Creating one of the largest communities of independent playlisters has taught us a lot about what works—and what doesn’t—when it comes to sharing great music. With nearly 2 million playlist placements through PlaylisterClub, we’ve seen how certain habits and qualities can make all the difference. These traits not only help playlisters thrive but also align with our overarching mission: ensuring that great music is heard, and that artists connect with the audiences they deserve.

At Songtools, here’s what we look for in playlisters to ensure they succeed as a part of our community:

• Consistent, Organic Growth: Playlists should show steady growth over time, avoiding any unnatural spikes in engagement that could indicate artificial activity.

• Active Curation: Regular updates and new song additions keep playlists fresh and engaging for listeners. Active curation signals to both Spotify and audiences that your playlists are relevant.

• Artist Discovery Potential: Great playlists help listeners discover new artists. Successful playlists typically feature a mix of popular, mid-sized, and emerging artists. (Tip: Check the "Discovered On" percentage on Artist.Tools to see how your playlists are driving discovery.)

• SEO Optimization: Your playlists should be easy to find via Spotify’s search bar. Titles, descriptions, and tags should be clear and keyword-friendly.

• Promotional Efforts: Promote your playlists on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, or run targeted ads to expand your reach. The more visibility your playlists have, the better they perform.

Playlisting is all about keeping things genuine and building trust with both artists and listeners. To keep growing as a playlister (while also staying on Spotify’s good side), here are some pitfalls to avoid that can help you make a real impact with your curation: 

• Never Outsource Curation: Avoid paying third-party services to manage or grow your playlists. Genuine curation requires your personal touch.

• Say No to Artificial Boosts: Purchasing potentially fake streams or followers undermines your credibility and can result in penalties from Spotify.

• Keep Playlists Active: Don’t let playlists become stale—regularly update them by rotating out old songs and adding fresh tracks.

• Avoid Paid Placements: Accepting money from artists for playlist placements violates Spotify’s terms of use and can devalue your playlist’s reputation. Focus on building authentic engagement instead.

By focusing on organic growth, active curation, and authentic engagement, you can curate playlists that stand out and take an artist’s track to the next level. Remember, the key is to stay genuine, adapt as you grow, and always prioritize quality over shortcuts.