If you want to grow, boost, or increase the number of streams you get on Spotify, there is actually a way you can use the Spotify algorithm to get free streams.
To get free streams in 2023, artists need to catch the Spotify algorithm’s attention. If your song starts getting lots of listens and saves, the algorithm will notice. Then, it might put your song in playlists like Release Radar, Discover Weekly, and Radio. This helps your music reach more listeners without you having to pay for promotion.
In addition to algorithmic playlists, Spotify will reward artists by giving them the opportunity to get free streams from Spotify’s editorial playlists.
Getting your song placed on one of these playlists means your song will get shown to thousands of new listeners who are similar to your current listeners.
..so how can you learn how to leverage the algorithm to get free streams yourself?
Simply keep on reading to find out, my friend. 🙂
Is Spotify a Good Place to Reach a Million Streams?
Spotify is popular for musicians looking to share their music and gain a global audience. It’s especially useful for independent artists and those just starting out. But here’s the thing – success on Spotify doesn’t happen overnight. Musicians need to put in some effort to increase their monthly listeners and get more streams on Spotify. This is true not only for Spotify but for other streaming platforms too.
Many artists do not know where to start or what steps to take to make a significant impact. They need help with increasing their play count and building a dedicated fanbase. If you want to learn how to make the most of Spotify and become a successful artist on the platform, keep reading!
How To Increase Spotify Streams With Free Streams
The main goal of the Spotify algorithm is to suggest songs that people will enjoy, so they stay longer on the Spotify app.
When users spend more time on Spotify, the company can make more money. So, when the algorithm sees a song getting lots of listeners, saves, and followers for the artist, it makes sense for Spotify to recommend that song to similar listeners.
You can benefit from these free streams by learning how to consistently send people to your Spotify profile who are likely to:
- Save that song at a high rate (40% of listeners or higher)
- Listen to that song repeatedly (1.8x on average or higher)
- Add that song to one of their own playlists
Spotify’s algorithm monitors millions of data points like this to make connections and assumptions to determine what song to recommend to each Spotify user and when.
However, it is important to understand that the Spotify algorithm does this by collecting data on and off of their service.
Free Streams = The Key To Getting 1,000,000 Spotify Streams
If you want to get 1,000,000 streams on Spotify, you will need all the help you can get – and that includes learning how to get free streams.
Whether you get the help of a course or not, you will need to take these steps to reach your goal:
- Understand how you can use the Spotify algorithm to increase your streams, royalties, and fans
- Craft a Social Media Plan you can be proud of that is both effective and laid back to implement
- Streamline the process of creating content for social media posts and marketing campaigns.
- Create Smart Link website landing pages that will grow your streams
- Prepare your first release to go live on Spotify
- Successfully pitch your song to the Spotify editors
- Easily create the assets for your first campaign
- Schedule ads and social media posts for your first release campaign
- Run your first release campaign with no stress
- Analyze and optimize your release’s results to boost Spotify streams, fans, and listeners with each song you release
Finding success on Spotify is more than just increasing stream counts.
It’s also about branding, social media, web presence, building momentum (or “buzz”), and, most importantly – having an active and growing fanbase of real, genuine music lovers who actually care about you and what you do.
So, let’s take a closer look at how you can actually attract listeners to your Spotify profile.
How To Get More Spotify Listeners & Streams
You need to drive people to your Spotify profile so that they can see and stream your latest release and easily follow your profile.
Here are a few ways you can do this:
- Get on other Spotify playlists.
- Create your own Spotify playlists.
- Run ads using Facebook ads, Instagram ads, Google ads, etc.
- Use social media.
In my experience in getting 1,000,000 Spotify streams 2.5 times, an integral tactic that I am able to control and see positive key metrics on new releases is by running Facebook and Instagram ads.
However, you can use any tactic you’d like as long as you can ensure your song hits the key metrics.
For every new release, the Spotify algorithm is looking for a few key metrics in addition to the number of streams your song is getting, including:
Save Rate – How many of your listeners are actually saving your song?
Listen Rate – How often (on average) are your listeners listening to your song?
Playlist Adds – How many people are adding your songs to their own playlists?
