How to Become a Music Curator and Make Money Out of It
Music curation can be the best job in the world, and you can get paid for it, want to know how? here's how:
What does a music curator do?
A music curator is the person in charge of organizing music content for platforms such as playlists, radio stations, or streaming services. They curate a collection of songs that align with a specific theme, genre, soundtrack, or mood to create an enjoyable listening experience for the audience.
If you're a music lover and you love listening to music, discovering new artists, and making playlists, now you can actually make an income by curating playlists.
If you own a great playlist with many followers, it's equal to owning a great TikTok profile as an influencer. It could also be one of the best jobs in the world, and it’s no secret that it can be a highly rewarding career.
In this blog post, we will look at the many sorts of music curators, their work descriptions, and earning possibilities. We will also address fallacies about this profession and look at how to become a great curator.
Finally, we'll go over how to promote your playlist to maximize earnings and use your industry influence. So, if you love music and want to transform your pastime into a lucrative business, keep reading!
The First Curators
Record stores and vinyl collectors took the reins of music curation. Every visit to a record shop was like embarking on a treasure hunt. Store owners carefully curated their collections, and vinyl enthusiasts amassed personal libraries filled with rare records. These record curators became walking encyclopedias of music history, offering recommendations and sharing stories behind each carefully selected album. If you had gone to the record store, most likely you would have been exposed to the store seller's or employee's personal taste, and the catalog that was in the store was the curation of the store owner.
The Digital Renaissance
Enter the digital age, where music curation underwent a transformative shift. Algorithms and streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple took center stage. Using sophisticated data analysis and user behavior, these platforms introduced us to songs and artists that matched our unique tastes. Playlists like "Discover Weekly" and "Release Radar" became our trusted companions, curating the soundtrack of our lives.
Times of the Radio
The previous century was the golden age of curation, with the rise of radio. Radio DJs became household names, and their influence on musical tastes was massive. There was no internet and no other way to be exposed to new songs other than the radio. These curators selected records, created playlists, and introduced listeners to new sounds and genres. From rock 'n' roll to jazz and blues, radio curators were the trendsetters of their time, shaping musical cultures one spin at a time.
Today and Beyond
Today, music curation has never been more diverse. Spotify playlist curators, bloggers, vloggers, and social media influencers have joined the ranks of curators, sharing their passion for music with the world. Social media platforms like TikTok have turned ordinary users into viral trendsetters, curating soundtracks that captivate millions without being professionally trained as music curators.
As we look into the future, we can only imagine the exciting opportunities are ahead. AI and machine learning will continue to refine music listening, making custom and personlized playlists even more tailored to our tastes. It's already hapenning with different algorthmic playlists on the streaming platforms. Virtual reality and immersive experiences might elevate the future demand for great curation.
So What Does a Curator Do?
Discovering and promoting new music is a crucial role for curators. They curate playlists to create specific moods or genres and act as tastemakers by providing listeners with a curated selection of tracks. Curators have the power to influence trends and introduce upcoming artists to wider audiences. They also help independent artists gain exposure by featuring their music on curated Spotify, Apple Music, Dezzer, or Tidal playlists. A curator's role in the industry is vital for the discovery and promotion of music.
Understanding the Job Description
They have a vital role in selecting and organizing music for different platforms. They also research and discover new artists and tracks to include in their playlists, ensuring that the musical taste aligns with the overall theme. Curators continuously update and maintain their playlists to keep them fresh and engaging. They also engage with the audience by responding to comments and feedback.
Different Types of Curators
Spotify playlisters create playlists within the popular streaming platform. Independent playlist curators curate playlists on platforms like Spotify, Deezer, SoundCloud, YouTube, and more.
TV and radio curators select music to be featured on television shows or radio stations.
Supervisors and sync agents are also curators; they choose the tracks for a specific feature film, TV show, or commercial ad.
And there's the record label side, which is involved internally in choosing the right artists that fit the label's genre and taste.
Earning Potential as a Spotify Curator From Submissions
Curator programs on streaming platforms offer income opportunities while collaborating with submission platforms like OneSubmit. Curators can earn money by reviewing and listening to tracks for their playlists. Compensation can be received by featuring independent artists on playlists. Monetization options include premium subscriptions and exclusive content. Collaborations with other curators and industry professionals can also generate income.
Curators often accept submissions, review each track, write their opinion about the track, and decide whether to approve or decline the song. Payment is issued to the curator for reviewing the track, not for adding it to his playlist.
Submissions provide curators with a steady stream of new and undiscovered music to consider. We accept Spotify playlisters, bloggers, online radio stations, TikTok influencers, labels, and YouTube channel owners.
To register and join our service, visit here
How to Become a Successful Playlist Curator
Developing a deep understanding of various genres is essential for success as a curator. Building connections within the industry can lead to new opportunities and discoveries. Staying updated with trends and engaging with listeners helps curators build a loyal audience. Update your playlists regularly and promote them on social media.
Using platforms like One Submit can aid in finding talented artists.
Required Skills and Knowledge
To be a successful curator, you need a keen ear for identifying high-quality music across genres. Strong organizational skills are essential for managing and updating playlists regularly. Stay updated with music trends and be able to spot emerging artists. Engage with independent artists, listeners, and industry professionals. Proficiency in using streaming platforms and analytics tools is necessary for tracking playlist performance.
Who Pays Curators and Why?
Music curators can be paid by artists, promoters, record labels, or agents. Most genuine playlists receive payment for reviewing tracks rather than approving them. If the curator cares about the quality of the music in his curation, then the factors that should be considered are the quality of the track and the right fit for the playlist.
Brands and companies may also partner with curators for sponsored playlists or collaborations.
Where to Begin?
To begin your journey as a music curator, start by creating your own playlists on platforms like Spotify or Apple Music. Engage with listeners and build a following to gain visibility. Network with other curators and industry professionals for collaboration opportunities. Submit curated playlists to blogs or publications, and constantly share and update new tracks to enhance your reputation. Gaining playlist followers and building your own brand is crucial, but it's also demanding and takes time.
Contrary to popular belief, being a curator is not just a hobby. It can be a legitimate source of income. You can play a crucial role in promoting independent artists and their work. You don't need a massive following to start earning money as a curator.
Establish your credibility as a curator by building a strong social media presence on Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok. Collaborate with brands and artists for promotional opportunities. Grow your audience by creating curated playlists and sharing them on platforms like Spotify, Deezer, and Apple. Offer consulting services to up-and-coming artists and labels. Monetize your content through affiliate marketing and sponsored posts.
How to Promote Your Playlist for an Earnings
To maximize your earnings as a curator, optimize your playlist titles and descriptions with relevant keywords. Engage with your audience by actively participating in comments and discussions. Collaborate with other curators or influencers to cross-promote playlists, targeting specific audiences to attract sponsorships. Additionally, leverage TV and media placements to increase the exposure of your playlists and reach a wider audience.
Final Words
In conclusion, being a curator is not just about creating playlists and sharing them with the world. It's about understanding the role, exploring different types of curatorship, and finding ways to monetize your passion for music. While money from curator programs and submissions might supplement your profits, it is critical to have a strong personal brand and promote your playlists in order to maximize your influence in the music industry.
Remember that becoming a good curator takes time and work, but with the correct talents, expertise, and dedication, you can transform your passion for music into a lucrative career.