As an artist on the rise, landing your music on a major Spotify playlist can feel like hitting the jackpot. Thousands, even millions, of potential fans – it's the dream, right? But hold on a minute. While that dream placement is something to strive for, there's a strategic advantage to be found in the world of smaller, niche playlists.
Here's why targeting these playlists might be your secret weapon for building a loyal fanbase:
Higher Chance of Placement
Competition for slots on major playlists is fierce. Getting noticed by a curator with hundreds, even thousands, of submissions can feel like throwing a pebble into an ocean. Smaller playlists, on the other hand, often have more manageable inboxes. This means your music has a significantly higher chance of landing a spot, getting heard by a targeted audience, and generating early traction.
Exposure Across Multiple Playlists
Think quality over quantity. While a single major playlist offers a massive audience, it doesn't guarantee they'll connect with your music. By strategically targeting smaller, genre-specific playlists, you increase your chances of reaching listeners who are actively seeking music like yours. This builds a more engaged fanbase, as they're already interested in the sound you're offering. It also greatly helps with Spotify's algorithm as it will see you as an overall engaging artist compared to being heard briefly on a larger playlist.
Building Relationships with Curators
Curators of smaller playlists are often more approachable and open to communication. This allows you to build relationships with them, understand their curatorial vision, and tailor your pitches accordingly. You might even find they become champions of your music, promoting you beyond their playlists and fostering a sense of community.
Valuable Data and Fan Insights
Smaller playlists provide valuable data on how your music is resonating with listeners. You can see which songs are being skipped or replayed, allowing you to refine your sound and target future promotions more effectively. This data is often less clear-cut with major playlists, where your music might get lost in the shuffle.
Don't underestimate the power of the long game. By strategically targeting smaller playlists, you can build a strong foundation of engaged fans, gain valuable insights, and increase your chances of catching the attention of bigger curators down the line. So, the next time you're crafting your Spotify pitching strategy, remember – think small to win big.
Try out delaynote which is a free tool to browse from thousands of Spotify playlist curators who are looking for submissions. Delaynote has over 7,000 playlists and growing daily.
