Want to see your track played on your favorite FM station? If you're just starting out, figuring out the radio submission process is vital to your success. This guide will guide you through the process of getting your music on air—from creating your submission package to understanding royalties and following up with stations. <!--td {border: 1px solid #cccccc;}br {mso-data-placement:same-cell;}-->how to get your song on the radio
First and foremost, you need to prepare a strong submission package. This typically includes your most polished track, a short and engaging artist bio, a promotional image, and links to your online presence. Don’t forget to include a short pitch addressed to the music director, showing that you’ve done your research and that your music is a good fit for their format. Stay professional and concise—remember that stations get hundreds of submissions daily.
Selecting the appropriate stations is another key part of the process. Don’t submit your hip-hop track to a country station. Instead, find outlets aligned with your sound. Many radio station websites have submission guidelines, so follow them exactly. Some may prefer digital uploads, while others want a physical CD. Ignoring these preferences will almost certainly get your music rejected.
After your submission is sent, give the station time to respond. If you don’t hear back after a couple of weeks, it’s okay to send a polite follow-up email. Always remain respectful—stations are busy, and they often appreciate professional artists who are courteous and consistent. A response doesn’t guarantee airtime, but it does mean you’re on their radar, which is the first step toward building a relationship.
Now let’s talk about getting paid. When your music gets played on licensed radio stations, you can earn royalties. These are typically collected through performance rights organizations like ASCAP, BMI, SESAC (in the US), or their equivalents internationally. Make sure your music is properly registered before submitting to radio. Without this, you won’t be able to claim any money you’re owed. Don’t forget that most radio airplay royalties are modest unless your song gets played frequently on high-rotation stations. College, internet, and community radio stations often don’t generate significant payouts, but the exposure is still valuable.
One of the biggest limitations is that radio is still a gatekept industry. Getting on air is competitive, and even great music can be overlooked. That’s why relationships matter. Staying connected with local radio hosts can create opportunities. Attend local music events, submit your music to smaller shows, and support other artists. The more visible you are, the more likely someone will take a chance on your track.
Increasing your chances of getting airplay requires more than just good music—it demands consistency. Promote your track online, especially on social media, before and after submission. Share when your song is played and tag the station, the host, or the show. This shows appreciation and helps grow your listener base. Radio stations love artists who help spread the word—it’s good PR for both sides.
If you’re serious about getting radio play, you might benefit from a radio plugger. These professionals have existing relationships and often know how to pitch music better than independent artists. However, these services can be costly and aren’t always necessary, especially early in your career. Start small, learn the process, and build from there.
Also, make sure your song is actually radio ready. This means broadcast quality audio. Some stations have strict policies on content, so if your song contains profanity, make sure you have a clean version available. Submitting a low-quality MP3 or demo recording will hurt your chances, even if the song is great. Aim to present yourself as professionally as possible at every step.
Finally, keep tabs on your success. Services like Radiowave, Mediabase, or even Google Alerts can help you see when and where your song is being played. Keeping this data helps you understand what’s working and what isn’t—and it’s valuable when reaching out to stations, labels, or promoters in the future.
When it’s all said and done, getting your music played on the radio is a process, but it’s rewarding. From crafting a compelling submission to understanding the royalty landscape and engaging with industry gatekeepers, every step you take builds toward your visibility and credibility as an artist. Keep pushing, because every song you send brings you closer to that moment when you hear your music on the airwaves. Whether you’re submitting to a local college station or a national network, these steps will help you stand out.