6 Truths About Editorial Playlists That Other Distros May Not Tell You

Editorial playlists on platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and Audiomack have become the holy grail for many artists

Securing a spot on these playlists can significantly boost an artist’s visibility, leading to thousands or even millions of streams and new fans. However, there’s a lot more to the story than what most distribution companies will tell you.

Here are some hard truths about editorial playlists that you need to know:

1. IT'S FREE

While some distributors may charge an additional fee for it, submitting your music for consideration to editorial playlists is free. Unlike some promotional strategies that require significant investment, pitching to editorial playlists does not cost money. This means that every artist has the opportunity to get their music heard by curators without worrying about further expenses.

2. LIMITED CONTROL & INFLUENCE

Many distribution companies boast about their ability to get your music placed on top editorial playlists. The reality is that no distributor can guarantee placement. Playlist curators, mostly employed by the streaming platforms themselves, have the final say.

While a good distributor like Unsong Music can increase your chances by pitching your music effectively and leveraging its relationship with the DSPs, the ultimate decision is out of the distributor's hands.

3. ALGORITHMIC BIAS

Editorial playlists are not just curated by humans; algorithms play a significant role. These algorithms consider a variety of factors such as listener engagement, skip rates, and overall song popularity. It's not just about having a good pitch or great music; your track's performance metrics also matter significantly.

4. IMPORTANCE OF PRE-SAVE & ENGAGEMENT

Pre-save campaigns and early engagement metrics are vital.

Curators look at how much buzz your song is generating before and immediately after its release. High pre-save numbers, shares, and early streams can significantly influence your chances of being playlisted. Building hype before your release is critical.

5. INDEPENDENT CURATORS

While editorial playlists get a lot of attention, independent curator playlists can also drive significant streams and exposure. These playlists, managed by influencers, bloggers, and music enthusiasts, are often more accessible and can be a stepping stone to bigger opportunities. Many distribution companies fail to highlight the importance of these independent playlists in your overall strategy.

6. LONGEVITY OF PLAYLIST PLACEMENT & REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS

Being placed on an editorial playlist is fantastic, but it's not a long-term strategy. Songs often stay on these playlists for a limited time—sometimes just a few weeks. After that, your streams may drop off steeply.

It's important to understand the dynamics involved and manage your expectations accordingly. Getting placed on an editorial playlist is a significant achievement, but it's not the end-all-be-all of a successful music career.