Are you a musician trying to get your music played on the radio? You're about to learn exactly how to do it. From preparing your music to reaching out to the right contacts, this post has everything you need.

Submitting music to radio stations is an art and a science. Prior to making any submissions, double-check that your audio file is professionally mixed and mastered. Programmers get flooded with music, so your first few seconds must impress. how to get your song on the radio

Your music should be in the correct format. High-bitrate MP3 files are most common, but guidelines vary by station. In addition, your file must be properly tagged. Your song should contain correct metadata including name, title, and genre.

When your song is complete and tagged, you’ll need a press-ready media kit. Your promo set should contain a brief biography, a professional press photo, social media links, and your track in both radio edit and original versions if needed. Also include a cover letter or note addressed to the program director or DJ.

A common pitfall when submitting music is sending music to the wrong people. Radio operations are structured with various roles. Look for the music director, program director, or DJ for the relevant show. Public and regional radio outlets are more likely to support emerging artists.

About radio royalties, Radio play generates performance royalties. These are collected by PROs like ASCAP, BMI, or SESAC. Each time your song airs, your PRO records the play and sends a royalty check. However, terrestrial radio in the U.S. doesn’t pay sound recording royalties to performers.

In order to get every penny you're due, register with a PRO and also SoundExchange. For non-interactive plays like Pandora or SiriusXM, SoundExchange pays you.

Even if you follow every step, airplay can still be hard to secure. What improves your probability? It’s all about networking. Reach out to DJs directly on social media. Be present in their community, share their interviews, and build an organic relationship.

Don’t just send a single message and forget it. Send a reminder if you haven’t heard back. Kindness goes a long way in this industry. Celebrate any support they give you. This might lead to repeat plays or even interviews.

A smart move is to target shows that play music like yours. Match your vibe with the station’s format. Pay attention to station schedules. Stations rotate playlists around seasons.

A big bonus comes from creating buzz elsewhere. Get press coverage, blog features, or high social engagement. Radio wants artists who already create waves.

Also, don’t underestimate college radio. College DJs love discovering new acts. A college radio spin can lead to bigger things.

Submission platforms can increase reach. Some examples include SubmitHub, MusoSoup, and iPluggers. While some cost money, they can be worth it.

Make sure to track your progress. Note the responses, follow-up dates, and feedback received. Professionalism stands out to radio stations.

Ultimately, landing airplay requires effort, consistency, and strong relationships. Every artist’s journey is different. Keep sharpening your approach and following up, your music will get the recognition it deserves.

Now’s the time to build your campaign and go for it. The radio world is waiting to hear from you.