Cast your mind back to the pre-steaming age. 

Before the age of streaming, music lovers curated their favourite tracks by burning CDs or recording cassettes. Creating playlists is a tradition that has seamlessly transitioned into the digital era, with platforms like Spotify making it quicker and easier.

Despite Spotify's evolution, its core function remains the same: assembling songs into groups that reflect personal favourites or capture a specific vibe. Playlists can be thematic, mood-based, or even inspired by TV shows. Today, it’s common to find playlists with precise criteria.

And it’s not just for you. Spotify not only allows but actively encourages users to share their playlists. Sharing music can be a deeply social experience, especially when others enjoy your selections. 

In the 21st century, anything that can be shared and followed can be monetised, and playlists are no exception.

If you love music and enjoy curating playlists, you can turn that passion into profit. With the right skills and techniques, you can create valuable playlists eligible for monetisation.

First things first…

Growing your Spotify playlist

Create a great public playlist

This may sound obvious, but ensure your settings are public, not private.

While your mind starts racing with song combinations, keep a few points in mind: 

• Define a consistent theme. Your playlist’s theme can be anything but it must remain consistent and coherent to attract and retain listeners. 

• Prioritise quality over quantity. A shorter, well-curated playlist is often more appealing than a lengthy one. Choose high-quality tracks that fit the theme.

• Highlight the best tracks. Place the most compelling songs at the top. These tracks are the first listeners will see and hear, making them crucial for engagement.

⁠But most of all, enjoy the process. Music is about emotion. If you focus too much on perfection, you might lose the passion that makes your playlist unique. Enjoyment should always come first.

Brand your playlist correctly

Branding your playlist is crucial for attracting and retaining listeners. A well-branded playlist stands out and communicates its theme and mood. 

1. Choose an Engaging Title:
   Your playlist's title should be catchy and descriptive. It should give potential listeners an immediate sense of what to expect. Avoid generic titles like "My Playlist" or "Top Hits." Instead, opt for something more specific and appealing like "Chill Vibes for a Rainy Day" or "Ultimate Workout Mix."

2. Craft a Compelling Description:
   The description provides an opportunity to elaborate on the playlist's theme. Explain the mood or setting the playlist is perfect for, mention any unique aspects, or highlight a few standout tracks and artists.

3. Select a Fitting Cover Image:
   The cover image is the first thing listeners see, so it should be visually appealing and relevant to your playlist's theme. 

4. Maintain Consistency:
   Consistency in branding helps in creating a recognisable identity. This means aligning your playlist's title, description, and cover image. They should all reflect the same theme and mood, creating a cohesive brand.

5. Utilise Keywords:
   Incorporate relevant keywords in your title and description to improve discoverability. Think about what terms potential listeners might search for and include them naturally in your branding.

Update the playlist regularly

Regular updates are essential to keep your playlist fresh and engaging. 

1. Stay Current with New Releases:
   Music is constantly evolving, with new songs released daily. Keep an eye on new releases from popular artists and emerging talent. 

2. Set a Regular Update Schedule:
   Decide on a regular interval for updating your playlist, whether it’s weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly. Weekly is ideal. 

3. Monitor Listener Feedback and Engagement:
   Pay attention to which songs get the most plays and which ones are being skipped. Use this data to inform your updates.

4. Add a Mix of Popular and Lesser-Known Tracks:
   While it’s important to include popular tracks that listeners know and love, introducing lesser-known gems can make your playlist unique. This mix keeps the playlist interesting and may introduce listeners to new favourite artists.

5. Revise the Order of Songs:
   Periodically change the order of tracks to refresh the listening experience. Leading with new additions or top-performing tracks can re-engage listeners who might have grown accustomed to the previous order.

Promote your playlist

Once your playlist is well-curated and regularly updated, it’s time to promote it. 

Share it with friends, family, and on social media. For broader reach, consider investing in paid advertising through platforms like Meta and TikTok. These promotions can significantly increase your playlist's visibility and follower count.

How to monetise your playlist

Understanding the logic behind playlist monetisation is essential. 

Once your playlist generates a large, organic following, it becomes an attractive asset to artists seeking exposure. What you need most is a loyal community of listeners.

However, remember that paying for playlist placement violates Spotify’s terms of service. Instead, curators are paid to review new songs and provide honest feedback. Guaranteed placement cannot be bought.

So where to begin? 

DailyPlaylists can help you monetise your playlists

DailyPlaylists offers a platform to monetise your playlists. By registering, you open your playlist to submissions from artists.

There are two submission tiers: 

• Standard Submission: A free marketplace for artists to connect with playlist owners. 

• Premium Submissions: Where monetisation comes in. This tier is for curators with high-quality playlists that have genuine engagement.

If you’re sat there thinking “Hey, I have a high-quality playlist,” you’re at the right place. To apply for monetisation, your playlist should:

• Have at least 1,000 followers

• Show consistent engagement. 

• Be updated regularly, roughly every week. 

• Have a maximum of 135 songs to encourage active listening.

That’s it! 

If your playlist meets these criteria, you can apply to become a Premium curator here. 

And there you have it. 

If you have a playlist worth sharing, consider monetisation. Just remember to keep it authentic and avoid using bots. Passion and genuine engagement are key to building a successful, monetised playlist on Spotify.