How to Get More Spotify Streams: Guide to Organic Growth

As an independent artist, getting more Spotify streams is the most effective way to grow your audience and propel your music career. 

How do you get more Spotify streams organically and safely?

In this guide we’ll give you actionable strategies that reliably feed the Spotify algorithm and will get your music heard by an ever increasing number of listeners.

1. Optimize Your Spotify Artist Profile

Your Spotify profile is the foundation of your streaming presence. This is the first thing you must dial in to maximize your success and streaming presence. 

A. Upload High-Quality Profile and Cover Images

Your profile photo (also known as avatar image) is crucial to building a foundation that will maximize your streams. 

You must have high-resolution professional quality images that positively and accurately represent your brand. You also want to be easily recognizable.

• For inspiration check out other artists in your lane or that you feel aligned with. See how they are portraying themselves visually.
• Make sure your image feels consistent across all platforms (website, social media, etc).
•  Instructions to add your profile images on Spotify for Artists

B. Write a Great Spotify Bio

You must add a bio to your Spotify profile. Make sure it’s engaging, informative, and easy to read. This is your chance to connect with new listeners when they visit your profile.

• Focus on what makes your music unique and share your journey.

Share your backstory, what you’re currently working on, and where you aspire to be.

C. Add Social Links to Your Profile

Spotify is a closed ecosystem, so to capture a fan and communicate with them, you must drive them to social media. In addition to being able to communicate and update your new listeners, these link a chance to let them get to know you better.

Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, TikTok - you don’t need all of them, only include links to your social media where you are most active and have the strongest presence. 

D. Pin Your Featured Music to the Top of Profile

Pin your most popular tracks or playlists to the top of your profile. This feature allows you to curate the experience for your new listeners. 

Get them to hear the music you want first and help them discover your best work.

This could be your latest single, album, or a playlist featuring your music. 

E. Get Verified on Spotify

Get your Spotify Profile Verified to increase your status and gain access to additional features.

• Related Article: How to Set Up & Optimize Your Artist Profile.

2. Execute a Playlisting Strategy

Getting your music on active playlists is the most effective method for gaining streams on Spotify and feeding the Spotify algorithm. 

A. Submit to Spotify Editorial Playlists

Spotify has thousands of editorial playlists, from the heavy hitters like Rap Caviar and Today’s Top Hits to more niche lists that cater to smaller audiences. 

Editorial playlists are managed by Spotify employees and are very competitive to get your music on.

To learn the details of how to get on editorial playlists check out How To Pitch Your Song to Spotify's Editorial Playlists.

B. Pitch to Independent Playlists

Independent playlists aren’t run by Spotify, but rather individuals who make a playlist and build a following. 

Any person with a Spotify account can create a playlist. Independent (also known as 3rd party) playlists can high as influential as editorial playlists, many have over 100,000 people and together can reach millions of listeners. 

Overall, your likelihood of getting your music on an independent playlist is much greater than an editorial playlist.

The easiest and most effective way to submit your song to independent playlists is with a trusted and reputable service. 

For example at Playlist Push, we allow you to simply upload your song and select your niche genres with assistance from our AI.

C. Create Your Own Playlists

Curate playlists that include your tracks along with other popular songs in your genre.

Promote these playlists on your social media and encourage your fans to follow them. 

Artist Playlist Ideas:

• Feature a mix of your top tracks
• Create a playlist with all of your releases in one place
• Feature a mix of your music with other similar artists music
• Related Article: How to Make a Spotify Artist Playlist

D. Encourage Fans to Make Playlists

Encourage your fans to create and share their own playlists featuring your tracks.

Ask them to do this on social media, then repost their playlists to thank them.

3. Promote Your Music on Social Media

Social media is your chance to build your own promotion channel to your fans. You must post all of your new music across your socials.

A. Share Regular Updates with Your Fans

Keep your audience engaged and updated.

