3 Secrets to Landing a Spot on Discover Weekly

What is Discover Weekly?

Discover Weekly is Spotify’s personalized playlist feature, curated uniquely for each user. Updated every Monday, it introduces listeners to 30 new tracks based on their listening habits, liked songs, and playlist additions. Think of it as your personal music scout, finding gems tailored just for you. For artists, getting featured on Discover Weekly can mean reaching thousands of potential fans in one go.

So, how do you get your music on this playlist? Let’s dive into three major tips that can help you land that coveted spot.

How to Get Your Music on Discover Weekly Playlist

1. Upload Music Regularly

Let’s start with a simple but crucial tip: consistency.

Uploading music regularly signals Spotify’s algorithm that you’re an active artist. This increases your visibility not just on Discover Weekly but also across the platform. Regular uploads keep your profile fresh and show fans (and potential fans) that you’re serious about your music.

Here’s the thing: think of Spotify as a giant party. If you’re showing up every week with new stories (your tracks), people start paying attention. And when listeners engage with your fresh releases, Spotify’s algorithm takes notice, boosting your chances of getting playlisted.

Don’t forget, the algorithm loves activity. Whether it’s streams, saves, or shares, regular uploads keep the momentum going.

2. Focus on Quality Over Quantity

While uploading often is key, you don’t want to drop just anything. Quality is king!

Imagine walking into a buffet. Would you go for a dish that looks hastily thrown together or one that’s been carefully prepared with love? Your listeners feel the same way about your music.

Craft your songs with care. Invest in professional mixing and mastering, and don’t rush the creative process. Even one exceptional song can outperform ten mediocre ones. In fact, high-quality tracks are more likely to resonate with listeners, leading to more saves, shares, and streams—key metrics that Spotify uses to determine which songs make it to playlists like Discover Weekly.

Pro tip: Test your tracks with a small audience before release. Their feedback can help you polish the song to perfection.

3. Promote Your Music Across Social Media

Spotify’s algorithm doesn’t work in isolation—it’s influenced by your entire online presence.

Use platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and YouTube to create buzz around your tracks. The more people engage with your music outside of Spotify, the more likely they’ll listen on the app, signaling the algorithm to push your song into playlists.

Here’s a game plan:

Tease your track: Share snippets of your song or behind-the-scenes clips to create anticipation.
Engage with fans: Host Q&A sessions, comment on posts, and make your followers feel like they’re part of your journey.
Collaborate: Partner with influencers or fellow artists to expand your reach.

Don’t overlook hashtags and trends. For example, creating a viral TikTok challenge using your song can generate streams and attract attention from Spotify’s curators.

How Does the Discover Weekly Algorithm Work?

Understanding the algorithm is like learning the rules of a game—you can’t win if you don’t know how it’s played.

Spotify’s algorithm looks at a user’s listening behavior:

Songs they’ve liked.
Tracks they’ve added to playlists.
Genres they frequently explore.

Here’s to your success and many Mondays filled with new opportunities!

When your music aligns with these patterns, the algorithm might pick it for Discover Weekly. Regular streams, playlist additions, and positive engagement (like listeners saving your song) all increase your chances.

Another tip? Encourage your fans to follow you on Spotify. More followers mean more people are notified about your new releases, boosting initial streams and triggering the algorithm.

Bonus: Don’t Forget Release Radar

While Discover Weekly is amazing, don’t ignore Spotify’s Release Radar. This playlist updates every Friday with new music from artists a user follows.

Release Radar ensures that your fans—especially those who might’ve missed your social media announcements—know when you drop a track. Plus, it operates on a similar algorithm as Discover Weekly, so regular releases and fan engagement can help you succeed on both fronts.

Wrapping Up

Getting your music on Spotify’s Discover Weekly is more than just luck—it’s about strategy. By uploading consistently, maintaining top-notch quality, and promoting across social platforms, you can boost your chances of landing a spot.

Remember, Discover Weekly is one of the most powerful tools for reaching new listeners. One placement can bring in thousands of streams, new followers, and potential lifelong fans.

So, what are you waiting for? Start implementing these tips today, and let Discover Weekly do the rest.