A custom compilation of songs or videos that are curated by individuals or music streaming platforms. are created by people and Digital Service Provider: an online platform that provides streaming or download services to consumers. using advanced algorithms that personalize playlists for users based on their listening or download history.
In today’s music industry, landing a placement on a DSP’s playlist with a big following can be hugely beneficial to any Anyone who contributes to creating or performing a musical work, a live performance, or a sound recording., particularly In the context of music, a solo performer or group of performers who perform a musical work live or recorded., earning them more fans, streams, and therefore Money paid for the right to use a musical work, performance or sound recording, typically but not always in the form of recurring payments.
Radio stations also have playlists, somewhat similar to those of DSPs, which can help promote artists and their sound recordings.
As part of a playlist marketing strategy, creators can get their music on different types of playlists.
Editorial Playlists
Almost all DSPs curate their own playlists using their in-house editorial teams. They usually feature a mix of globally known and emerging artists, tend to have the largest number of followers, and can help boost a creator’s fan base.
Third-Party Playlists
Created by Not affiliated with any other entity or company. curators, sometimes called tastemakers, such as An individual who writes online content, such as a journal (blog), dedicated to music., influencers, and A publication or broadcast channel that provides news and feature stories to the public., these playlists may not have the same number of followers as editorial playlists but are an important source of music discovery.
Personal Playlists
Created by individuals for personal enjoyment, these may have fewer The term "song" does not have a legal definition. It is frequently used to mean "musical work” – the composition and lyrics (if any) created by songwriters and composers. However, it could also refer to a “sound recording” (a specific recording of a musical work), or a “performance” (a live performance of a musical work). or fewer followers, but having fans add music to their own playlists is a good indicator to DSPs that creators have an active fanbase and hence can help their music get added to bigger or more popular playlists.
Genre-Specific Playlists
With a focus on a particular music genre, such as pop, rock, hip-hop, country, electronic, jazz, or classical, these playlists often have a more engaged audience who are already fans of that genre and likely to connect with new music of the same style.
Mood-Based Playlists
Examples include playlists for relaxation, motivation, and workout sessions. These playlists can be created by DSPs or third parties and are often refreshed regularly.
Creator Playlists
These are creators’ own playlists that can be pinned to their DSP artist page, showcasing their musical influences and favorite songs that may have inspired their work.
How to get your music on a playlist
A company that invests in, manufactures, distributes, promotes, and monetizes sound recordings on behalf of the artist., A type of distributor that only distributes sound recordings to online stores and streaming platforms. and A company or service that delivers music to digital streaming platforms and physical retail stores. all provide Typically, the recorded performance of a musical work protected as a phonogram under copyright law. to DSPs, which have the potential to be When a song or video is added to a custom compilation curated by individuals or music streaming platforms.. However, for your songs to be added to a DSP’s editorial playlist, there is usually a To submit a song to be considered for use or inclusion, for example, in a curated playlist, for a licensing opportunity, or for a sound recording. process.
Some DSPs, such as Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon, and Deezer, all have a similar structure where they provide access to a platform that allows you or your representatives, such as record labels, distributors, etc to manage your profile, access analytics, and pitch songs for playlist consideration.
DSPs receive a high volume of playlist submissions, with limited space on their editorial playlists, so placement on a playlist is not guaranteed. Nevertheless, having a strong profile and engaged fans by building streaming activity and being consistent with new music releases can increase the chances of getting noticed by playlist curators and algorithmic recommendations.
Radio playlist
Almost all radio stations, both public and Intended to make money., curate their own playlists. Record labels have in-house A person who specializes in getting their clients music on radio playlists. who pitch new songs for consideration at specific playlist meetings with the radio stations. Independent creators can employ third-party radio pluggers for a pre-determined fee to pitch radio stations on their behalf.
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Image credit: Jakob Vidkjær, Playminds