Building a Niche Network That Grows Itself

How to attract the right artists and create sustainable curator momentum


1. Focus on One Genre or Scene

Broad playlists attract random submissions. Niche playlists attract artists who genuinely fit.

Tips:

  • Choose a specific genre or subgenre (e.g. melodic house, Midwest emo, chill trap)
  • Avoid mixing unrelated sounds in the same playlist
  • Use consistent tags, descriptions, and branding to reinforce the niche

2. Accept Requests Strategically

The quality of your network is determined by who you let in.

Best practices:

  • Only accept artists who clearly match your playlist’s sound
  • Review their profile before accepting
  • Say no to generic or low-effort requests — it protects your brand

3. Be Active and Consistent

Artists trust curators who stay active.

Maintain your network by:

  • Keeping your playlist Boosted
  • Updating the playlist regularly
  • Reviewing submissions weekly

Active curators appear more in Feed and Explore, bringing in more request traffic.


4. Offer a Great Experience

When artists feel respected and heard, they refer others.

Simple ways to build trust:

  • Respond to submissions (even when skipping)
  • Keep your playlist fresh and consistent
  • Use your profile to clearly explain what you’re curating

5. Let Word-of-Mouth Work for You

Once you build a reputation for quality curation and fair submission handling, your network will start growing on its own.