For example share updates on:

• New Music
• Behind the scenes content
• Upcoming releases
• Tour Dates

B. Use Stories and Live Streams

IG Stories and live streams are low-hanging fruit for sharing content easily and creating engagement.

You can tease out new music, talk to your fans, or let them in on the creation process.

C. Cross-Promote with Other Artists

Team up with other artists or friends who have substantial followings. Cross-promote your content on their pages and vice versa.

D. Paid Social Media Ads

Invest in targeted social media advertising to reach a broader audience.

Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok offer effective advertising tools to promote your music and boost Spotify streams.

F. Work with TikTok Creators

Partner with social media influencers who can promote your music to their followers. Influencers can help you reach new audiences and increase your Spotify streams.

@haileybieber been doing my makeup in the car a lot these days. heres my lil go to routine 🤍 @rhode skin ♬ BIRDS OF A FEATHER - Billie Eilish

More Details: Promote Your Music on TikTok

4. Engage with Your Followers

Engaging with your followers deepens the bond with your fans, creates more word of mouth and feeds the social media algorithms. The more activity the better.

A. Respond to Social Media Comments and DMs

Take the time to reply to your fans' comments and messages. This builds a personal connection and encourages fans to share your music, which helps in growing Spotify streams.

B. Host Giveaways and Contests

Organize contests and giveaways to encourage fans to share your music. This can significantly increase your reach and streams, boosting your presence on Spotify's streaming platform.

C. Tag and Repost Fans Content

Give shoutouts to fans who share your music or create user-generated content. This not only appreciates their support but also motivates others to do the same, increasing your organic Spotify streams.

D. Build a Community

Foster a sense of community among your fans by creating a dedicated group or forum where they can discuss your music and share their thoughts.

You could do this on reddit or discord.

E. Create Exclusive Content

Offer your fans exclusive content such as early releases, special editions, or behind-the-scenes videos.

5. Utilize Music Promotion Services

Music promotion services can be extremely effective, however you must choose the right partners and use them strategically

A. Research Reputable Services

Look for services with positive reviews from real artists and proven results. 

IMPORTANT: Do not use any services that GUARANTEE Streams or Playlist Adds. 

B. Run Targeted Promotions to Your Niche

Choose services that offer highly targeted promotions to ensure your music reaches the right audience.

C. Monitor Results

Track the performance of your promotions to see what works best and adjust your strategy accordingly.

D. Track your Performance on Spotify for Artist

Utilize data analytics to track your performance and identify trends.

This can help you refine your promotion strategies and maximize your streams.

More Details: Spotify and TikTok Music Promotion

6. Leverage Analytics to Guide Your Strategy

Regularly analyzing your performance on Spotify helps you understand what works and what doesn’t. Here’s how to do it:

A. Use Spotify for Artists

Spotify for Artists provides valuable insights into your audience and streaming statistics. Use this data to make informed decisions about your music promotion, and understand the Spotify algorithm better.

B. Experiment with Different Strategies

Don’t be afraid to try new things. Experiment with different promotional tactics to see what resonates most with your audience, helping you to get more plays on Spotify.

C. Stay Updated with Trends

The music industry is constantly evolving. Stay updated with the latest trends and adapt your strategies accordingly. This is crucial for independent artists on Spotify.

D. Optimize Release Strategies

Plan your releases strategically. Release music consistently and promote your singles and albums well in advance to create anticipation and maximize your streams.

E. Consistent Branding

Ensure that your branding is consistent across all platforms. This makes it easier for fans to recognize and remember you, increasing your visibility and streams.

F. Leverage Data Insights

Regularly review your data insights from Spotify for Artists to understand your audience's preferences and tailor your content accordingly. This will help you grow Spotify streams effectively.

Final Thoughts

Getting more Spotify streams requires a holistic strategy across each of the areas outlined in this post.

By following these strategies, you can increase your visibility on Spotify, attract more listeners, and grow your music career.

Remember, consistency is key. Keep refining your approach, stay engaged with your audience, and stay persistent.