submission platform note
(When the platform has a short message box.)
[Mood] [genre], [tempo]. Fans of [artist A] and [artist B]. Fits playlists like [playlist type]. Thanks for the listen!
Template 5: Spotify editor pitch (in Spotify for Artists)
You don't email editors. You fill in the form under Music, then Upcoming. Use these prompts:
- What's the song about? One honest sentence.
- Genre, mood, instruments. Be specific.
- Marketing plan. Content, ads, press, shows, collabs.
- Momentum. Anything real: a feature, a sync, a milestone.
Pitch at least 7 days before release.
Line-by-line: why each part is there
| Line | Why |
|---|---|
| Subject with song and playlist | Shows you wrote it for them |
| Who you are (one line) | Context, not a bio |
| Mood and tempo | Lets them judge fit in 5 seconds |
| A track from their playlist | Proof you listened |
| Spotify link only | Zero friction |
| Thanks either way | Low pressure |
Subject line patterns that don't look spammy
[Song] for [Playlist]: [genre/mood]New [genre] single for [Playlist][Artist] / [Song]: fits next to [playlist track]
Avoid ALL CAPS, "URGENT," "HOT TRACK," or generic "Submission."
What to leave out
- Your life story.
- Attachments and downloads.
- Small stream counts. Lead with the song.
- Begging.
- The word "exposure."
- Any mention of paying for adds.
Customize in 60 seconds
Listen to three songs in the playlist. Name one in your pitch. That one line separates you from the spam pile.
Workflow for 40 pitches
- Build the list and vet it (see our guides).
- Draft Template 1 once, then personalize the playlist name and one track.
- Send in batches of 10 per day.
- Log each one in a spreadsheet.
- Follow up once at day 10 to 14.
- Track replies and adds. Reuse what works.
What we'd do
Send fewer pitches, better matched. Thirty good ones beat three hundred random ones.
FAQ
How long should a pitch be?
Under 100 words.
Should I mention paying for placement?
No. Never offer money for adds.
When should I send it?
The week of release, or earlier if the curator accepts pre-release links.
What if they don't reply?
Follow up once. Then move on.
Should I attach the song?
No. Send a Spotify link.
Can I use the same pitch for every curator?
Use the same structure but change the playlist name and the reference track every time.
Vet the playlist before you pitch it.
Paste a Spotify playlist link and get the evidence in about 30 seconds. Free account, 5 free pitches, no card.
Scan a playlist →