How to balance momentum and sustainability in your submission strategy
Playlisting can drive real results, but not all strategies are equal. This guide outlines how to approach playlists with both short-term impact and long-term growth in mind — and how to avoid wasting time on the wrong targets.
Short-Term Wins
Quick boosts in streams, but often temporary unless used strategically.
Use this approach when:
- You have a new release and need fast momentum
- You’re testing how your track performs in different moods or genres
- You’re promoting an active pre-save or campaign window
What this looks like:
- Submitting to smaller, active curators with fast response times
- Prioritizing playlists with high follower counts or frequent updates
- Targeting trend-based moods (e.g. “summer vibes,” “viral pop”)
Risks:
- Streams may drop sharply once removed
- Unmatched genres can hurt algorithmic recommendations
- No lasting audience connection if the curation is too broad
Long-Term Growth
More consistent results over time and better audience retention.
Use this approach when:
- You want to build real fans and Spotify algorithm momentum
- You care about being part of niche, genre-specific ecosystems
- You’re building relationships with trusted curators
What this looks like:
- Submitting to well-defined playlists with consistent themes
- Targeting curators you can submit to again with future releases
- Prioritizing playlists that have your ideal listener
Benefits:
- Steady stream performance
- Higher save rates and discovery algorithm triggers
- Curator trust and repeat placements
Balancing Both Approaches
For most artists, combining the two is ideal.
Recommended strategy:
- Start with a few fast-turnaround playlists for early traction
- Follow up by submitting to more curated, genre-specific lists
- Use your insights (save rate, skip rate, follower growth) to refine future submissions
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