Key Takeaway:
In 2025, music fans can make money as playlist curators on Spotify, YouTube Music, TikTok, and Deezer by building themed playlists, promoting them on social media, and using services like OneSubmit to earn from paid placements and artist submissions.

You’ve probably seen people talking about playlist curators, music curation, or building Spotify playlists that pay. If you haven’t, you’re about to learn how people are turning simple playlists into serious side hustles, and in some cases, full-time businesses.

Music has always felt like an industry reserved for insiders. In 2025, that’s no longer the case. All you need is a streaming account, some time, and the confidence to put your playlists out there. What once felt like a dream job is now open to anyone with great taste. Let’s break it all down and show you how to make money from your playlists.

What Is a Playlist Curator?

At its core, a playlist curator builds and manages playlists that people actually want to listen to. Whether it’s based on mood, genre, or specific activities, a good playlist feels like it belongs together from start to finish. Think of it like being a modern DJ, just without the expensive equipment or a studio.

You control the listening experience, introduce people to new music, and keep them coming back. Take a look at your own playlists. Notice any patterns or consistent sounds? That’s curation. With the right strategy, you could turn that into real income.

How Music Curation Evolved

From Vinyl Collectors to Digital Playlists

Curation isn’t new. Long before streaming existed, record collectors and radio DJs were doing it manually. They picked the tracks that filled record store shelves and radio airwaves. Vinyl might be making a comeback, but digital playlists are faster to build, easier to manage, and instantly accessible worldwide.

Algorithms Changed the Game

Platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and Deezer use algorithms to generate playlists like Discover Weekly or Daylist. These AI-powered lists are based on what you already listen to. They’re clever, but they often trap you in a loop of the same sounds. Human curators shake things up by adding surprises, rare finds, and personal picks that algorithms miss.

TikTok, YouTube, and Social Media Are Leading Discovery

TikTok playlists and YouTube Music curation are taking off in 2025. Creators build playlists around viral sounds, trending aesthetics like "cottagecore," or popular moments shared by fans. It’s no longer just Spotify. Playlist culture now lives on social media too.

Playlist Brands

Brands like Filtr, Digster, and Indiemono have turned playlist curation into big business with millions of followers. TikTok creators have done the same, building audiences by turning viral sounds into full playlist experiences. Even brands like Gymshark use playlists to support their marketing, offering soundtracks for workouts or morning motivation.

These curators aren’t labels or radio hosts. They’re people who figured out how to build and promote playlists. You can do the same.

From Zero to Paid Curator in Four Simple Steps

Month 1: Build 5 to 10 themed playlists. Focus on one sound or listener moment to start. Make your titles and covers stand out.

Month 2: Share your playlists on TikTok, Instagram Reels, and Threads. Start conversations with artists and curators in your niche.

Month 3: Sign up for OneSubmit, SubmitHub, or Groover. Start accepting paid submissions for reviews or placements.

Month 4: Sync your playlists across platforms with Free Your Music. Look for collabs with other curators to reach new listeners.

How Playlist Curators Make Money in 2025

1. Paid Placement Services

Sites like OneSubmit, SubmitHub, and Groover let you earn money by reviewing tracks or adding songs to your playlists.

2. Sponsored Collaborations

Brands may pay you to feature their products or playlists in your content.

3. Social Media Monetization

You can run ads on YouTube videos or qualify for TikTok’s Creator Fund.

4. Affiliate Marketing

You can link products like headphones or music apps and earn commissions on sales.

5. Paid Reviews and Feedback

Artists will often pay for honest reviews or playlist placement feedback to help improve their music.

What Makes a Great Curator?

Stay curious and keep your playlists evolving. Don’t lock yourself into one sound. Update regularly. Build connections with artists and other curators. Promote your playlists with smart social media content that makes people want to click.

Where Else Can You Make Money?

Independent artists, small and large labels, management teams, brands, and blogs all need playlist promotion. If you build a strong audience, they’ll come looking for you.

How to Build Playlists That Get Noticed

Pick searchable titles. Write engaging descriptions. Design standout covers using free tools like Canva. Keep your playlists updated. Promote them across social media. Sync everything using Free Your Music.

Must-Have Curator Tools

Free Your Music to sync playlists. Canva for cover art. Chartmetric or Soundcharts to track trending artists. OneSubmit or SubmitHub to monetize. Buffer or Later to schedule your posts.

How to Grow Your Playlist Audience

Collaborate with other curators. Share your playlists on TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts. Engage with your followers. Show off your stats to build credibility and attract even more listeners.

How to Avoid Playlist Placement Scams

Avoid services that promise guaranteed streams. Look for curators who show real engagement and public playlists with stats you can verify. Stick to trusted services like OneSubmit.

2025 Playlist Curation Trends

Spotify’s AI playlists are expanding globally. TikTok is still a major discovery platform, even after shutting down TikTok Music. Deezer and YouTube Music are gaining ground. Merch and tickets are now part of Spotify’s user experience. AI music and ethical curation are hot topics this year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you really make money from playlists? Yes. Curators earn through platforms like OneSubmit and direct collaborations.

What’s the best platform to start curating? Spotify is still the biggest, but YouTube Music, Deezer, and TikTok are growing fast.

Do you need a license to make playlists? No. You’re curating public content, not publishing it.

How do you grow your playlist followers? Smart titles, regular updates, and promotion on social media.

Your 10-Step Curation Checklist

1. Pick your playlist theme or listener need.
2. Add 25 or more songs.
3. Write a clickable title and description.
4. Design a bold playlist cover.
5. Share it on TikTok, Reels, and Shorts.
6. Collaborate with other curators.
7. Sync your playlists with Free Your Music.
8. Open for submissions on OneSubmit or SubmitHub.
9. Connect with your listeners.
10. Repeat and scale.

Music curation is wide open right now. Whether you’re curating playlists for fun, building a following, or looking to get paid, there’s never been a better time to start. All you have to do is begin.