Trying to get your songs heard by radio audiences? Whether you're new to the industry, understanding how radio submissions work is critical to your success. This guide will walk you through the process of getting your music on air—from creating your submission package to how payments work and making the right connections.

To begin with, you need to put together a quality artist profile. This typically includes your most polished track, a well-written bio, a press photo, and links to your streaming platforms. Don’t forget to include a submission message addressed to the music director, showing that you’ve done your research and that your music is a good fit for their format. Keep your pitch respectful and clear—remember that stations get hundreds of submissions daily. how to get your song on the radio

Selecting the appropriate stations is another often overlooked 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 music submission portals, 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.

When you’ve submitted your track, give the station time to respond. If you don’t hear back after a couple of weeks, it’s okay to send a friendly reminder. Always remain respectful—stations are busy, and they often appreciate professional artists who are courteous and consistent. Even if they reply, it’s not always a yes, but it does mean you’re on their radar, which is the first step toward building a relationship.

Now let’s talk about royalties. 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. Also keep in mind 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.

An important caveat 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. Networking with DJs, station managers, and producers 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.

Boosting your odds for radio rotation requires more than just good music—it demands planning. 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.

To sum it all up, getting your music played on the radio isn’t always easy, 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 make your music submission count.