You’ve probably heard the word “pitching” in the context of startups. But for musicians, it means something different: it’s the process of submitting your track to the editors of streaming platforms like Yandex Music, VKontakte, and MTS Music. If done correctly, your track can be featured in selections, playlists, and even rotations.
What exactly is pitching?
Pitching is a request for your track to be considered by the platform’s editors. It can include:
Track description: genre, mood, lyrics, language
Story: why you wrote this song, the context in which it was born
Links to social media, music videos, previous releases
Wishes: which selections you’d like to be included in
Editors read these submissions. Of course, there’s no guarantee you’ll be included. But if you have an interesting approach and a high-quality track, there’s a chance. Especially if you’ve managed to get noticed at the right time.
Peculiarities of Different Platforms
Yandex Music
Yandex’s editorial team is especially sensitive to the vibe of a track. They appreciate it when an artist can explain who they wrote the song for and why. Details are also important, right down to the cover art and whether it matches the vibe of the release.
When publishing on Yandex Music, Voque Audio provides a pitching format. It’s simple, but it helps convey the essence. The Voque team helps formulate the pitch so that it sounds sincere and clear. This increases your chances.
VKontakte Music
Algorithms play a major role here, but the editorial team also makes a manual selection. It’s important that the track is uploaded on time (at least 10 days before release) and accompanied by a short but compelling description. The artist’s social capital (activity, followers, reach) also plays a role, but it’s not the deciding factor.
Voque Audio helps you submit your track to VK Music when uploading. You don’t just submit music – you present it in context. For example, for fitness, nighttime playlists, meditation, or live performances.
MTS Music
The platform is rapidly gaining momentum and is focusing on new names. It’s the most likely place to get into rotation, even if you don’t have a big name yet. The key is quality, an appropriate presentation, and a timely submission. Voque also helps with pitching at MTS.
MTS Music editors are often looking for new faces to diversify their catalog. This is a good opportunity for independent musicians.
When and how to submit a track
Ideally, at least 18-20 days before the release date. Editors receive a lot of submissions, and they need time to review your track. Upload it late, and your chances of getting it accepted diminish.
Voque Audio recommends uploading your track three weeks in advance and immediately filling out a pitching application. The platform automatically sends it to the editors – you don’t need to search for emails or write them manually. This saves a lot of time and stress.
How to maximize the impact of pitching
Professional cover art – people judge a song by its cover, and it’s true.
Story – don’t be afraid to be personal. Why did you write the track? What’s the emotion behind it?
Social media promotion – stories, posts, snippets – is a signal that someone is interested in the track.
Links to previews – Voque offers this option, and it’s a plus: the editor can evaluate the track in advance.
What does a good pitch give?
Being included in editorial selections
Increased listens without a budget
Streaming recognition (and this can be important)
Potential inclusion in algorithms
Pitching isn’t magic. It’s a well-crafted presentation. Your job is to do everything possible to make the editor understand: “This track is worth showing people.” And if you have the help of a competent distributor, like Voque Audio, you win on several fronts.
Creating music is difficult. Publishing it is too. But with smart presentation and support, your chances of success increase exponentially. And pitching is a great tool for ensuring your music doesn’t just “get out there” but thrives.
