Playlists and Music Discovery | Spotify for Artists Masterclass

[@chapterme]

Chapters (Powered by ChapterMe) - 00:00 - Masterclass 02:23 - Editorial Playlists 03:51 - Personalized Streams 05:45 - Global Editorial Team 09:10 - Audience Representation 11:36 - Music Submission 14:29 - Artist Context 17:53 - Fan Base Building 19:16 - Playlist Curation 21:42 - Artist-Curated Playlists 22:39 - Playlist Pyramid 23:07 - Rover" by S1mba 24:31 - Fan Base Growth 26:26 - Music Discovery 29:17 - Emotional Context 30:45 - Editorial Milestones 32:12 - Fan Engagement 33:41 - Artist Insights 34:20 - Wrap Up: Avoid Third-Party Services 35:24 - Outro

[@evandupell]

Just want to say to everyone putting their music out there that you guys are successful even if you don't get placed on any editorial playlists or have a pile of streams, followers or monthly listeners. You guys are putting your music out there for the world to hear and that is not always easy to do. Making a song is difficult in itself. Don't let things like this knock you down. We all know Spotify is just a business and that's it. We all know how Spotify really works. Just keep doing what you do and don't worry about the numbers. Create what you want to hear and don't be afraid to show your art and feelings.

[@bvdzh]

Thank you for the insight. The livestream was pre-recorded and like a mix of info and advertisment for spotify. When you make "Live Classes" I suggest that there is a possibility to interact with you and pose questions. Also I think 200 curators are not enough. Your at the ear of the needle. Your job brings highest responsibility because you can decide who can live from their music. You influence human fates! As an unknown Artist, I hope you can develope even better, neutral ways to evaluate good music. Best!

[@johnnieblair2325]

13:12 This is a big reason why their pitching system is so flawed. Placements should be based on the literal songs, not these arbitrary social contexts. These editors are not actual musicians which makes them dependent on abstractions like "artist narratives." Honestly this explains why there is so much bad music being promoted on editorial playlists.

[@bvdzh]

I totally agree. It should be about the music! Not about a marketing story. Imagine beatles or any other big artist back in the days would have been mainly promoted by their instagram stories 🤦‍♂ How much music would have been lost or never came out?

[@tonyrivas3447]

true that

[@Tazmanian_Ninja]

I agree 80% 🤓 Cos to some extenr, humans do respond to stories. We identify with artists, through their stories, etc. And if many follow an artist on Instagram, there IS a somewhat higher chance more people will also listen and like the music: on Spotify. Hence it makes sense for the playlist curators to use as a signal/filter. That said, I do largely (80%) agree! It IS about the music. And when I spend 350+ hours on a track: I find it VERY hard to also be “engaging” on social media. But my measly 185 Instagram following doesn’t mean my music isn’t just as good as that of Eric Prydz! (who has millions)

[@SirJoCocchi]

Wow, I thought music editors would be about music. We already have so many "she was a grocery store employee, now she's a superstar" approaches out there. True, the story counts, but it could come AFTER the music . We ALL have extraordinary stories, but not necessarily great music to offer

[@brandonjamal]

​@@Tazmanian_Ninjathis

[@404yokai]

I’d love to believe Sulinna at 8:42, but considering how irresponsibly some of the playlists are curated, I’m skeptical. My video about Spotify’s “phonk” playlist goes into more detail about the issue. It deeply resonated with the phonk community, now sitting at over 3 million views and 200K likes, and even though the video was sent directly to the playlist editor by a Spotify employee, nothing ever changed. So I’m sure you can understand why I’m skeptical when Spotify’s editorial team claims to care about representing music culture. Please do better.

[@pcrolandhu]

First.

[@someones_here]

this comment is going to blow up now 😂

[@Christianden-67840]

you tell em

[@RAPSTAR7LLC]

I just want to thank the team that put that Spotify Master Class, specially Bryan Johnson for working us through different section of the video, Sulinna , Yasmin that cover important aspect of playlist, and Joel exemple of the artist s1mba show the possible from the impossible realisation of climbing the the top of the pyramid ecosystem.

