Music Playlist Curator Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the streaming era, the importance of music playlist curators has never been more pronounced.

As the music industry evolves, the demand for skilled individuals who can craft, enhance, and promote our musical landscape is growing stronger.

But what does a music playlist curator really do?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the nuances of this role,
• A hiring manager designing the perfect candidate profile,
• Or simply fascinated by the art of playlist curation,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable music playlist curator job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive into it.

Music Playlist Curator Duties and Responsibilities

Music Playlist Curators are primarily involved in creating and maintaining music playlists for a variety of platforms, considering the tastes and needs of listeners.

They need to have a deep understanding of different music genres and an ability to predict and influence musical trends.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Regularly updating and maintaining music playlists on various platforms
• Researching and staying updated about new and emerging music across various genres
• Analysing listener demographics and preferences to create tailored playlists
• Working closely with artists, record labels, and marketing teams to promote specific tracks or artists
• Monitoring and responding to listener feedback and engagement to make necessary adjustments to playlists
• Organising and categorising music libraries for easy access and reference
• Conducting regular reviews of music content to ensure it aligns with platform standards and guidelines
• Attending music events, concerts, and showcases to discover new music and artists

 

Music Playlist Curator Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking an enthusiastic and experienced Music Playlist Curator to create and manage a variety of music playlists for our digital platform.

The Music Playlist Curator will be responsible for researching, selecting, and arranging music tracks in ways that appeal to our diverse audience base.

The ideal candidate has a deep knowledge of music across various genres, a keen ear for identifying emerging trends, and the ability to use data to inform playlist creation.

They should be passionate about music and have excellent communication and organizational skills.

 

Responsibilities

• Create and update playlists for various moods, themes, and occasions.
• Monitor music trends and audience preferences.
• Identify and promote emerging artists.
• Collaborate with artists, labels, and partners to create featured playlists.
• Respond to user feedback and requests.
• Coordinate with marketing team to promote playlists and platform features.
• Analyze performance metrics to inform playlist strategies.

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Music Playlist Curator, DJ, Radio Host or similar role.
• Extensive knowledge of music across a variety of genres.
• Experience with digital music platforms and understanding of the digital music market.
• Proficiency in data analysis and ability to use data to inform decisions.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organizational and time management abilities.
• Bachelor’s degree in Music, Marketing, Communication or relevant field preferred.

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Discounts on music events and merchandise

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Music Playlist Curator
• Work Environment: This role can be done remotely or from our main office, with the possibility of attending live music events.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Head of Music Programming.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $50,000 minimum to $85,000 maximum.
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Music Playlist Curator Do?

A Music Playlist Curator is a professional who crafts playlists for a variety of platforms such as radio stations, streaming services like Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, and for special events or businesses.

Their main responsibility is to select and organize songs that fit a specific theme, mood, occasion, or targeted audience.

This may include playlists for workout sessions, relaxation, parties, or specific music genres.

They constantly stay updated with current music trends and new releases across various genres.

They may also delve into historic, cultural, or less popular music to provide a wide range of selections.

Additionally, they work closely with record labels, artists, and music managers, often receiving new music tracks before they are publicly released.

They may also be responsible for providing feedback to these professionals about how their music is being received by listeners.

Their work involves a lot of listening and researching music, understanding listener preferences, and using analytics to track the success of their playlists.

In some cases, Music Playlist Curators may also need to write descriptions for their playlists, pick cover images, and promote their playlists on social media and other platforms.

Essentially, their role is to create an engaging and enjoyable listening experience for their audience.

 

Music Playlist Curator Qualifications and Skills

A proficient Music Playlist Curator should have the skills and qualifications that meet your job requirements, such as:

• Deep knowledge of different music genres, artists, and trends to create playlists that resonate with specific audiences.
• Keen ear for music to identify potential hits and emerging artists.
• Strong research skills to stay informed about the latest music trends and industry developments.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate with artists, labels, and other music industry professionals.
• High level of creativity and imagination to develop unique and engaging playlists.
• Good organizational skills to manage and update multiple playlists regularly.
• Technical proficiency with playlist creation tools and platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and Soundcloud.
• Ability to analyze listener data and feedback to optimize playlist performance.
• Customer service skills to interact with listeners and respond to their preferences and feedback.

