A curated playlist is a selection of songs chosen by a person or individual to make up a playlist. They’re a great way of getting music heard if your track features on one.
In the digital age, playlists have become an essential part of how we discover and consume music. Whether you’re commuting, working out, or relaxing at home, curated playlists are often the go-to way to enjoy music without having to search for specific tracks. But what exactly are curated playlists, and how do they influence the way we experience music today?
1. Defining curated playlists
Curated playlists are collections of songs that have been thoughtfully selected by a person, organisation, or platform. Based on specific themes, moods, genres, or listening contexts. Unlike algorithm-generated playlists, which are created by algorithms based on your listening habits, curated playlists are hand-picked by human curators.
Their aim is to create a cohesive listening experience. Curated playlists can be found on streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, and Tidal. They serve various purposes. Such as introducing new artists, highlighting specific genres, setting a mood for a particular activity, or reflecting a certain cultural moment.
2. Who creates curated playlists?
There are several types of curators responsible for creating curated playlists:
- Streaming platforms: Platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music have editorial teams that create playlists for specific genres, moods, or events. These playlists are designed to engage listeners by highlighting trending music, artist spotlights, or particular genres.
- Artists and influencers: Many musicians and influencers create and share their own playlists. Often showcasing songs that inspire them or tracks they enjoy. This is a great way for artists to connect with their audience on a personal level and introduce fans to new music.
- Third-party curators: Independent curators—often music bloggers, DJs, or tastemakers—create playlists that cater to niche tastes. These playlists can cover everything from underground genres to specific time periods, offering listeners access to more tailored music experiences.
- Users: On platforms like Spotify, users can also create and share their own curated playlists. These are often based on personal preferences, and people share them with friends or the broader community. Some user-generated playlists even go viral and gain thousands of followers.
3. The importance of curated playlists for music discovery
Curated playlists play a crucial role in music discovery. In the past, discovering new music typically meant turning to the radio, music magazines, or word of mouth. Today, curated playlists on streaming platforms have replaced many of these traditional avenues. Allowing listeners to explore new tracks easily.
For example, Spotify’s editorial playlists like “Today’s Top Hits” or “New Music Friday” give listeners a chance to hear the latest releases, while mood-based playlists like “Chill Vibes” or “Workout Hits” help users find music to match their current state of mind. These playlists are constantly updated, providing fresh content for listeners and encouraging them to try something new.
For emerging artists, getting placed on a curated playlist is a powerful way to gain exposure. Curators tend to feature music that resonates with their audience, which can result in a significant boost in streams, followers, and visibility.
4. How curated playlists affect artists
Curated playlists can make or break an artist’s success on streaming platforms. For musicians, being included in a curated playlist can be a game-changer, driving massive traffic to their music. Here’s how:
- Increased visibility: Curated playlists often have hundreds of thousands or even millions of followers, giving artists exposure to a much wider audience. This can lead to more streams, increased social media attention, and a growing fanbase.
- Artist discovery: For new or lesser-known artists, landing on a curated playlist is one of the best ways to get discovered. Playlists often introduce fans to music they wouldn’t have found on their own, giving artists the opportunity to build a following.
- Playlist placement strategy: Many artists and their teams work hard to get their music added to curated playlists. They might pitch directly to curators, use distribution platforms that offer playlist pitching services, or leverage social media to connect with influential tastemakers.
- Longevity and streams: Once a song is added to a curated playlist, it has the potential to generate streams for a long time. Some playlists, especially popular ones like “Discover Weekly” (on Spotify), provide ongoing exposure to new listeners, keeping the song relevant over time.
5. The difference between curated and algorithmic playlists
While curated playlists are hand-picked by people, algorithmic playlists are generated by machine learning based on user behaviour. Streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music use algorithms to create playlists like “Discover Weekly” or “Release Radar,” which are tailored to each individual user based on their listening history.
The key difference between curated and algorithmic playlists is the human touch. Curated playlists are created with a specific theme or emotion in mind, whereas algorithmic playlists focus on personal taste and listening patterns.
For example, a curated playlist might be created for a specific occasion like “Holiday Cheer” or “Road Trip Vibes,” while an algorithmic playlist might recommend songs based on songs you’ve listened to recently.
Both types of playlists can be influential, but curated playlists often offer a more thoughtfully constructed listening experience, while algorithmic playlists are more personalized and tailored to your specific preferences.
6. How to get your music on curated playlists
Getting your music placed on curated playlists can be an important step for artists looking to gain exposure. Here are some strategies for getting featured:
- Pitching to playlists: Platforms like Spotify allow artists to pitch their tracks directly to curators through the Spotify for Artists platform. Be sure to include all relevant information about your song, including its mood, genre, and inspiration.
- Build relationships with curators: Whether they’re from a playlist blog, a major platform, or an influencer, building relationships with curators can increase your chances of being included in a playlist. Engaging with curators on social media, sending personalised messages, and following submission guidelines can help establish these connections.
- Promote your own playlist: If you can’t get onto other playlists, create your own! Many artists curate their own playlists to showcase their music and connect with fans. Sharing your playlists across social media and promoting them in your community can help you build your playlist following.
- Leverage user-generated playlists: User-curated playlists can sometimes be just as powerful as editorial playlists. Don’t hesitate to share your music with fans and encourage them to create their own playlists featuring your tracks. Viral user playlists can have a significant impact on your streams.
7. The future of curated playlists
Curated playlists are likely to continue playing a key role in music discovery. As streaming platforms and curators evolve to meet changing tastes and trends. With the rise of podcasts, live-streaming events, and interactive playlists, we might see new ways for curators and listeners to engage with music in the future.
In the meantime, curated playlists remain a vital tool for listeners and artists alike, helping shape the way we explore, enjoy, and share music. Curated playlists have transformed how we listen to and discover music in the digital age. They offer a curated, human touch in a world dominated by algorithms.
Bringing together songs, artists, and genres in a way that speaks to listeners on a deeper level. For artists, curated playlists are a powerful tool for reaching new audiences, increasing visibility, and growing their careers.
Whether you’re looking to discover fresh music or introduce your own creations to the world, curated playlists offer a dynamic way to experience music. As they continue to evolve, they will remain an essential part of the modern music landscape.
