How do I Get My Song On The Radio? Answers inside!

Find out how do I get my song on the radio and use Viberate to monitor and boost your track’s radio performance.

Miha Vidmajer
Viberate — Music Data Company
4 min readMay 19, 2024

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In today’s rapidly evolving music landscape, the power of digitalization has opened up unprecedented opportunities for independent artists. Gone are the days when a record deal was the only pathway to success. Platforms like Spotify and Apple Music, along with social media channels, have democratized music distribution. However, amidst the digital frenzy, an often-overlooked yet vital player remains — the radio.

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Radio’s relevance in the modern music industry is more significant than many might assume. In an age where social media platforms are saturated with content, standing out is challenging. Yet, radio has proven its enduring value.

So, the question arises: how do I get my song on the radio? This guide will walk you through effective strategies to get your music on the airwaves and how Viberate’s Radio Airplay Analytics can be instrumental in tracking and optimizing your song’s performance post-airplay.

Selecting the Ideal Single

The journey to radio success begins with choosing the right song. The track should not only be catchy and carry a strong message but also embody your unique musical style. Remember, radio stations favor professionally mastered, high-quality songs, so ensuring your chosen single meets these standards is crucial.

Targeting Suitable Radio Stations

Your next move involves identifying radio stations that align with your genre. Sending a jazz song to a heavy metal station is a futile effort. Research is key here. You need to find stations where your music will resonate with the listeners, increasing the likelihood of your song being played.

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Adhering to Radio Format Guidelines

Most radio stations have specific format guidelines, typically favoring songs that are between 2 to 4 minutes. If your song exceeds this duration, consider creating a radio edit. Also, be mindful of the station’s preferred submission format, whether it’s a digital file or a physical CD.

Building Connections with DJs and Radio Personnel

If direct submissions to radio stations don’t yield results, focus on building connections with DJs and radio staff. Utilize platforms like LinkedIn or radio station websites to find relevant contacts. Often, local or college stations are more accessible and open to playing music from new artists.

Generating Buzz Around Your Music

Passively waiting for your music to be picked up by radio stations is not enough. Actively create a buzz around your music through live performances, social media engagement, and maintaining a strong presence on streaming platforms. This not only builds your fanbase but also catches the attention of radio professionals.

Preparing a Professional Press Kit

A well-prepared press kit can significantly boost your chances of getting radio play. It should include a concise artist bio, high-quality photos, links to your music and social media, and contact information. This kit presents you as a professional artist to radio stations and other industry stakeholders.

Employing a Radio Plugger

If you lack the time or know-how to navigate the radio landscape, consider hiring a radio plugger. These are professionals with industry contacts and expertise in pitching songs to radio stations, enhancing your chances of getting airplay.

Maximizing Radio Success with Viberate’s Radio Airplay Analytics

After your song hits the airwaves, the next crucial phase is monitoring and analyzing its performance. This is where Viberate’s Radio Airplay Analytics becomes an invaluable asset.

Comprehensive Airplay Monitoring

Our tool monitors your song’s airplay across more than 24,000 stations globally, giving you a broad view of its performance.

In-Depth Airplay Performance Insights

Understand your song’s impact through detailed metrics. The analytics include a performance speedometer, current airplay rank, and comparisons with similarly ranked artists.

Key Airplay Numbers

Viberate’s analytics offer vital data on spins, top tracks, stations, countries, and cities. A trendline of spins over time helps you gauge the song’s popularity trajectory.

Tracking Popular and Latest Spinned Tracks

Identify which of your tracks are most popular on the radio and monitor the latest spins, offering insights into audience preferences.

Geographic Analysis of Radio Spins

Analyze where your song is getting airplay, with a detailed breakdown by cities and countries. This information is crucial for targeted marketing and promotional strategies.

Identifying Top Radio Stations

Know the stations where your music is most played and the specific tracks they favor. Understanding the subgenre preferences of these stations can guide your future music submissions.

Unbiased Artist Ranking Based on Airplay

Viberate provides a daily updated, unbiased ranking of artists based on radio spins, customizable to specific genres and countries. This helps you understand your standing in the radio landscape compared to other artists.

Radio remains a vital platform for music exposure and artist discovery. By effectively navigating the path to radio airplay and leveraging tools like Viberate’s Radio Airplay Analytics, artists can not only achieve initial success but continue to grow and adapt in the ever-evolving music industry. Remember, the journey from studio to airwaves is just the beginning — the real game-changer is how you utilize insights post-airplay to carve a successful musical journey.

Viberate Analytics: Professional music analytics suite at an unbeatable price: $19.90/mo. Charts, talent discovery tools, plus Spotify, TikTok, and other channel-specific analytics of every artist out there.

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