Best Free Free alternatives and supplements to SubmitHub Tools
Free alternatives and supplements to SubmitHub
SubmitHub's approval rates can be brutal, and the credit system quickly becomes expensive when you're pitching broadly. There are solid free alternatives and complementary platforms that can reduce your dependence on paid submissions whilst actually building real relationships with curators, bloggers and playlist programmers. This isn't about replacing SubmitHub—it's about building a diversified outreach strategy that works within your budget.
Direct access to Spotify's pitching tools, listener data, and playlist submission interface without intermediaries. You can submit new releases for consideration in Spotify's editorial playlists.
Free tier: Completely free. No submissions fees, no credit system.
Best for: Submitting to major Spotify editorial playlists and understanding your actual listening data before pitching elsewhere.
Community-maintained lists of music bloggers, playlist curators, and media contacts who accept direct pitches. Reddit communities like r/makinghiphop and r/wearethemusicmakers regularly compile verified curator databases.
Free tier: Free. These are crowdsourced lists maintained by the community.
Best for: Finding verified curator email addresses and direct contact information before spending credits on SubmitHub.
Whilst BeatStars is primarily for beat selling, their platform includes curator profiles and contact details for playlist pitchers, many of whom accept direct submissions.
Free tier: Free to browse curator profiles and extract contact information.
Best for: Identifying active playlist curators who are actively accepting submissions on BeatStars itself.
Free directory of independent playlists across all major streaming platforms. You can search by genre, size, and curator information, then contact curators directly.
Free tier: Free to search and browse. Direct messaging to curators requires no platform fees.
Best for: Finding niche, independent playlists that actually have engaged audiences rather than vanity metrics.
Aggregates independent playlist curators and blogger contacts across streaming platforms. You can filter by genre and reach out directly without intermediaries.
Free tier: Free browsing of curator databases. Some premium analytics available, but basic contact information is free.
Best for: Building a direct contact list of verified curators before deciding to use paid platforms.
Whilst Splice is a sample/sound library platform, it has an active artist community forum where producers and curators network directly. You can promote upcoming releases and find curator collaborations.
Free tier: Free community access. Premium content requires paid subscription.
Best for: Networking directly with curators and other independent artists in a production-focused environment.
Apple's equivalent to Spotify for Artists. Submit releases for Apple editorial playlist consideration and access listener analytics without paying per submission.
Free tier: Completely free. No submission fees.
Best for: Direct Apple Music editorial pitching, particularly for indie releases that might get lost in SubmitHub volume.
Free platform connecting artists with music bloggers, playlist curators, and media outlets. You create a profile and curators match with you based on genre and style.
Free tier: Free to create profile and receive curator matches. Messaging is free.
Best for: Building a two-way matching system where curators find you, reducing rejection rates through quality filtering.
Beyond mastering, LANDR offers free artist networking and playlist connections. Their community includes curators and playlist editors accepting direct pitches.
Free tier: Free community access and basic networking tools. Premium analytics and mastering require paid subscriptions.
Best for: Connecting with curators within a production-focused artist community that values quality over volume.
SoundCloud curators often accept direct messages and submissions on the platform itself. Many playlist creators have their curator preferences listed in their bio.
Free tier: Free to message curators and submit tracks directly through the platform.
Best for: Finding emerging and underground curators with genuinely engaged, niche audiences.
Connects artists with curators, playlist editors, and music professionals. Free tier includes limited submissions and access to curator directory.
Free tier: Free tier offers limited pitch access. Extensive database access requires paid plan, but basic directory is free.
Best for: One-off pitches to verified curators without building a full subscription model.
Many playlist curators and music bloggers operate publicly on Twitter where they share submission guidelines and accept direct pitches. Search by genre and curator role.
Free tier: Completely free. No submission limits.
Best for: Finding curators willing to discuss their curation philosophy and genuinely evaluate music before pitching.
The real advantage isn't finding tools with lower rejection rates—it's building direct relationships with curators who know your work. SubmitHub can supplement this strategy, but it shouldn't be your only one.
Frequently asked questions
Should I avoid SubmitHub entirely if these free tools exist?
No. SubmitHub works well for reaching established curators and getting responses quickly if your budget allows, but free tools should be your starting point. Use free platforms to identify genre-relevant curators first, reach them directly to build rapport, then consider SubmitHub credits for those who don't respond to direct pitches. This staggered approach reduces wasted credits.
How do I know if a free curator directory actually has real, engaged playlists?
Check their follower-to-engagement ratio and listener retention on Spotify. A 50k-follower playlist with 100 monthly listeners is vanity; a 5k-follower playlist with 80% save rate is legitimate. Many directories don't vet curators for actual influence, so manual verification saves you time on weak pitches.
Is it worth contacting curators directly instead of through SubmitHub?
Absolutely, particularly if they don't have premium SubmitHub profiles or if they're emerging curators. Direct contact shows you've researched them specifically, not just blasted a template pitch. You'll see lower response rates overall, but much higher quality feedback and actual playlist placements from those who do respond.
Can I use both free tools and SubmitHub in the same campaign?
Yes, strategically. Start with free tools to identify your most relevant curators and build direct relationships, then use SubmitHub credits for secondary-tier curators or those who explicitly prefer platform submissions. This hybrid approach maximises your reach whilst preserving the relationship-building advantage of direct contact.
How long does it typically take to get a response from free platforms compared to SubmitHub?
Direct curator pitches take longer—often 2-4 weeks with lower response rates, whereas SubmitHub guarantees feedback within 14-30 days depending on curator tier. However, the curators who do respond to direct pitches tend to be more engaged. Combine both: use free tools for long-tail outreach whilst using SubmitHub for time-sensitive campaigns around release dates.
Related resources
Run your music PR campaigns in TAP
The professional platform for UK music PR agencies. Contact intelligence, pitch drafting, and campaign tracking — without the spreadsheets.