How to Get Your Music on Playlists (Without Getting Scammed)

In the modern music industry, getting your songs on the right playlists can be the difference between obscurity and building a loyal fanbase. But with so many playlist promotion services out there, how do you know which ones are worth it - and which ones are scams?

Let’s dive into how you can land playlist placements the right way, avoid common pitfalls, and grow your music authentically.

Why Playlists Matter for Artists

Playlists, especially on Spotify, have become one of the most powerful ways for artists to gain exposure. They serve as modern-day radio, giving listeners an easy way to discover new music. A good playlist placement can:

• Boost your streams and followers
• Introduce your music to new audiences
• Attract the attention of labels and industry professionals
• Build credibility as an artist

However, not all playlist placements are created equal.

The Dark Side of Playlist Promotions

Unfortunately, the rise of playlisting has brought a wave of shady promotion services promising instant success. Many of these agencies rely on bots, fake streams, or pay-to-play scams that can actually hurt your music career.

Signs of a bad promo service:

• Guaranteed results (legitimate curators can’t guarantee streams)
• No transparency on where your song will be placed
• Sudden spikes in streams with no engagement (saves, followers, etc.)
• Unresponsive support or vague communication

Spotify has strict guidelines against artificial streams - if they detect fake plays, they can remove your song, withhold royalties, or even ban your account.

How to Find Legitimate Playlist Placements

Here’s how to ensure your playlist promotion efforts are safe and effective:

Research the Service 

Look for companies with real testimonials and case studies. If you can’t find examples of their past success, that’s a red flag.

Understand Where Your Song Will Go

Reputable services will tell you what types of playlists they pitch to. For example, indie-focused playlists won’t work for a hip-hop track - good agencies match your music to relevant playlists.

Look for Organic Growth

Real playlist placements result in more than just streams - you should see saves, followers, and engagement.

Prioritize Curator Connections

Services like Playlistopia focus on building relationships with playlist curators who genuinely enjoy promoting new music, which leads to better results.

Test the Waters First

Be cautious with upfront payments. Look for free trials or low-cost initial campaigns to gauge how the service performs before committing.

Promoting Yourself Beyond Playlists

While playlists are powerful, they shouldn’t be your only strategy. Build a complete promotion plan that includes:

• Social media marketing
• Collaborations with other artists
• Press coverage and blog features
• Engaging content like behind-the-scenes videos or lyric breakdowns

Final Thoughts

The playlisting world can feel overwhelming, but the right strategy can help your music reach the listeners who’ll love it most. Focus on authenticity, transparency, and building connections - and avoid anyone promising quick fixes.

Need help getting started? Playlistopia connects indie artists with real playlist curators who care about promoting great music. Let us help you get your songs heard - the right way.