Step 12 of 13 · Grow

Promotion & discovery

Promotion is where most of the work is. The durable channels: pitch editorial + independent playlists (via Spotify for Artists and tools like SubmitHub), drive short-form video (TikTok/Reels/Shorts) around your hook, optionally run small ads, and tap communities — including AI-music-friendly ones. For AI artists, leaning into AI-friendly communities and a chart that welcomes AI (like our AI Music Billboard) avoids the friction some general playlists still have with AI tracks.

The steps

  1. 1Pitch Spotify editorial via Spotify for Artists at least 7 days before release (it also helps Release Radar).
  2. 2Pitch independent playlists/curators (e.g. SubmitHub) — expect a low, honest acceptance rate.
  3. 3Post 3–5 short vertical clips around your hook; reply to every comment early.
  4. 4Submit your track to a welcoming chart for built-in discovery and shareable momentum.
  5. 5Optionally run small, targeted ads once a clip is already converting organically.
🤖 AI path

Some general playlists are wary of AI; AI-friendly communities and an AI-welcoming chart give you a fairer first audience.

🎤 Indie path

The full editorial/curator/short-form playbook; same channels, fewer AI questions.

🔗 Where they meet

Short-form video around the hook is the #1 discovery driver for everyone right now.

The verdict

Short-form video around your hook plus honest playlist pitching is the core of music promotion in 2026 — and AI artists get a fairer first audience on AI-welcoming charts and communities.

Submit to the AI Music Billboard →