With over 600 million users globally, Spotify has become one of the most influential platforms for music discovery. One of its most powerful tools? Playlists. Whether you’re an artist hoping to get noticed or a music lover searching for your next favorite song, understanding Spotify’s playlist ecosystem is key.
In this article, we’ll break down the four major types of Spotify playlists: Editorial, Global Curation, Personalized Playlists, and Active Sources and how they impact music discovery and artist exposure.
In the recently concluded masterclass on understanding playlists & partnerships by Spotify, Victor Okpala, spotify’s Artist & Label Partnerships Manager for West Africa spoke on the different types of playlists and how artists can get featured on them using the Spotify for Artists App.
1. Editorial Playlists
What they are:
Editorial playlists are curated by Spotify’s in-house team of music editors around the world. These playlists are handpicked based on genre, mood, region, or cultural moment (e.g., Fresh Finds, New Music Friday, Equal).
Why they matter:
These playlists carry major influence. Landing on an editorial playlist can lead to a significant boost in streams, followers, and algorithmic support.
How to get in:
• Submit your song via Spotify for Artists at least 7 days before release.
• Include detailed metadata (mood, genre, language, etc.).
• Build a strong presence, editors often check your profile, cover art, and consistency.
2. Global Curation Playlists
What they are:
Global curation playlists are built based on regional editors’ recommendations and insights, but with a broader international focus. Think of them as a fusion of local tastes and global trends (Global X showcasing rising global acts, African Heat highlighting top African tracks for global audiences).
Why they matter:
These playlists help local artists go global. Being featured here means your music resonates beyond your region and fits into global cultural trends.
Pro Tip:
These playlists are still editorial-driven, but they focus on cross-border potential. Building local traction first can increase your chances of making it onto these playlists.
3. Personalized Playlists
What they are:
These playlists are generated by Spotify’s algorithm, tailored to each listener’s taste and listening habits. The most famous include: ( Discover Weekly, Release Radar, Daily Mix )
Why they matter:
Even if you’re not on a big editorial playlist, personalized playlists can push your music to thousands of targeted listeners. These playlists often react to user behavior, so even small organic engagement can trigger exposure.
How to benefit:
• Encourage saves, shares, and playlist adds.
• Keep fans listening to the full song (completion rate matters).
• Build consistent streaming activity.
4. Active Sources / Listener Playlists
What they are:
These are user-generated playlists created by fans, influencers, brands, bloggers, curators, or even other artists. They can range from public mood playlists to niche genre mixes.
Why they matter:
These are the grassroots of Spotify. Many artists get early traction through these “Active Sources” before being noticed by editors or algorithms.
How to leverage them:
• Submit to independent curators (via platforms like SubmitHub, Groover, or directly).
• Create and share your own playlists featuring your music.
• Engage fans to add your songs to their personal playlists.
Spotify’s playlist ecosystem is complex but rewarding. Whether it’s through the global spotlight of an editorial feature or the personal touch of a user playlist, each type plays a crucial role in music discovery.
To grow your reach on Spotify:
• Be strategic with your releases.
• Don’t just chase editorials—build steady streams via personalized and listener playlists.
• Stay consistent and authentic with your music and branding.
Victor, ended the class with encouraging artists to maximize the use Spotify for Artist app as it is a great tool for music marketing. He added “The more Spotify sees your track gaining traction across these sources, the more likely it is to keep the momentum going”.