New Followers – How many people follow your Spotify artist profile during the release of your song?
In addition, you can keep track of your Spotify Popularity Index and aim to get between 20% and 30% or higher.
Although Facebook ads alone can’t get you to 1,000,000 Spotify streams – learning the fundamental components of creating a thriving and active fanbase is also a requirement – they can be extremely effective for growing your free Spotify listeners and streams.
Facebook Ads For Spotify Streams & Followers
Facebook ads are an effective tool for growing Spotify streams and followers because they provide in-depth targeting options, flexible budgeting, and an algorithm that can optimize itself to get the most results for the lowest cost possible.
More specifically, Facebook and Instagram ads for musicians have a powerful feature called Custom and Lookalike audiences that you can use to get even more results for lower costs.
This is a basic explanation of how it works:
- Facebook has a feature called “Custom Audiences” where you can group people who interact with your content.
- After that, you can show them ads again, and it usually costs less than getting their attention initially.
- You can also use Facebook’s clever system to find “Lookalike Audiences,” which are over a million people who resemble those in your Custom Audiences.
All this means that you have the power to send highly targeted listeners over to your Spotify profile and then leverage the Facebook algorithm to find more of those people for less over time so that you increase your chances of tripping the Spotify algorithm to find you even more of those people for free.
This is why Facebook ads are so popular for artists, musicians, and producers looking to grow on Spotify: You can use the Facebook algorithm to trigger the Spotify algorithm to get free streams and listeners.
If you would like to learn exactly how to do this yourself, check out this new video that reveals how to get 1,000,000 Spotify streams in 28 days.
How To Make Something (Finally) Happen With Your Music
If you’ve been putting in any amount of time and money into your music, you probably want something to happen with your music and for all that hard work and effort actually to pay off.
To make something finally happen with your music, there are a few skills that you need to learn.
These skills include:
- Learning how to gain fans, listeners, and streams on your Spotify artist profile
- How to make the Spotify algorithm work for you
- How to grow a real and loyal fanbase for your music
The key here really is fans, and you actually don’t have to do this alone.
It is possible to “hack” Spotify’s algorithm to put your music in front of fans who listen to similar artists, songs, and genres to you.
Although these are essentially free streams from Spotify, it does take work and effort to trigger the Spotify algorithm so that it starts recommending your music.
You also want to do it very specifically so that Spotify recommends the right fans over to your music. This means:
- No paying for streams
- Getting on playlists without having to pay
- No tricking people into streaming your music
If you aren’t excited about creating a real, valuable, long-term career in music, then Spotify Success really isn’t for you.
How I Personally Got To 1 Million Streams On Spotify
It’s taken a long time. A very, very long time. But.. It’s been extremely worth it.
17 years ago, I got my very first guitar, a sick Squier Stratocaster in sunburst (that I’d later bust up quite a bit in my Nirvana phase), that started my life as a musician.
This led to countless bands, live shows to usually five people (aka our parents and girlfriends), recording sessions, G.A.S. attacks, MySpace pages, and failed projects.
It took 17 whole years, but I finally got what I always wanted since I was a 13-year-old kid….
It was a simple sliver of proof that I wasn’t crazy to be so obsessed with music and that I could actually make my passion for music my life.
Fast forward to today:
- Over 3.5 million streams
- 15+ official Spotify editorial placements
- Support from big-time artists like Martin Garrix and Foals
- Real, living, and breathing human beings reaching out saying that they dig my music
I’ve learned so much along the way, made too many mistakes, and probably spent too much money and too much time.
…And if you’re reading this right now, I’m happy to have the chance to be able to share all of those years of knowledge with you so you don’t need to go through the same struggles that I did.
But, enough about me…
How to get more streams on Spotify?
Here are some valuable tips that have proven effective for numerous artists I’ve collaborated with in achieving the milestone of 1 million organic streams on Spotify. Continue reading to learn how to grow your fan base and attract new listeners daily.
Claiming Your Spotify Artist Profile
The first step to boost your Spotify streams is to sign up for Spotify For Artists and take control of your profile. Once you’re in, Spotify offers a bunch of useful tools for artists. They have social media sharing options, embeddable players, and even Spotify Ad Studio. Plus, you can dive into your Spotify stats, like your followers and stream numbers.
