Spotify playlists fall into three categories: editorial (curated by Spotify’s staff), personalized (algorithm-driven), and user-made.
Editorial playlists highlight hits, new releases, genres, or moods, similar to how radio DJs select tracks.

Spotify’s curators, part of global editorial teams since 2014, act as “gatekeepers.” They use a mix of musical expertise, cultural knowledge, and streaming data to decide which songs fit each playlist. Criteria include theme fit, quality, timeliness, and audience potential. Editorial choices cannot be bought—placements are not for sale.

Some editorial playlists are personalized hybrids: curators create a large pool of songs, and algorithms tailor selections for each listener.

Artists and labels can pitch unreleased songs at least a week before launch through Spotify for Artists. Curators value additional details (genre, mood, release plans), and a strong artist profile with biography and images improves credibility.

Spotify stresses that both famous and new artists are included, with some playlists dedicated to emerging talent. Editorial placement can boost visibility, spark algorithmic recommendations, increase streams across an artist’s catalog, and even attract label interest.

Playlists are local and global: editors worldwide surface regional music but also share discoveries across markets. Updates vary—some lists refresh weekly (e.g., New Music Friday), while others change less frequently.

Ultimately, editorial playlists are designed to deliver high-quality, engaging listening experiences that match moods, activities, and cultural moments, while connecting fans with both established and rising artists.

You can pitch unreleased songs to Spotify’s Editorial playlists through the Spotify for Artists platform:
https://artists.spotify.com/