Are you a musician looking to get your music on the radio? No matter your music career stage, understanding how radio submissions work is vital to your success. Today’s article will walk you through the process of getting your music on air—from building a professional press kit to understanding royalties and making the right connections. how to get your song on the radio

Before anything else, you need to prepare a strong submission package. This typically includes your best song or single, a well-written bio, a press photo, and links to your online presence. Don’t forget to include a cover letter 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 important part of the process. Your metal song won’t be played on a pop-focused channel. Instead, look for stations that play your genre. Many radio station websites have specific instructions, 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.

Once submitted, be patient. If you don’t hear back after a couple of weeks, it’s okay to send a brief check-in message. 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 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. 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.

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. Building rapport with industry insiders 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, monitor your progress. 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 isn’t always easy, but it’s worthwhile. 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 guide you toward success.