With Spotify For Artists, you can also add your tracks to Spotify playlists, which is a big deal.
Update Your Spotify Profile:
Is your Spotify profile looking its best? Make sure you’ve got:
- Great profile pictures
- An engaging bio
- Links to your social media
- An artist pick
- Your own playlists
Think of Spotify as your main social media platform. When someone checks out your profile, you want them to stick around. So, keep your Spotify profile fresh and interesting. Use it to connect with your fans and build your brand.
Promote Your Spotify Music Everywhere:
Every artist understands the importance of building a strong presence on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. Engaging with fans, creating exceptional content, and nurturing your audience are crucial. Make your Spotify account link visible in your Instagram bio, YouTube comments, email signature, band’s bio, social media stories, Facebook banner, and your website with a pre-save button.
Harness the Power of Social Media to Promote Your Spotify Music:
Social media has become a vital component of achieving success in the music industry. Utilizing your existing followers to gain more streams through cross-promotion is a savvy strategy. Instead of solely pursuing more followers and streams, aim to attract genuine fans who will provide ongoing support for your music endeavors. Encourage followers to like, share, and tag your songs. Be authentic and engaging, focusing on building genuine fan support.
Use Twitter to Promote Your Music:
Twitter, now called X, is like a big party where everyone talks about the latest music trends. Most of the popular topics on X are about music. So, if you’re a musician, it’s the right place for you. Famous people in the music world are on X, sharing their music and talking to fans.
To do well on X, follow these tips:
- Create short and interesting posts.
- Share links strategically.
- Connect with accounts that share your interests.
- Make your profile look good.
- Try live sessions or Twitter Spaces.
- Be active on X.
- Use hashtags related to your content.
- See how well you’re doing by checking your performance.
These tips can help you make the most of X if you’re a musician.
Music Forums and Blogs:
Think of music blogs as online hangout spots where people discuss the latest songs and artists. They’re platforms where writers, critics, and fans share their thoughts on music, covering everything from album reviews to artist interviews and music videos.
- Discover New Music
- In-Depth Insights
- Community Connections
Show Behind the Scenes:
Fans enjoy learning about the creative process. Sharing insights about how a song was made or what inspired it can create a closer connection with your audience.
Sharing your music-making journey can make fans feel more connected to you.
Spotify and Facebook Ads:
Boosting your Spotify audience can be done by advertising directly on the platform. Spotify ads can reach millions and offer reliable results. You can run various ad types to engage with listeners, such as audio, mobile display, and standard ads.
Facebook ads are also effective for spreading the word about your music. You can target relevant listeners and improve your chances with the Spotify algorithm, all at a lower cost.
Email Promotion:
Despite social media dominance, email remains a potent tool. It allows you to promote your music, merchandise directly, and more to your fans.
Sending newsletters with new music releases can engage your audience and encourage them to listen, like, share, and follow.
Importance of Spotify Playlists:
Playlists drive most Spotify streams and are a quick way to connect with potential fans. Securing a spot on a popular Spotify playlist is crucial for music growth.
Creating your own artist playlist and adding your tracks to playlists with similar-sounding artists can help attract listeners to your profile.
Connect with Other Artists:
Networking with fellow artists is vital for music promotion. Building trust with other musicians can lead to cross-promotion and collaboration opportunities.
Find musicians in your genre or those with a similar fan base, engage in music discussions, and show support for their work.
Building Excitement for Release Dates:
While it’s tempting to release your music immediately due to excitement, taking a strategic approach is essential. Consider the importance of building momentum and anticipation:
- Finalizing the mix may take several weeks; use this time to plan your release strategy and create engaging content for social media.
- Momentum is key to a successful release. Keep going even if your recent music release hasn’t garnered immediate attention; it takes time to gain traction.
In summary, these tips emphasize the importance of organic Spotify plays and how to strategically promote your music across various platforms to grow your fan base and attract new listeners daily.
“Is it possible for me to hit 1,000,000 Spotify streams as well?
