When you look at streaming services these days, they really seem overwhelming. Every little niche seems to be carved out, and finding your way as a playlist creator seems more daunting than ever.
So we want to help you deal with some of that pressure and offer several free and paid options for promoting your playlists – that actually work! Let’s dive right in.
- How to Promote Playlists Online: TL; DR
- Section 1: Free Promotion Methods
- Section 2: Paid Promotion Methods
- Conclusion
How to Promote Playlists Online: TL; DR
You can promote your playlists online in several free or paid methods. Free options include using the Tune My Music Share feature to spread your playlists across multiple platforms, collaborating with local businesses, and submitting your playlists through Soundplate’s free playlist submission system. Paid options include social media ads, TMM’s Sync feature, and more.
Section 1: Free Promotion Methods
In our experience, people usually aren’t willing to pay real money to promote their playlists right out of the gate – and that’s perfectly normal. This is a passion and hobby for many people, and it’s best to try the free stuff first.
1.1 Create a Thematic Experience
Tying your playlist to a specific theme or event can make it more enticing. Suppose you’ve crafted a mellow acoustic playlist perfect for winding down after a long day. It features songs like “Banana Pancakes” by Jack Johnson and “Hallelujah” by Jeff Buckley.
Partner with virtual event organizers, like those hosting online escape rooms or yoga sessions, to feature your playlist as part of their event. Participants will associate the relaxing experience with your music, making them more likely to remember and share it.
For larger themed events, consider partnerships that align well with your playlist’s mood.
1.2 Storytelling Through Playlists
Crafting a narrative around your playlist can deeply resonate with listeners and encourage them to engage more.
If you’ve put together a classic rock playlist, include iconic tracks like “Stairway to Heaven” by Led Zeppelin and “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen.
Share the stories behind these selections — maybe these were songs that defined your youth, or each track represents a chapter in the history of rock music.
Use different platforms to tell this story. Write blog posts or medium articles detailing the journey your playlist offers. On social media, use captions to highlight individual tracks and their significance.
Create a video series on YouTube or TikTok where you discuss why you chose each song, its backstory, or its personal impact on you.
1.3 Host a Playlist Contest
Running a playlist contest can generate excitement and engagement among your followers. Here’s how you can do it:
- – Contest Idea: Encourage your followers to submit their favorite songs to be included in your playlist. For example, if your playlist is focused on ‘Feel-Good Pop Hits,’ ask for submissions like “Happy” by Pharrell Williams or “Can’t Stop the Feeling!” by Justin Timberlake.
- – Promote the Contest: Use social media platforms to announce the contest. Create eye-catching graphics and share stories on Instagram and Facebook.
- – Encourage Sharing: Ask participants to share the contest with their friends, tagging your account and using a unique hashtag like #MyPlaylistContest. This will help spread the word and increase participation.
1.4 Collaborate with Local Businesses
Teaming up with local businesses can provide mutual benefits and broaden your playlist’s reach:
- – In-Store Playlists: Partner with cafes, boutiques, or gyms to play your playlist in-store. For instance, a cozy coffee shop could feature your ‘Chill Vibes’ playlist, including songs like “Coffee” by Sylvan Esso and “Banana Pancakes” by Jack Johnson.
- – Promotion Exchange: Offer to promote their business on your social media in return. Share posts or stories about the collaboration, tagging the business and encouraging your followers to visit.
- – Events and Pop-Ups: Coordinate with these businesses to feature your playlist at events or pop-up shops. Imagine your upbeat playlist, featuring “Good as Hell” by Lizzo, playing during a boutique’s weekend sale event.
1.5 TuneMyMusic’s Share Feature
TuneMyMusic is a handy tool that lets you transfer and share your playlists across different music streaming services like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music.
Using the Share Feature is easy. Just create your playlist on your preferred platform and use TuneMyMusic Share to share your playlist with users on other platforms.
By ensuring your playlist is available on multiple platforms, you cater to a broader audience. Not everyone uses the same music streaming service, so having your playlist on as many as possible increases the likelihood of someone discovering and sharing it.
