1. Introduction
Getting your podcast featured on Spotify’s podcast playlists can dramatically increase your reach, audience, and credibility. With over 400 million active users on Spotify, being featured on one of their curated playlists can expose your podcast to a much wider audience, driving both visibility and growth. In this guide, we will walk you through the key steps and strategies to help you get featured on Spotify’s curated podcast playlists.
2. Why Being Featured on Spotify’s Podcast Playlists is Important
Spotify has emerged as a top platform for podcast listeners, with millions of people discovering new shows through Spotify’s playlists. Here are some key reasons why being featured is crucial for podcasters:
- Increased Exposure: Playlists curated by Spotify’s editorial team are pushed to millions of users.
- Credibility: A feature on a prominent playlist signals to new listeners that your content is high-quality and worth exploring.
- Discoverability: Being included in a playlist often results in higher rankings on Spotify’s search algorithms, making it easier for users to find your podcast organically.
3. What Spotify Looks for in Podcast Playlists
To get your podcast featured on a playlist, you need to understand what Spotify’s editorial team and algorithms look for. Here are the main criteria:
- High engagement: Shows that have active listener engagement, including downloads, listens, and shares, are more likely to be featured.
- Consistency: Regular uploads and consistent quality indicate reliability and ongoing audience interest.
- Professionalism: Podcasts with high-quality audio, clear editing, and professional presentation are prioritized.
- Relevance: Content that fits the theme or focus of the playlist, such as “True Crime” or “Health and Wellness,” is crucial.
4. Optimizing Your Podcast for Spotify’s Playlists
Keyword Research for Podcast Titles
One of the most important factors in getting noticed on Spotify is the use of optimized keywords in your podcast title and episode names. Just like Google, Spotify’s search engine relies heavily on keyword relevance when surfacing content to users.
How to Conduct Keyword Research:
- Use tools like Google Trends, Ahrefs, or AnswerThePublic to identify trending keywords in your niche.
- Integrate long-tail keywords in your podcast title and episode descriptions, such as “Best Productivity Tips for Entrepreneurs” or “Crime Stories You Shouldn’t Miss.”
| Title | Search Volume (per month) | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| “True Crime Podcasts” | 200,000+ | Medium |
| “Best Health Podcasts” | 50,000+ | Low |
| “Productivity Tips Podcast” | 10,000+ | Low |
Show Notes and Transcriptions
Detailed show notes and transcriptions can make a significant difference in both SEO and user experience. Transcriptions help Spotify’s search algorithm better understand your content, making it easier for users to find your podcast.
- Ensure every episode has detailed show notes with relevant keywords.
- Provide timestamped summaries of each episode, helping Spotify users navigate your content more easily.
High-Quality Podcast Cover Art
Your podcast’s cover art is like the book cover of your show. Spotify’s editorial team and users are drawn to visually appealing, professional cover art.
- Optimal Size: Use a 3000 x 3000 pixels image in a high-resolution format (JPEG or PNG).
- Make sure the design reflects your podcast’s theme and content clearly.
5. Building a Strong Spotify Podcast Profile
Crafting an Engaging Podcast Description
Your podcast description plays a vital role in getting featured. Here are some tips to make it stand out:
- Use actionable language that describes the value of your show.
- Include relevant keywords but ensure the description remains natural and reader-friendly.
- Highlight any unique aspects of your show (e.g., guest experts, research depth).
Consistent Uploads and Episode Structure
Podcasts that follow a consistent release schedule tend to perform better on Spotify. This is because Spotify’s algorithm favors shows that regularly engage their audience.
- Stick to a weekly or bi-weekly schedule to build listener loyalty.
- Maintain a clear episode structure (intro, body, outro) to enhance listener retention.
6. Increasing Your Podcast’s Popularity
Promoting on Social Media and Other Platforms
Spotify likes to feature podcasts that already have a buzz around them. The more listeners you drive to Spotify, the better your chances of being featured.
- Share episodes on platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
- Create audiograms (short video clips of your podcast) for better engagement.
- Collaborate with influencers or other podcasters to cross-promote your show.
Leveraging Email Marketing for Podcast Growth
Build an email list of your most loyal listeners to boost engagement and notify them of new episodes.
- Create a weekly newsletter summarizing recent episodes, with a link to Spotify.
7. Reaching Out to Spotify’s Editorial Team
How to Pitch to Spotify for Playlist Consideration
Once you’ve built a strong foundation, you can consider pitching your podcast to Spotify’s editorial team.
- Find the right contact: Reach out to Spotify’s content curators or use the Spotify for Podcasters platform to submit your podcast.
- Highlight key metrics: Include your podcast’s download numbers, listener demographics, and any social media engagement in your pitch.
- Explain why your podcast would be a good fit for a specific playlist (e.g., your crime podcast for the “True Crime” playlist).
What Makes a Great Pitch Email
- Personalize the email to the editor.
- Keep it concise and professional.
- Include relevant links to your podcast, social profiles, and any media coverage.
8. Collaborating with Other Podcasts and Creators
Collaborations can help you tap into another podcast’s audience. This can be done by:
- Guest appearances on other podcasts.
- Co-hosting episodes with other podcasters in your niche.
- Running cross-promotional campaigns with other shows.
9. Utilizing Data and Analytics to Get Featured
Spotify’s editorial team is also influenced by data. Understanding your podcast’s performance metrics is key to improving your chances of getting featured.
- Track listener trends using Spotify’s analytics dashboard.
- Pay attention to key metrics such as:
- Completion rate: How many listeners finish an episode.
- Subscriber growth: How fast your audience is expanding.
- Episode retention: Which episodes keep listeners engaged.
10. Podcasting Trends and What Spotify Prioritizes in 2024
The podcasting landscape is constantly evolving. In 2024, Spotify is expected to focus on:
- Interactive podcasts: Shows that integrate audience participation through Q&A or polls.
- AI-generated content: Shows using AI tools for storytelling or audience interaction.
- Niche-focused content: Podcasts serving highly specific communities or topics (e.g., hyper-local podcasts, or deep-dive series on very niche topics).
11. Conclusion
Getting your podcast featured on Spotify’s podcast playlists isn’t an overnight process, but with consistent effort, strategic marketing, and a deep understanding of what Spotify values, you can increase your chances of getting that coveted feature. By optimizing your podcast for SEO, building a strong profile, actively promoting your content, and connecting with Spotify’s editorial team, you’ll be well on your way to significantly growing your audience in 2024.
Key Takeaways:
- Optimize keywords in titles and show descriptions.
- Ensure consistent uploads and episode quality.
- Leverage social media and email marketing for promotion.
- Pitch effectively to Spotify’s editorial team for playlist inclusion.
