How to Make a Spotify Playlist in 2026 (Step-by-Step + Tips)



How to Make a Spotify Playlist on Mobile

1. Open the Spotify app (iOS / Android).
2. Tap Your Library (bottom right).
3. Tap + (top right) → Playlist.
4. Enter a playlist name → Create.
5. Tap "Add to this playlist".
6. Search for songs and tap + to add them.
7. Tap Done when finished.

How to Make a Spotify Playlist on Desktop

1. Open Spotify desktop or open.spotify.com.
2. Click Your Library in the left sidebar.
3. Click + Create Playlist.
4. Name your playlist.
5. Drag songs into it from search results, or right-click any song → Add to Playlist → choose your playlist.

How to Customize Your Spotify Playlist

1. Add Cover Art

Tap the playlist title → 3 dots → Edit playlist → tap the cover image → upload a custom image.

• Recommended size: 300x300 px or 600x600 px.
• JPG or PNG, max 4 MB.
• Use Canva or Photoshop for branded covers.

2. Add a Description

Edit playlist → write up to 250 characters describing the playlist. This helps with discovery in search.

3. Make It Collaborative

Edit playlist → toggle "Make collaborative" ON. Anyone with the link can add songs.

4. Make It Public or Private

Edit playlist → toggle "Public". Public = appears on your profile, shareable. Private = only you see it.

How to Reorder Songs in a Spotify Playlist

• Mobile: Tap and hold a track, then drag it up/down.
• Desktop: Click and drag the track to a new position.
• Sort options: tap "..." → Sort by → Title, Date Added, Artist, Album.

How to Share Your Spotify Playlist

1. Open the playlist.
2. Tap 3 dots (mobile) or right-click (desktop) → Share.
3. Options:
   • Copy link — paste anywhere.
   • Share to Instagram Stories — auto-formatted graphic.
   • Share to WhatsApp / Messenger / X.
   • Embed — code for blogs and websites.
   • Spotify Code — scannable code to add the playlist on any device.

How to Grow a Spotify Playlist

1. Pick a tight theme. "Relaxing piano for studying" beats "songs I like."
2. Update weekly — Spotify favors freshness.
3. Use SEO-friendly title and description — include genres and moods.
4. Custom cover art — playlists with branded covers get 3-5x more saves.
5. Cross-promote — share on Instagram, TikTok, Reddit's r/Spotify.
6. Submit to playlist directories — Submithub, Soundplate, IndieMono.
7. Reach out to artists — when you add their song, message them on Instagram. Many will share your playlist with their fans.
8. Build follower count — playlists with 10K+ followers attract more curator and label outreach.

Can You Make Money from Spotify Playlists?

Spotify does not pay curators directly. But top playlists can monetise via:

• Sponsored placements — labels and artists pay for inclusion (Spotify's TOS technically forbids this for cash; many curators do it via "consultancy" or merchandise deals).
• Affiliate / referral — promote a Bandcamp page, merch, or your own music in the playlist description.
• Brand sponsorships — playlists like "Coffeehouse Vibes" can sponsor with a coffee brand.
• Newsletter / Patreon — top curators monetise their fanbase off-platform.

Top Spotify Playlist Curator Tips

• Start with a niche, not "general."
• 50-200 songs is the sweet spot. Too few = not enough listening time. Too many = overwhelms.
• Update weekly or biweekly.
• Add fresh tracks at the top, move old ones down.
• Maintain a Spotify Codes image for offline promotion.

Frequently Asked Questions