Also, when you promote your playlist, you can provide links for all major platforms, making it easier for people to access it in their preferred way.
1.6 Submit Your Playlist to Playlist Submission Services
Various services offer free playlist submission systems that allow you to grow your playlists while checking out music submissions.
A great example of such a service is DailyPlaylist, one of today’s best playlist submission services.
The way it works is simple. Playlists listed on the service receive music submissions from independent artists. Whenever an artist submits their music for consideration, they usually must first follow your playlist and profile.
This leads to an easy follower boost just for checking out some cool new music in return.
1.7 Create a Playlist Podcast
Launching a podcast dedicated to your playlist is an innovative way to engage listeners and provide deeper insights into your music selections. Here’s how you can do it:
- – Podcast Content: Discuss each song on your playlist and why you chose it. For example, if your playlist features “Smells Like Teen Spirit” by Nirvana, talk about its impact on rock music and what it means to you personally.
- – Artist Interviews: If possible, interview artists featured on your playlist. Imagine a conversation with a rising indie artist whose song, “Peach Pit” by Peach Pit, has gained traction on your list. It adds authenticity and offers listeners a behind-the-scenes look at their favorite tracks.
- – Insights and Stories: Share stories and insights about the playlist’s theme. For instance, if your playlist is titled “Road Trip Anthems,” recount memorable road trips you’ve taken listening to tracks like “Life is a Highway” by Tom Cochrane or “Born to Run” by Bruce Springsteen.
1.8 Use Dedicated Facebook Groups
Facebook groups can be a goldmine for promoting your playlists, especially if you target niche communities that align with your music taste. Start by searching for groups specifically for playlist curators and music enthusiasts.
For example, if you’ve curated a playlist of 90s alternative rock hits featuring songs like “Wonderwall” by Oasis and “Black Hole Sun” by Soundgarden, seek out groups dedicated to 90s music lovers or alternative rock fans.
Once you’ve joined these groups, engage genuinely with the community. Share your playlist not just as a link drop but with thoughtful context. Explain why you created this playlist, what inspired you, and highlight a few standout tracks.
Narrowing down your niche is crucial in these groups. Instead of sharing your playlist in every available group, focus on those where your music style will resonate most. Engage in discussions, offer playlist recommendations when relevant, and just have fun!
Section 2: Paid Promotion Methods
This section will be for those willing to invest a bit. And don’t worry, we’re not talking about Hollywood budgets, you can do this stuff for as little as few bucks a month.
2.1 Promote with TuneMyMusic’s Sync Feature
TuneMyMusic subscribers gain full access to the Sync Feature, which allows them to synchronize playlists on multiple streaming platforms.
We already discussed the obvious benefits of having your playlists available on multiple services. Well, this takes it to the next level by keeping the lists clean and identical on every single site.
2.2 Pay for Social Media Ads
This one seems obvious, but we have to cover it. Social media ads allow you to target specific demographics, interests, and behaviors.
When crafting an ad, focus on eye-catching visuals and engaging copy to drive clicks and listens. Highlight unique aspects of your playlist, such as exclusive tracks or curated themes.
Set clear goals, use analytics tools to track engagement and ROI, and make adjustments along the way if needed.
2.3 Consider Sponsored Ads With Social Media Influencers
Influencer promotions can sometimes be cheaper than running standard ads, especially if they already enjoy or align with the music in your playlist.
Look for influencers who are fans of the artists featured in your playlist. This will save you money from investing in targeted ads, tap into an existing fan base, and increase the chances of successful promotion.
And that’s a wrap, folks! Did we miss anything? Feel free to let us know how you like to promote your playlists. Stay safe and enjoy the music!
Conclusion: How to Promote Playlists Online
And that’s a wrap, guys! As you can see, the best way to promote your playlists varies on your style and budget. Let us know if we missed something. Also, how do you handle your playlist promotion online? Feel free to check out our How To articles for more useful content, and have a good one!
Featured image source: Unsplash
