Spotify has become one of the top music streaming platforms, with over 400 million monthly active users. For artists and record labels, having your music discovered on Spotify can make or break your career. But with over 70 million tracks on Spotify, standing out is a huge challenge. In this post, I’ll share 5 proven growth hacks to explode your Spotify plays this year. Implement these strategies to take your music to the next level in 2024.

Hack 1: Optimize Your Artist Profile

The first step is ensuring your Spotify artist profile looks professional and complete. Add an attractive artist photo, bio, links to your website/socials and playlists featuring your discography. Make it easy for new listeners to check out your music and learn more about you. Customize your profile to communicate your brand identity. Also, claim your artist page through Spotify for Artists so you can access data analytics. An optimized profile makes you look established and gives listeners confidence to hit play.

Hack 2: Pitch Playlists Related to Your Genre

Getting added to popular Spotify playlists related to your genre is key for new listeners. Curate a list of relevant user-generated and editorial playlists that align with your style. Then politely pitch the playlists’ owners – explain why your song fits their vibe. Tools like submithub can streamline this outreach. Landing spots on big playlists exposes your music to engaged new audiences already listening to similar artists.

Hack 3: Use Spotify Codes and Canvas

Leverage built-in Spotify promotional tools like Spotify Codes and Canvas. Spotify Codes create scannable QR-style codes that make it easy for fans to follow you or add your song. Include your Spotify Code creatively on your website, merch, social media and real-world promotional material. Canvas allows you to add video-style visuals to tracks to make them more engaging and shareable. Strategically use Codes and Canvas to boost plays.

Hack 4: Run Targeted Audio/Video Ads

Running paid Spotify and social media ads can rapidly expand your listeners. Use Spotify’s self-serve Ad Studio to run audio ads targeting music fans based on their listening data and interests. Or create social video ads spotlighting your song clips and branding. Geotarget areas where your streams are already picking up to double down on momentum. Allocate a reasonable ad budget to amplify your reach and plays cost-effectively.

Hack 5: Promote New Releases Cross-Platform

When releasing fresh music, blitz promote across all platforms. Share your Spotify link prominently on your Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, website and elsewhere. Ask colleagues, brands and influencers in your network to help announce the release too. Consider buying Spotify plays from authentic accounts via vendors like buyInstantViews to ignite initial momentum on new tracks. Cross-promoting builds buzz that converges new listeners back to your Spotify.

Conclusion:

Implementing these 5 growth hacks can significantly increase your Spotify plays, followers and authority in 2024. There are many potential strategies, but these tactics should be the foundation of your plan.

First, focus intensely on optimizing every aspect of your Spotify artist profile – your photo, bio, playlists, links, etc. Think of your profile as a storefront – you want it to look as polished and professional as possible to instill confidence in potential listeners.

Second, consistently pitch your music to Spotify playlists that fit your genre and style. Getting added to relevant user and editorial playlists exposes your songs to whole new audiences already engaged with similar music. This can be a primary driver of new plays.

Finally, don’t neglect leveraging other promotional tactics like Spotify’s built-in Canvas and Spotify Codes features, targeted audio/video ads, and cross-promoting your new releases everywhere possible – email lists, social media, collaborations with other artists, and so on. Persistently releasing quality music is also key.

With this well-rounded marketing approach, your Spotify presence is sure to gain significant momentum this year in terms of plays, followers and authority. But it takes diligence – set milestones and stick to this plan for optimal results. Your Spotify growth in 2024 is in your hands!

FAQ:

What metadata should you include for Spotify?

Relevant genres, moods and tags to help fans find your music. Write an SEO-optimized description highlighting your hit songs. Include credits songwriters, producers etc.

How important are Spotify playlists for artists?

Critical for discovery. Getting on big mood and genre playlists exposes you to their followers. Curate a list of playlists that fit your style to pitch.

How can artists engage fans on Spotify?

Create playlists featuring different eras and genres. Update playlists with new releases. Follow users who favorite your music. Share behind-the-scenes content via Canvas. Reply to listeners. Offer exclusives to top Spotify fans.

Should I pay for Spotify plays?

Buying a small number of real Spotify plays from a trusted provider like buySpotifyplays can give your new release an initial push. But artificial inflation won’t lead to sustained growth – focus on quality music, promotion and playlisting.

What are best practices for pitching my music to Spotify playlists?

Listen to playlists first to ensure fit. Pitch via email with a personalized note – no spamming. Include your genre, bio, links. Politely follow up once. Accept rejection gracefully. Build relationships over time. Offer new releases, exclusives. Provide assets like photos.

How often should artists release new music on Spotify?

Ideally every 4-8 weeks with singles/EPs to stay active. But quality over quantity – don’t rush projects. Promote releases in campaigns over multiple weeks. Balance with older catalog; curate playlists. Release consistently but avoid oversaturating fans.

How can I get more Spotify followers as an artist?

Optimize profile, run follower campaigns, cross-promote new releases. Engage followers by replying to messages, sharing exclusives. Get on popular playlists to gain new listeners. Play live shows and promote your Spotify handle. Collaborate with artists with bigger followings. Offer special perks for top fans.