How to Get on Apple Music Playlists

By | Published On: July 1, 2025 | 4.9 min read |

Smartphone displaying a music playlist with four album covers, music controls, and a vibrant red background.

Getting your music on Apple Music playlists can be a game-changer for your career as an artist. Being featured on playlists can bring new fans, more streams, and industry recognition. For an unforgettable music experience at your next corporate event, book the top DJ Will Gill! His exceptional reputation is backed by over 2,000 five-star reviews.

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This guide offers simple tips to help Apple Music curators notice you. Let’s get started!

1. Create Amazing Music

This might sound obvious, but your first step is to focus on the quality of your tracks. No matter how much effort you put into marketing or pitching, none of it will matter if your music doesn’t resonate with listeners. Here are some tips to ensure your music stands out:

  • Invest in Quality Production: High-quality tracks with professional production have a better chance of being noticed. Consider working with experienced producers or sound engineers to elevate your music.
  • Find Your Unique Sound: Curators are always on the lookout for something fresh and different. Don’t be afraid to experiment and develop a style that makes you stand out.
  • Pay Attention to Detail: Make sure every part of your song enhances the experience. Take your time to polish your work before releasing it.

Memorable music sticks with listeners, and curators are no exception.

2. Optimize Your Metadata

Great music needs to be discoverable, and that’s where metadata comes in. Metadata refers to the information about your track, such as the title, artist’s name, genre, and release date. Optimized metadata helps curators find your music and place it correctly on Apple Music.

  • Tag Tracks with the Right Genre: Be accurate and specific with your genre selection. If your music blends styles, focus on the main genre that it best represents.
  • Include Artwork and Credits: High-quality cover art that reflects your music’s vibe adds professionalism and appeal. Also, include all relevant credits for producers and collaborators.
  • Batch Submit Releases: For EPs or albums, keep track of metadata consistently.

Curators often rely on metadata to find and sort through music, so accuracy is everything.

3. Pitch Your Music via Apple’s Online Submission Tool

Apple Music makes it simple for artists to submit their music for playlist consideration. If you distribute your music through Apple platforms, the feature is readily available to you. Here’s how to pitch effectively:

  • Use Your iTunes Connect Account: Log in to Apple’s artist platform, Apple Music for Artists. Use their submission tool to pitch your track for playlists.
  • Provide Context About the Track: Share an engaging story about your song, including its inspiration, audience, and importance.
  • Choose the Right Focus Track: When promoting an album or EP, choose one standout song to submit for playlists.

Take care to follow Apple’s submission guidelines for the best results.

4. Build Relationships with Curators

While Apple Music playlists are mostly curated internally or algorithmically, building your network can still play an important role. Forge professional connections with playlist curators from Apple and beyond, as their influence extends to other platforms as well.

  • Use Social Media Strategically: Follow Apple Music curators and other influencers in the music space. Engage with their posts (but don’t spam them), and start building a connection.
  • Attend Music Events: Attending events, online or in person, is a great way to meet curators.
  • Leverage Music PR Firms: Some public relations firms specialize in helping artists get noticed by streaming platforms. Consider hiring a reputable firm to assist with your promotion.

Relationships can help give you an edge, but remember that your music should always speak for itself.

5. Promote Your Song Strategically

Another factor that catches the attention of curators is the success of your track. If your song gains traction online or through streaming, curators may be more likely to feature it. Here’s what you can do:

  • Leverage Social Media: Share snippets of your track on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter. Create challenges or trends that encourage user-generated content around your song.
  • Collaborate with Other Artists: Collaborating with popular artists can expand your audience.
  • Invest in Marketing: Run ads and campaigns to amplify your song’s reach. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube offer great tools for targeting your ideal listeners.

The more momentum your track builds organically, the likelier it is to catch a curator’s eye.

6. Consistency is Key

Getting on Apple Music playlists isn’t always an overnight process. Consistent quality and promotion greatly boost your chances.

  • Release music regularly, ensuring that every track aligns with your signature sound.
  • Continue to interact with your audience and build your fanbase. A loyal and active follower count will make your music even more appealing to curators.
  • Keep refining your craft, and don’t give up if your first submission isn’t featured.

A steady stream of great music will eventually lead to new opportunities.

7. Partner with a Great Distributor

Finally, the right music distributor can make all the difference. Distributors like DistroKid, TuneCore, and CD Baby work with Apple Music and offer tools to improve your submissions. Some distributors even offer programs to help increase your chances of playlist placements.

Look for a distributor with a strong reputation and the services that best suit your needs.

Getting on Apple Music playlists

Getting on Apple Music playlists takes effort, but it’s doable with a step-by-step approach. Create unique music, tidy up your metadata, and use Apple’s tools to pitch your track. Combine these efforts with strong promotion and relationship-building for the best chance of success.

The music world is full of competition, but it’s also full of opportunity. With persistence and a strategic approach, your songs could be landing on someone’s favorite playlist soon. Keep creating and keep going—you never know who might be listening!