It takes quite a bit of determination and focus, but if I can do it then anyone can do it.
Here are a few questions that I get quite frequently about finding success on Spotify.
What if I don’t have a fanbase or audience?
Having some kind of fanbase or audience can definitely be helpful and make things much easier, but this course is designed to show you how you can start seeing success on Spotify even if you don’t have an audience of your own yet.
I got to where I am today without an audience. In fact, I didn’t even tell friends or family that I started my musical project.
Do I need any experience or connections?
Not at all!
I assume you know nothing about digital marketing, advertising, or even Spotify in this course.
I got to where I am with no connections (as an introvert, I still barely have any tbh). And I assume the same is the case for you (the no connections part, at least).
What if I don’t have enough (or “good enough”) music to release?
Most music marketers will say that “obviously the first step is to make sure you have great music” and leave it at that.
In this course, I actually provide dedicated lessons and exercises to make your music “good enough” and to make sure you have plenty of music to release.
What if I don’t have any new music to release?
Although you can use music already released, promoting music within its first 28 days of release is the best way to get on Spotify’s algorithmic playlists to get free streams and fans sent to your music.
This is why I actually provide dedicated lessons and exercises to make sure you have plenty of music to release.
Does this strategy really work… How do I even know I can trust you?
I’m not a marketing guru or business expert – I’m a musician who knows a lot about marketing.
I’ve spent the better part of my whole life dedicated to music and trying to make something happen in music.
The strategies I teach in this course are the same that I’ve used to get over 3,500,000 streams on Spotify.
After helping a handful of friends across different genres in my music scene achieve amazing results, I decided to put everything I know into 1 single result-focused course to help as many dedicated music creators as possible do the same.
The proof is in the pudding, as they say.
How To Upload To Spotify As An Artist (& Get Paid)?
Want to upgrade from just making music to actually getting your own music on Spotify and becoming an official Spotify artist?
To upload to Spotify as an artist, you must sign up with one of Spotify’s preferred music distributors and submit your music, artwork, and artist information through that distributor.
Thankfully it’s easy for anyone to upload music to Spotify because a company called DistroKid came along and started offering unlimited song uploads for a small annual fee without taking a percentage of any of your earnings away.
Before DistroKid, it was too expensive and complicated (..you had to pay PER song EVERY year).
To learn more about DistroKid, check out my big fat DistroKid review for everything you will ever need to know about them. There is even a handy How To Choose A Distributor Guide and some info on the nice DistroKid discount.
If you are wondering, want to know more details about how to do this yourself, how exactly you can claim your artist profile, and actually make some money by uploading music to Spotify, check out my article called How To Upload To Spotify As An Artist (& Get Paid)
How To Get More Streams With Custom Smart Links
The best alternative to the endless amount of smart links, landing pages, and link-in-bio style pages out there is to simply build your own custom smart links by using WordPress.
I do this myself with my very own WordPress-based website (aka the one you are on right now) and find it to be way more flexible and effective, particularly if you want to do the Spotify algorithm hack by running Facebook and Instagram ads to your smart link pages.
The reasons I’d recommend doing this over using any smart link creator is because:
- Without paying for these services, you can create smart links that are exactly in the style of Hypeddit, Linktree, Toneden, HyperFollow, etc.
- Get more streams of your music by using my highly tested and conversion-optimized smart link template.
- Look more professional and credible by having a custom domain and no other company’s branding on them.
- Get your brand and identity across by perfectly customizing your smart links to look exactly how you want them to
On top of this, you’d actually have a legit and professional full-blown website and not just some smart links for promoting your music.
For a free step-by-step course on how to get started with this, check out my free course on smart links for music.
Some of my favorite music marketing tools
Thank you for reading this article, my friend, and I hope you found it helpful as you build your own successful career in music. 🙂
Click here to see a list of my favorite and most recommended tools and resources that I’ve personally used to get my music streamed over 5,000,000 times on Spotify as an artist (called Best Friends Club).
Any paid services or tools listed here are most likely affiliate links, so if you decide to use any of them, I’ll earn a small commission. 🙂
But in all honesty, these are the exact tools that I personally use, love, and recommend to anyone – including my friends and family.
