Beyond Spotify: Exploring Playlisting Opportunities on Apple Music, Deezer & More
Spotify often takes center stage when artists talk about streaming. While it’s true that Spotify is a major player, unsigned artists who focus solely on it may be missing out on equally Let’s look at how Apple Music, Deezer, TIDAL, Amazon Music, and others can play a vital role in an independent artist’s growth strategy.
Why Look Beyond Spotify?
Spotify offers immense exposure, but with over 100,000 tracks uploaded daily, getting featured on a top playlist is increasingly competitive. Exploring additional platforms not only widens your reach but also increases the chances of being discovered in niche communities with passionate listeners.
By understanding and targeting different playlisting opportunities, unsigned artists can unlock new streams of income, fan engagement, and industry recognition.
Apple Music: Editorial Goldmine for Emerging Artists
Apple Music may not have the same free-tier virality as Spotify, but it offers curated playlists built by real editors, not algorithms. This human touch makes it a coveted space for artists who value genre alignment and track quality.
How to Get Featured:
- Use Apple Music for Artists to pitch your music.
- Work with distributors that have relationships with Apple Music curators.
- Ensure your metadata is clean and your artist profile is complete.
Key Playlists to Watch:
- New Music Daily
- Breaking R&B
- New in Indie
- The Plug (hip-hop)
Deezer: Genre-Loyal and Artist-Friendly
Deezer is massively popular in Europe and Latin America, boasting over 14 million active users. The platform supports unsigned talent through Deezer NEXT, an initiative designed to promote emerging artists.
Playlisting Tips:
- Submit to Deezer’s artist relations via distributor channels.
- Build traction locally—Deezer’s regional curators often support homegrown talent.
- Release music consistently to stay on their radar.
Playlists to Target:
- Brand New UK
- Lo-Fi Beats
- Fresh Indie
TIDAL: Audiophile-Approved with a Heart for Indies
TIDAL is known for its high-quality audio and artist-first approach, offering some of the highest per-stream payouts in the industry. Their editorial team pays close attention to underground and unsigned artists, especially in hip-hop, soul, and R&B genres.
How to Stand Out:
- Pitch to TIDAL via Symphonic, Tunecore, or CD Baby.
- Use visual branding—TIDAL curators value strong visuals alongside music.
- Highlight stories behind your music; TIDAL loves artists with a narrative.
Notable Playlists:
- TIDAL Rising
- Indie Hit List
- Unsigned Hype
Amazon Music, YouTube Music & Others
Amazon Music is gaining traction with its voice-enabled streaming through Alexa. Playlists like Fresh Indie and Breakthrough are accessible through strategic submissions.
YouTube Music, while algorithm-heavy, relies on strong engagement signals. Use your YouTube videos to promote tracks and trigger interest in official playlists.
Other platforms like Audiomack, Napster, and Boomplay also offer valuable playlisting opportunities, particularly in niche and regional markets.
General Tips for Maximizing Playlisting Opportunities
- Metadata Matters: Ensure your song titles, ISRCs, and credits are accurate and consistent.
- Engage Your Audience: Organic growth can often catch the eye of playlist curators.
- Leverage Distributors: Some, like DistroKid or Amuse, offer direct pitching to DSPs.
- Build Relationships: Follow curators on social media, engage authentically, and network.
- Release Strategically: Drop music with a rollout plan, including visual assets and press.
Diversify to Amplify
Relying solely on Spotify in 2025 is like putting all your musical eggs in one digital basket. While it remains crucial, smart independent artists are recognizing the value of playlisting opportunities across Apple Music, Deezer, TIDAL, and beyond.
By diversifying your approach and targeting platforms where your genre thrives, you create multiple discovery funnels, reduce competition, and significantly improve your chances of breaking through.