[@ChillYourMind]

Enjoyed it, quite a good masterclass guys, well done. Showed a lot of useful information, especially for the new and up-comming artists. Big love Spotify x

[@DoffDoffinson]

Missed it but am hyped to go through it now!

[@Arvoid]

Amazing. Who would have thought an established artist since 40 years that get a song on a super popular Netflix series would get more plays?! Complete surprise at the Spotify office, let’s look into this and write a blog post about our unlikely findings.

[@adamtheis6662]

Yeah I thought that was the weakest part for sure

[@Bounceandbass]

Thank you so much for this! Means the world to the artist community 💛💛

[@roonraps]

Very helpful overview - especially of the different breakdowns of streams (programmed vs active audience). Also helpful to get other takes from folks on the editorial side…

[@mythoforigin6735]

Thanks for the great tips! Love, The metal band that will be playing mainstages all over the world in a year after being added to various Spotify playlists 😀

[@coleurs]

As someone who has done research, pretty much all artists on the playlists are represented by label support. Being a small artist with good songs isn’t always enough to get noticed.

[@alicenap.official]

I think it is pretty reasonable to "consider" artistic dimensions of the creator as nominating a song in a curated playlist. But, at the end of the day, people go to Spotify for listening music - not for visual or other types of content. As some of the fellows mentioned here, I also think that 95% of the reason being playlisted must be solely about the music itself.

[@IfeeSound]

I'm glad I was part of this masterclass.

[@anythingspossiblemusic]

So my new single came out today. 'confidence' didn't make a Spotify playlist. I'm hoping my 600+ followers help force it onto an algorithm playlist. Thanks for the video.

[@maleable]

Been realeasing music consistently for over 2 years. Someday, you guys shall playlist me :) Not losing my hope, let's go!

[@MissionMan]

I've been self-releasing music since 1997, and have been on Spotify since it began accepting artists through CDBaby. I too am hopeful that I'll end up on a Spotify playlist.

[@carlosmingeli]

Thanks Spotify! Can’t wait for the music wrap!

[@olabayo]

Since when I started using Spotify I get to understand music more and it also impacted my knowledge on how to go about music and it moments. I always say it the platform Spotify and staff are just the best. They just too know what they are doing. God bless 🙌 keep the good work.. I can't do without Spotify now. Just the best.

[@digisam_music]

Thanks for this Masterclass, all very interesting and well presented 🙂

[@Noiseheads]

We are not a French band, and it literally says we're based in Florida on our bio. But for whatever reason, a 'human' on their editorial team placed us on a French Noise playlist that describes itself as the "French scene makes some noise!" We have the word 'noise' in our name... that's about it. I've contacted Spotify several times about this placement, as I think it's a disservice to actual noise bands from France that would be more deserving of that spot. They claim there's nothing they can do about it, and we've been on there for nearly two years. Le sigh.

[@laynejaine]

The entire playlist scene is based on how who has more clout or not. Tis why i use apple music. Never cared much for Spotify. Even if u pay to get playlisted, you may get thousands of plays, most "listeners" dont stick around after that first (and last) play.

[@olabayo]

This masterclass gave me more insights on how to go with the music after am done cooking it. Thank you

[@chatgptasmr2022]

The people in charge of editorial playlists seem like soulless clones.

[@TampaSkwad]

Facts

[@MirlaAvila-u4j]

how can I pitch my song if its already released on Spotify?

[@ListofLegends]

Was very insightful, will definitely bring the ‘description-pitching’into practice. 💿💿💿

[@parrischariz]

I need the playlist. but I NEED that Marketing Campaign!!! this was good info to know

[@henryhoward7323]

oh wow! i didn't know that songs were placed higher/lower even on the same playlist depending on your listening habits that's interesting. If you pitch a song to spotify is it **guaranteed** to be heard? or do they get to much music to listen to everything?

