Spotify Source Plays and Playlist Adds: Radio, Discover Weekly, More
In Spotify for Artists, every stream is grouped by where it came from: a listener's own library, an editorial playlist, Radio, Discover Weekly, search and so on. SpotBoost's source plays let you choose which listening source your plays are attributed to, and playlist adds place your track in user playlists. Source plays start from $0.50 per 1,000, editorial source plays cost $0.90 per 1,000 and playlist adds are $0.90 per 1,000.
This page explains each option, what it does and does not do, and how to use it sensibly alongside your pitching and promotion.
What you get
- Seven listening sources to choose from. Editorial playlist, Radio, Discover Weekly, Release Radar, Daily Mix, On Repeat and Search.
- Search keywords. For Search plays you choose up to 10 search keywords, such as your artist name or song title.
- Editorial playlist choice. For Editorial source plays you pick the editorial playlist the plays are attributed to.
- Playlist adds. Your track added to user playlists.
- Mobile devices and country options. Plays come from iOS and Android devices, with country-specific services plus GLOBAL and EU options on many services.
- Automatic delivery and drip-feed. Orders start automatically, and you can split them into runs at an interval you choose.
What source plays are, and what they are not
Source plays are plays that are attributed to a listening source. They are not a placement on that playlist. An Editorial source plays order does not add your song to the editorial playlist you choose, and a Discover Weekly order does not put your song in anyone's Discover Weekly. Spotify's editors and algorithms make those decisions on their own.
Editorial placement cannot be bought. Spotify prohibits paying for placement on playlists, and the only official route to editorial playlists is pitching an unreleased song through Spotify for Artists. Our guide on pitching to Spotify editorial playlists explains the process step by step.
Choosing a listening source
Radio, Discover Weekly and Daily Mix
These are algorithmic, personalized sources. Artists often use them to diversify where their streams come from, so that a release does not rely on a single source. To understand how real algorithmic reach develops, read how songs end up in Discover Weekly.
Release Radar
Release Radar is built around new music from artists a listener follows. It fits naturally in the first weeks after a release.
On Repeat
On Repeat reflects songs a listener plays often. It suits tracks that are already doing well with your fans.
Search
Search plays are attributed to people searching for your track. You choose up to 10 keywords, such as your artist name, song title or a combination of both.
Editorial playlist
You pick the editorial playlist the plays are attributed to. Choose one that matches your genre and market, and remember this is attribution, not placement.
Services and starting prices
| Service | What it does | Starting price |
|---|---|---|
| Source plays: Editorial playlist | Plays attributed to the editorial playlist you pick. Not a placement on the playlist. | from $0.90 per 1,000 |
| Source plays: Radio | Plays attributed to Spotify Radio. | from $0.50 per 1,000 |
| Source plays: Discover Weekly | Plays attributed to Discover Weekly. | from $0.50 per 1,000 |
| Source plays: Release Radar | Plays attributed to Release Radar. | from $0.50 per 1,000 |
| Source plays: Daily Mix | Plays attributed to Daily Mix. | from $0.50 per 1,000 |
| Source plays: On Repeat | Plays attributed to On Repeat. | from $0.50 per 1,000 |
| Source plays: Search | Plays attributed to Spotify search, with up to 10 keywords you choose. | from $0.50 per 1,000 |
| Spotify Playlist Adds | Your track added to user playlists. | from $0.90 per 1,000 |
Prices are per 1,000 and can change. Current rates, minimums and average completion times are always on the Services page.
How it works
- Sign up. Create a free SpotBoost account.
- Add funds in crypto. Top up with Bitcoin, USDT or another supported coin; payments are credited automatically.
- Choose the service. Pick the listening source or playlist adds, and the country or region.
- Paste the correct link. Use the full open.spotify.com/track/ link. Short spotify.link URLs are not accepted. For Editorial plays, also select the editorial playlist; for Search plays, enter your keywords.
- Set the quantity. Enter an amount at or above the service minimum.
- Optional: enable drip-feed. Choose runs and an interval so plays arrive gradually.
Best practices
- Grow in line with organic engagement. Keep source plays proportional to your overall streams, listeners and saves.
- Mix sources moderately. A balanced spread across a few sources looks more natural than a large volume from one.
- Use drip-feed. Spread orders over days so daily numbers stay steady.
- Keep the track public. The track must remain live and available for the whole order.
- Keep pitching and promoting. Pitch every release, work with trustworthy independent curators and build your fanbase. Spotify can review tracks and may remove plays that look unnatural, so moderate, gradual growth is the sensible approach.
For more on how Radio and Autoplay recommend songs, see our article on Spotify Radio and Autoplay.
Frequently asked questions
What are Spotify source plays?
Source plays are plays attributed to a specific listening source, such as Radio, Discover Weekly, Release Radar, Daily Mix, On Repeat, Search or an editorial playlist you choose. They show up under that source rather than as generic plays.
Will Editorial source plays put my song on an editorial playlist?
No. Editorial source plays are attributed to the playlist you pick, but they do not add your song to it. Editorial placement cannot be bought; the official route is pitching through Spotify for Artists.
Do Discover Weekly source plays get me into Discover Weekly?
No. Discover Weekly is personalized by Spotify's algorithm, and no service can place a song in it. Source plays only affect how the plays are attributed, and no algorithmic result is guaranteed.
How do Search plays work?
You choose up to 10 keywords, such as your artist name or song title, and the plays are attributed to Spotify search. Use keywords real listeners would type to find your music.
What are playlist adds?
Playlist adds put your track into user playlists. The service costs $0.90 per 1,000 adds. Keep the numbers in proportion to your streams and saves.
Which link do I need?
Use the full open.spotify.com/track/ link to the song. Short spotify.link URLs are not accepted, and removing tracking parameters is fine.
How much do source plays cost?
Radio, Discover Weekly, Release Radar, Daily Mix, On Repeat and Search plays start from $0.50 per 1,000. Editorial source plays cost $0.90 per 1,000. Current rates are on the Services page.