Let’s be real—getting organic plays on Spotify isn’t easy in a sea of millions of tracks. But the good news? It’s totally possible to grow your streams without paid promotion if you have the right strategy, consistency, and a little creativity.
Here’s your guide to getting more organic Spotify plays and turning casual listeners into loyal fans.
What Are Organic Plays on Spotify?
Organic plays come from real people finding and streaming your music without the use of ads or bots. These plays typically come from:
Search results
Spotify algorithmic playlists (e.g. Discover Weekly)
Editorial playlists
User-curated playlists
Social sharing (TikTok, Instagram, etc.)
Organic plays = sustainable growth and better long-term success.
10 Tips to Get More Organic Spotify Plays
1. Release Music Consistently
The algorithm favors artists who stay active. Releasing music consistently (even if it’s just singles or remixes) keeps you in front of listeners and on Spotify’s radar.
Goal: Drop something new every 4–6 weeks.
2. Use Spotify for Artists to Pitch Editorial Playlists
Every time you release a track, submit it to Spotify’s editors via Spotify for Artists. Do this at least 7 days before release.
Fill in every field—genre, mood, instrumentation
Add a compelling pitch description
✅ Make it easy for curators to understand your sound
A single playlist placement can skyrocket your organic streams.
3. Optimize Your Artist Profile
Before anyone hits play, they often check your profile. Make sure it’s worth the click:
High-quality artist photo and banner
Bio that shares your story and vibe
Social media links and merch
Pin your newest or best-performing track
A polished profile converts curious visitors into actual listeners.
4. Create and Promote Your Own Playlists
Why wait to be added to playlists when you can make your own?
Build themed playlists that include your tracks and similar artists
Share them on social media and tag the other artists
Keep updating them to stay active in Spotify’s ecosystem
If your playlist gains traction, so does your music.
5. Leverage Short-Form Video Platforms
TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts are massive traffic drivers for Spotify. One catchy 10-second clip can send thousands of listeners your way.
Try:
Song previews
Vibes or aesthetic videos using your track
Storytelling about the lyrics or process
Fan challenges
Include your Spotify link in your bio or pinned comments.
6. Ask Fans to Save, Share, and Add Your Song
These actions signal to Spotify that people love your track. At the end of a video or post, say something like:
“If you like this, save it on Spotify—it helps a ton!”
“Add this to your late-night playlist 🔥”
“Share this with a friend who needs to hear it.”
Even small engagement boosts add up fast.
7. Tell a Story Around Your Release
People love stories. Use content to share:
The meaning behind the lyrics
What inspired the song
Behind-the-scenes clips from the studio
Fan reactions or duets
The more emotionally connected fans feel, the more they’ll stream, save, and share.
8. Tap into Niche Communities
Your music doesn’t need to go viral—it just needs to reach the right audience. Share your songs in:
Reddit threads (like r/ListenToThis or r/MusicPromotion)
Facebook groups for indie or genre-specific artists
Niche Discord communities
Fan forums
Find your tribe, and your streams will grow.
9. Collaborate With Other Indie Artists
Team up with other artists in your genre. Collabs can:
Expand your reach to new audiences
Trigger Spotify’s algorithm to group your fanbases
Create hype around new releases
Plus, it’s fun and builds your network.
10. Watch Your Stats and Adapt
Use Spotify for Artists to monitor:
Where your streams are coming from
Which songs are being saved or skipped
How often you’re getting on playlists
This helps you double down on what works and pivot when needed.
Bonus Tip: Don’t Buy Streams—It Hurts You
Buying plays might look good short-term, but it kills long-term growth:
Lowers your engagement rate
Triggers red flags in Spotify’s system
Can get you removed from playlists (or worse—banned)
Always focus on real fans and real plays. Organic growth is slower—but way more powerful.
Final Thoughts
If you stay consistent, keep your content fresh, and focus on connecting with real listeners, you’ll start seeing your organic plays rise. Remember, it’s not just about chasing numbers—it’s about building something lasting.
Start with one strategy from this list, build momentum, and watch your audience grow.