[@Tazmanian_Ninja]

They don’t listen to everything. They can’t. Too much.

[@TananJess]

That would be something for all of us as fans to help promote and subscribe to get notified of new releases and to search for upcoming artists, or to look into relevant to what you listen to.

[@ListenToGlobal]

Thanks for the in-depth masterclass, S4A! :)

[@ThePhronetic]

Good advice here for all around, not just on Spotify. Nice!

[@wormsali]

if each of the 200 Editors listened to 20 seconds of each song, they could each review 300 songs in about 2 hrs. 300 songs X 200 editors = 60k songs a day 😉 You're welcome

[@stephenfell-ke3nh]

To enjoy my songs you need to listen from start to finish as there are many flavours in there to satisfy the listener 20 sec ! come on by a non musician ? 40 years ago you were told what you had to listen to on the radio it’s no different now !

[@JosephineDeSmet]

10:20 this guy tells you exactly what to put in your description!!! the only problem is: there's no space!!! I can't both tell you what the song is about AND follow his advice cause there's no room to do so

[@neaituppi7306]

The way that it is set up, that you only submit "unreleased" music to their playlists, seems unreasonable. It is hard to determine when any of my releases will get released, often it is very quick, within a week of submitting it through distrokid. I just had to submit a request to distrokid to pull my latest release from stores, because spotify didn't release it to my verified artist profile, but to a blank Neai Tuppi profile, on spotify. Every other store was fine, but spotify incorrectly filed it.

[@BoombapArt]

Great vid, very insightful. This is a whole new game to learn.

[@Bora_Atay]

I am trying everything that was said. I hope i will succeed one day. 🙏🎵

[@jeffhirata]

Thanks for doing this video! So helpful!!!

[@S.P.H.E]

Sbonge 🙌🏾

[@Taffafilms]

How do you go about pitching an Artist's first release? Can you access Spotify for Artists before your first release? Thanks!

[@NAMsongwriter1]

Thank you Spotify! Great informative video ❤

[@Bevanmusiq]

So, so amazing and insightful! Spotify do such a good job of continuing to level the playing field for independent artists :) Thank you Spotify for Artists!

[@Dihmarko]

I've never seen an unsigned artist on any big playlist.

[@Djsatile]

Except l.dre

[@slopaxo]

my new song KIMIYA has been added to a bunch of massive playlists! my song now has over 250 saves. thanks spotify

[@AndrewThiriot]

Thank you for putting this together.

[@chrismccabe2996]

Super grateful for this! Awesome information in here! 🔥💯

[@MatterMusic]

Thanks for the insight

[@Masonthebeardedsinger]

Thank you For This MasterClass

[@ProfessorSaibertin]

Thx for the tips SFA team!

[@iFeature]

Much love Spotify 🥀

[@Saiko_Beats]

Thanks for the Insights !

[@rhythmcouture]

Thanks for the insight, very informative!

[@PhilipErisman]

How long does it take to find my name on the page to claim my artist name after I upload my first song through OneRPM? Thanks in advance!

[@ahzelmusic]

Master class ! Much luv 🙏🏼

[@grupocosmosmusic]

Hi, why the Spotify for artists don't lemmy write the steps of the pitch, i put next un second steps and the button of next is dissable, i'd put where i come from and where i am now.. Can You help me please? Alfonso pialo profile

[@ManoElMacho]

Anyone thinking they are going to make the editorial playlists in a genuine way is delusional. These playlists just depend on having clout. Hence why the playlists are full of junk

[@SoulMannik]

Very informative

[@ArvaOfficial]

Been on several of these edotorials myslef. But still have questions about how it works 🤔

[@DoffDoffinson]

How long before release do you usually pitch?

[@tonyrivas3447]

@@DoffDoffinson I've been in a couple editorials as well and I pitch 2 weeks before.

