With over 600 million active users, Spotify is a massive opportunity—here’s how independent artists can boost their streams and reach new fans.
If you’re an artist in 2025, getting more Spotify plays is critical to growing your career, landing gigs, and building an engaged fanbase. But with thousands of tracks uploaded every day, simply releasing music isn’t enough—you need a smart strategy.
This guide will show you how to get more Spotify plays organically, grow your listeners, and turn casual streams into loyal fans.
1. Optimize Your Artist Profile
First impressions matter. A professional, complete artist profile is the foundation for serious growth on Spotify.
Make sure you:
- Upload high-quality profile and header images
- Write a compelling bio (include keywords like your genre and influences)
- Add links to your socials
- Keep your “Artist’s Pick” updated with your latest release or favorite track
Having a clean, engaging profile encourages new visitors to listen longer and follow you.
2. Release Music Consistently
The Spotify algorithm favors consistency. Artists who release music regularly are more likely to be featured on algorithmic playlists like Release Radar and Discover Weekly.
- Aim for a new single every 6-8 weeks if possible
- Even small drops (acoustic versions, remixes) keep momentum alive
Each release resets the clock with the algorithm, giving you more chances to be discovered.
3. Pitch to Spotify Editorial Playlists (Properly)
Spotify allows you to submit unreleased music directly through Spotify for Artists for playlist consideration.
Best practices for playlist pitching:
- Submit at least 7 days before release
- Write a detailed pitch: highlight the song’s vibe, instrumentation, and story
- Choose accurate genre and mood tags
Landing even on a small editorial playlist can massively boost your monthly listeners and streams.
4. Use Smart Distribution Channels
Getting your music onto Spotify is just the beginning. Partnering with a distribution platform that also helps with marketing, playlist pitching, and content strategy can make a huge difference.
Platforms like 8octaves.org don’t just distribute your music—they provide content planning, community management tools, and PR outreach that help you build organic traction on platforms like Spotify.
Learn how 8octaves.org helps indie artists maximize their Spotify growth here.
5. Build Playlists (And Collaborate)
Don’t just chase playlists—build your own!
- Create a playlist featuring your music alongside similar artists
- Share it regularly on your socials
- Collaborate with other indie artists to co-curate playlists
Spotify’s algorithm also tracks how songs perform inside user-generated playlists, so building your own ecosystem can boost your track’s chances of getting picked up elsewhere.
6. Promote Outside of Spotify
Driving traffic from outside sources is highly valued by Spotify’s algorithm.
Ways to promote:
- Share pre-save links before your release
- Post Spotify links on Instagram Stories, TikTok bios, and YouTube video descriptions
- Encourage fans to save, share, and add your song to their own playlists
The more you drive external traffic to Spotify, the more likely Spotify is to push your song organically.
7. Engage Directly With Fans
Your superfans are your streaming army.
- Respond to comments on social media
- Share personal stories behind your tracks
- Offer behind-the-scenes content
- Thank fans who tag you while streaming
Engagement drives loyalty, and loyalty drives repeat streams—the secret to long-term success on Spotify.
