How to Grow on Spotify?

Did you know that Spotify has over 100 million tracks and more than 60,000 daily uploads? Despite this, many musicians and podcasters struggle to grow on Spotify, which can be traced to the increasing competition on the platform. However, with over 761 million monthly active users, Spotify still gives you many opportunities to reach your desired audience.

By applying the right strategies, you can gain more streams, followers, and even algorithm recommendations on Spotify, and we will show you how to do that in this article.

Key Takeaway

• To grow on Spotify, optimize your artist profile to make a strong first impression.
• Focus on the first 72 hours after release to boost algorithm visibility.
• Encourage listeners to save your tracks, not just stream them.
• Promote your music consistently on TikTok and YouTube.
• Collaborate with similar artists to reach new Spotify audiences.

10 Proven Ways to Grow on Spotify in 2026

The following are practical strategies that many creators have used to improve their performance on Spotify: 

1. Optimize Your Spotify for Artists Profile

Your profile is the first thing every new listener sees. An incomplete page can cost you potential followers fast, while a great profile turns casual Spotify listeners into loyal followers. To do this, you need to first verify your Spotify for Artists profile. 

Upload a pro photo and a header banner that match your new releases, then write a short bio with keywords such as your genre and sound. Look at @Rex Orange County, for example. He uses a clean photo and a bio saying “indie pop, bedroom recordings.” He also pins his latest album right at the top!

2. Release New Music Every 4–6 Weeks

Putting out new music is the best way to wake up the Spotify algorithm. It helps you show up on algorithmic playlists like Release Radar and reach new listeners. Try to release music like a single, EP, or acoustic track every 4 to 6 weeks. Mixing up your release strategy helps you stay busy without burning out.

For example, @Clairo grew her monthly listeners massively and landed on algorithmic playlists by dropping tracks often. A simple remix triggers the same algorithmic push as a brand-new original song.

3. Focus on the First 72 Hours After Release

The first 72 hours after a release are the most vital time for your track. Spotify tests your song with a small crowd to see how they react. You need to start by planning a massive push for day one. Send emails, post on social media platforms, and pitch to playlist curators fast. Everything must go live in the first 24 hours!

Many successful artists use tools like Spotify Ad Studio for targeted ads. This proves to the Spotify algorithm that the song is an instant hit. You just need to make sure to keep announcing the release throughout those 72 hours for better results.

4. Ask Your New Listeners to Save Your Tracks and Not Just Stream Them

Getting more streams is fun, but streams alone are not the strongest signal for the app. Saves happen when someone clicks the heart icon. This shows true, deep interest. All you have to do is tell fans to save your track in every social media post and email. If you want to know how to get more Spotify saves, just ask them during live shows.

A solid Spotify saves strategy is to explain why it helps you. Tell them how these saves show their support for your music, and also boost your streams. This will help potential listeners understand how much their quick click supports your music journey. However, remember to keep your explanation simple and natural.

5. Pitch to Independent Playlist Curators

Another easy way to grow on Spotify is to get your tracks on independent playlists. Unlike Spotify editorial playlists, which tend to favor established artists, these ones do not care about your own playlists or past fame. 

Use handy sites like SubmitHub or Groover, and these platforms help you find verified playlist curators in your specific music genre. Pitching to them is quick and easy. You can write a short pitch that introduces yourself and explains your vibe. 

Getting these playlist adds on user-generated playlists means your song reaches fresh ears and active Spotify users instantly.

6. Submit to Spotify Editorial Playlists via Spotify for Artists

The Spotify for Artists platform has a pitch tool that gives every single artist a direct line to Spotify’s editorial team. A good pitch can add thousands of fans to your track overnight. Although the platform does not offer any guarantees, not trying means instantly excluding yourself.

To pitch your track, log in to your Spotify artist profile. Go to upcoming releases and click ‘Pitch to Editors’. Fill out the mood, genre, and the fun story behind your song. After submitting your track for consideration, continue promoting it on your own while keeping your fingers crossed for positive news.

7. Collaborate With Other Artists to Get More Spotify Streams

Working with other artists is one of the quickest ways to reach exciting new audiences. When you team up, you share each other’s fans and gain more listeners easily. This strategy works even better if they have a slightly larger following than you do.

Find similar artists in your genre who have a matching or slightly bigger fanbase. Ask them to do a feature, co-write a song, or even record a joint EP together.

Look at Novo Amor & Ed Tullett, for example. They are two indie folk artists who teamed up perfectly. They co-released a full collaborative album titled “Heiress” in 2017 and grew their streams.

8. Promote Your Spotify Profile Across All Platforms

When people visit your Spotify artist page from places like TikTok, YouTube, or even email newsletters, Spotify notices. This outside traffic shows the app that people really want to hear your music, and it is all the more reason to actively promote your Spotify profile. 

To get started, share your Spotify codes and links on all your social media. Right now, short-form content on TikTok stories is the absolute best way to drive traffic. You can make fun, catchy videos using your own songs as the sound. This marketing strategy helps you attract new fans from outside the app and bring them directly to your profile.

9. Engage With Fans Through Spotify Artist Pick and Q&A

Spotify for Artists gives you awesome built-in tools like ‘Artist pick’ to chat with your fans, helping you easily turn casual listeners into super loyal fans who love your music. You can also use social media Q&A to build your community alongside. 

Start by updating your Artist Pick whenever you drop a new song. Use the Fans First feature to give your best fans early access to fun things like tickets and cool merch. For example, @Hozier uses his Artist Pick all the time to guide every new visitor straight to his newest release.

10. Boost Your Spotify Plays and Monthly Listeners to Reach New Audiences

Starting out on Spotify or even Apple Music is hard when the algorithm ignores tracks with no plays. It is a tough cycle for any new Spotify artist trying to find an audience, and getting early momentum is key. This is where you can buy Spotify monthly listeners and plays to break the cycle, as it gives your track the initial push it needs to be popular and active.

By buying plays or monthly listeners, you increase your social proof, which further boosts your Spotify growth and attracts more listeners. It also increases your chances of being added to Spotify playlists and user-generated playlists.

Ready to Grow on Spotify?

Releasing high-quality music is impressive, but this doesn’t automatically guarantee how to grow on Spotify. It is a heavily crowded platform where many songs tend to disappear and never reach their true potential.

The good thing is that you can go the extra mile to give yourself a shot at success. Verify your Spotify account and maximize your social media with targeted ads and consistent posts. Also, collaborate with other artists and consider buying Spotify plays and listeners for an added advantage.

FAQs

1. How Long Does It Take to Grow on Spotify?

It takes a few weeks to several years. It all depends on your music quality, consistency, and good promotion.

2. How Often Should I Release Music on Spotify to Keep Growing?

You should release new music every 4 to 6 weeks. This keeps you visible and attracts many new listeners.

3. Does Posting On TikTok Really Help Spotify’s Growth?

Yes! TikTok videos make songs go viral fast. This makes users search for your track and stream it on Spotify.