The Secret Hack That Took My Streams from 100 to 10,000 Overnight

Why You’re Not Doing It Yet?

As a musician, there’s nothing more frustrating than pouring your heart into a song, releasing it to the world, and seeing the numbers barely move. It’s not just disheartening—it’s a wake-up call. That was me not too long ago: streaming numbers in the double digits, wondering why no one was listening. But one simple change turned it all around. Overnight, my streams shot from 100 to 10,000—and I’m here to tell you exactly how I did it (and why you’re probably not doing it yet).

Let’s dive in.

The Mistake Most Musicians Are Making

The biggest mistake I made—and the one I see most musicians making—is this: I was focused on releasing music, not marketing it. I thought putting out good music was enough, that people would naturally discover it. The harsh reality? In today’s oversaturated digital world, even great music can get buried.

If you’re not actively marketing your music, you’re relying on luck—and luck doesn’t get streams.

The Secret Hack: Leveraging Playlists

Here’s the game-changer: Playlists are the key to unlocking serious streams.

Think about it—when you open Spotify or Apple Music, where do you go to discover new music? Playlists. Whether it’s editorial playlists, algorithm-driven ones like “Discover Weekly,” or even user-curated lists, playlists are where people find their next favorite song. And if your music isn’t landing on playlists, you’re missing out on thousands of potential listeners.

This realization flipped everything for me. Once I shifted my focus to getting on the right playlists, my streams took off.

How I Did It

Here’s exactly how I made it happen:

1. Start with Smaller, Independent Playlists

I didn’t aim for the big editorial playlists right away. Instead, I found independent playlist curators—people who build and manage playlists with solid followings. These curators are often more approachable than you think.

What I Did:

Searched for playlists in my genre with active listeners (at least a few hundred followers).
Reached out directly through social media or email, introducing myself and my music.
Made it easy for them: I included a short, personal message and a link to my song.

2. Optimize My Profile and Music for Playlists

Your Spotify or Apple Music profile isn’t just a page—it’s your digital storefront. I made sure mine was ready to impress.

What I Did:

Updated my bio with a clear, professional description.
Added high-quality images and links to social media.
Ensured my song titles, artwork, and descriptions were polished and aligned with my brand.

Playlists are about discovery, and you want people to stick around once they’ve found you.

3. Submit to Editorial Playlists Through Spotify for Artists

Once my streams started building, I submitted directly to Spotify’s editorial playlists. Through Spotify for Artists, I pitched my song to their team, focusing on why it would resonate with their audience.

Pro Tip: When submitting, include details about the song’s inspiration, mood, and any promotional efforts you’re making.

Why You’re Not Doing This Yet

So why aren’t more musicians leveraging playlists like this? Here are the three biggest reasons:

You Don’t Know Where to Start
Finding the right playlists can feel overwhelming. But the truth is, a little research goes a long way. Start with smaller, independent playlists before working your way up to the bigger ones.
You’re Afraid to Reach Out
It’s easy to assume curators won’t respond, but many are open to discovering new artists. Craft a genuine, short message and don’t overthink it.
You’re Not Treating Your Music Like a Business
This is a big one. Marketing isn’t just for companies—it’s for musicians too. Treat your music like a product that deserves to be seen, heard, and valued.

Take Action Today

If you want to see real growth in your streams, you need to make playlists a core part of your strategy. Start by finding smaller curators in your genre and reaching out. Polish your profile to make a strong first impression, and don’t forget to use tools like Spotify for Artists to pitch to editorial teams.

This hack isn’t about luck—it’s about taking control of your music’s visibility. Once you start treating playlists like the powerful tool they are, your streams can skyrocket too.

The secret’s out—now it’s your move.

Take my free quiz, “Is Your Music Career Digital-Ready?”, and let’s find out where you stand in today’s ever-changing digital music scene. In just a few quick questions, you’ll uncover your strengths, pinpoint areas for improvement, and get insights to help you level up your presence in the digital world.