Writing a playlist pitch can feel like the make or break part of your release.
And most artists were never taught how to write a pitch that truly helps an editor understand the heart of their music.
And streaming services’ playlist editors aren’t judging you. They’re not questioning your talent. They’re simply moving fast, scanning for clarity, emotion, and a sense of where your song fits.
The good news is: with just a bit of guidance, you can write a pitch that stands out beautifully.
Let’s walk through this gently and clearly.
Why Most Spotify Pitches Don’t Get Chosen
They don’t feel emotionally distinct
Not because the music lacks emotion - but because the pitch didn’t show the editor the world the song lives in.
Spotify only playlists around 20% of pitched tracks.
That means the majority of artists are navigating the same challenge as you.
Many submissions try to sound “professional,” but end up sounding a bit too safe or vague.
Editors aren’t looking for fancy writing.
They’re looking for connection, clarity, and a reason to care - quickly.
They explain the song, but don’t express the feeling
A lot of artists describe:
- tempo
- genre
- production choices
But overlook:
- mood
- intention
- story
- emotional purpose
Editors programme playlists around moments, not technical details.
If your pitch can help them imagine how a listener might feel during your song, you’re already ahead.
They leave out context
Editors need a bit of guidance to understand:
- what the song is about
- what it feels like
- where it might belong
- who it’s resonating with already
Spotify’s own guidelines say great pitches are:
specific, emotional, and visual. That’s it - you don’t need long paragraphs or life stories.
Just grounded, clear context.
What Great Pitches Usually Do Well
Here are the patterns shared by thousands of pitches that resonated with editors:
Start with a feeling
Give playlist editors an insight into what emotions drive the music.
Describe the moment, not just the song
What experience does it soundtrack?
Use specificity
Small details allow an editor to find a home for you music.
Mention real listener reactions
Shows the song already resonates, even on a small scale. These could be a local DJ you played it to or a promoter you might now but also could just be your fans online when you teased the music.
Use credits sparingly, only if helpful
Not every detail adds value, talk about who producer, music video director and so forth it if it adds to the story and would genuinely intrigue a playlist editor.
Suggest a playlist fit
This isn’t pushy - it’s helpful.
Mention your promo plans
Shows that you are investing in your music.
Submit early
Aim for at least 4 weeks before release.
Write like you care
Not like you’re trying to impress.
An Example Pitch
Here’s a sample you can model, edit, or use for inspiration:
“I wrote this during a heavy creative block, and the idea arrived on a quiet late night drive when everything finally felt like it could breathe again. Playing it at a Sofar Sounds show and small London gigs, people connected with its softness. It’s a stripped-back alt-R&B track with airy vocals and intimate production, made for chill R&B playlists. I’ll support the release with moody live visuals, TikTok clips, and reels.”
This pitch works because:
- it’s emotional
- it’s visual
- it’s specific
- it’s short
- it offers playlist context
- it communicates momentum
You can tailor it for any genre or mood.
Where Do I Pitch?
The following services have dedicated pitching tools for artists to submit their own pitches:
Be sure to get your pitch in weeks ahead of release so that editors have a chance to hear your song.
If You Still Don’t Land Editorial Playlists - You Haven’t Failed
Truly, you haven’t.
Editorial playlists are amazing, but they’re just one pathway.
When artists feel stuck, platforms like un:hurd music exist specifically to help.
Through our playlisting tools, easy to use paid ads and partner perks we can support drive your music outside of the editorial playlist ecosystem.
Your music can grow through consistency, community, smart targeting, and artist-friendly tools.
If you’ve read this far, it says a lot about your dedication.
And that dedication is what ultimately moves careers.
Ready to pitch your music to Spotify and Apple Music editors?
Head back to the un:hurd app to explore more tools and resources for playlist promotion.
Not an un:hurd user yet?
Join thousands of independent artists who are using un:hurd to streamline their music marketing and maximise their impact. Sign up today!