[@DoffDoffinson]

@@tonyrivas3447 Much love bro!^^

[@DoffDoffinson]

@@tonyrivas3447 What's your artist name? I wanna go check your stuff out

[@tonyrivas3447]

@@DoffDoffinson Tony Dark Eyes

[@xXglocklesnarXx]

Y’all don’t show no love to the underground

[@chichimxsic]

Love this! Thank you 💜🙏🏾

[@JosephTerterian]

This was truly insightful thank u

[@alex.tsigkourakos]

thanks for the info guys!

[@djcutz]

thanks for sharing.

[@mta7444]

TikTok's new music app will disrupt Spotify's monopoly.

[@SoundHita]

success together 💯

[@TheTonyAndreas]

good stuff

[@flameinkz]

Saw this live and already applying READY 4 WAR - FLAMEINKZ 🔥🔥🔥🇸🇻🇺🇸

[@Zemira.Israel]

Nice 🔥

[@mrfleamino9350]

Thank You So Much

[@jawvees2585]

Amazing content..very important stuff

[@erreanderre]

Really helpful ❤

[@HandsUpDK]

How the hell do they only have 200 curators worldwide?

[@DRUNKBEATZ]

As a German rap artist its obvious that all the playlist spots are reserved for major label artists. there are literally NO indie rap artists in it. Don't pretend! just do better

[@ChillMusicVideos]

I was lucky to watch this live ! Thanks for the insight 👍

[@Powderr]

I watched it live. Got an email notification. "Make It Out The Great" by Powderr is dropping on Spotify December 25th 2022. It's the best single off my upcoming debut album.

[@brayjamin]

now this is epic

[@cinemaguerrilla]

🖤

[@chriskanemusic]

I watched live yesterday afternoon. It was very informative and engaging. I learned a lot

[@jeremynot149]

Paying is out the question to do this we have over 50 artist on our own platform and they say that the data being collected needs to be re paid out to the creatives for scrapping there info and reselling it on marketing backend.

[@erdnosDev]

How come the songs in the video Get no credit? No mention or anything?

[@nowopensmokes]

thaughtful

[@jonahhollander]

First

[@secretarchivesofthevatican]

Useful...but it tells me that if you make genre-defying, hard-to-label, music you have no chance of getting on a playlist. It's all still very genre-based despite talk of moods etc.

[@success7921]

Jodnyl bet

[@a440dc]

Like, like, like, like, like....... seems these folks have caught the "Like" disease......How many times can you use the word " like" inappropriately in a sentence. Very distracting. Also it's a shame that no musicians seem to be in this team.

[@NickJayAU]

Spotify has no interest in helping independent artists, all their playlists are just mainstream artists driven by the major labels. I have been running my own label for a few years now, I have been pitching and not once have I made it to a Spotify playlist. haha

[@chippyyyy]

what is said between 7:42 and 8:42 is so far from the truth, its impossible yall have experts but fail miserably making curated playlists or Eurobeat would be 90% of the regular EDM curated playlist and that's just an example its not even all of the issues with the edm curated playlists or other genres by that matter

[@jeremynot149]

Why prioritize renowned artists when authenticity and credibility seem to take a backseat? It's perplexing when we consider that independent artists struggle to garner even 300 views across all their short-form video platforms Moreover, platforms like TikTok have muddled the notion of credibility by sometimes misusing borrowed credibility, especially when they transform video into a trendy commodity. Instead of looking out for our audio and UGC.

[@FrankTGuitar]

Good information but to make people sign up in advance for a specific time and then to find it is a prerecorded video with no audience interaction, Q&A, etc is somewhat deceptive and disappointing. As someone just getting started, trying to get heard and playlisted, I was expecting more. There are more useful videos than this that you don't have to sign up for.

[@MegaTarantelli]

Thank you for this🌟⭐️🧝🏻‍♀️🎵🎶🤍As an Artist it is nice to know that we are so thoughtfully chosen for Playlists🥰