 

Music Playlist Curator Experience Requirements

Entry-level Music Playlist Curators are usually expected to have at least 1 to 2 years of experience in the music industry.

This could involve working in roles such as a Radio DJ, Music Journalist, or Record Label intern, where they get to explore different genres and understand music trends.

Those with a background in music studies, or a related field, may also be considered for the role, even if they do not have extensive working experience.

Familiarity with various music platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, or SoundCloud is a significant plus.

Music Playlist Curators with more than 3 years of experience have usually honed their skills in curating music for various themes, moods, or events.

They may have also developed strong analytical skills to understand user preferences and listening habits.

Those with over 5 years of experience in curating music playlists may be well-positioned to take on leadership roles.

They may have also gained experience in negotiating music licensing agreements, managing a team of curators, or strategizing music content for larger platforms or events.

Becoming a successful Music Playlist Curator requires a deep understanding and love for music, as well as the ability to predict what songs or genres will resonate with specific listener demographics.

 

Music Playlist Curator Education and Training Requirements

Music Playlist Curators generally hold a bachelor’s degree in music, music management, broadcasting, or a related field.

They need an extensive knowledge of various music genres and current trends, as well as a deep understanding of the target audience’s preferences and listening habits.

In-depth knowledge about digital music platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and Pandora is often required.

Expertise in software used for music analysis and playlist creation is also beneficial.

Some positions, particularly those in big broadcasting or music streaming companies, may require Music Playlist Curators with a master’s degree in musicology, music production, or media studies.

While there is no specific certification for this role, any additional training or certification in music theory, digital marketing, or data analysis can be beneficial.

A Music Playlist Curator’s efficiency is often gauged by their ability to predict musical trends, understanding of listener behavior, and ability to curate playlists that resonate with the target audience.

Therefore, ongoing learning and staying updated with the latest music industry trends is a must.

 

Music Playlist Curator Salary Expectations

A Music Playlist Curator earns an average salary of $52,107 (USD) per year.

However, the actual earnings can fluctuate depending on the individual’s experience, location, and the platform they are curating for.

High-end earners can make upwards of $80,000 annually, especially if they work for major music streaming companies.

 

Music Playlist Curator Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Music Playlist Curator need?

Music Playlist Curators require a deep understanding of different music genres, current trends, and a keen ear for identifying quality tracks.

They should have strong research skills to find and identify new music that matches their audience’s tastes.

Excellent organizational skills are also required for managing large libraries of songs and categorizing them appropriately.

 

Do Music Playlist Curators need a degree?

While a degree is not always mandatory, a degree in Music or a related field can provide a strong foundation for this role.

However, industry experience, a strong passion for music, and an understanding of audience preferences often outweigh formal education in this field.

 

What should you look for in a Music Playlist Curator resume?

A strong Music Playlist Curator resume should demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of different musical genres and trends.

Any prior experience in the music industry, whether in radio, A&R, or event planning, can be advantageous.

The candidate should also exhibit strong organizational and communication skills, which are crucial for curating and promoting playlists.

 

What qualities make a good Music Playlist Curator?

A good Music Playlist Curator should be passionate and knowledgeable about music, with an understanding of what type of music resonates with different audiences.

They must be adept at research, finding hidden gems, and staying up-to-date with the latest music trends.

Strong organizational skills and attention to detail are also crucial for managing extensive music libraries.

 

Do Music Playlist Curators work independently or on a team?

Music Playlist Curators can work in a variety of settings.

They may work independently, curating playlists for specific platforms, or as part of a team in radio stations or music streaming services.

In team settings, they often collaborate with other curators, marketing teams, and artists to create and promote their playlists.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve given you a backstage pass to the life of a music playlist curator.

And guess what?

It’s not just about listening to music.

It’s about orchestrating the rhythm of our lives, one song at a time.

With our must-have music playlist curator job description template and real-world examples, you’re all set to strike the right chord.

But why stop there?

Amplify your knowledge with our job description generator. It’s your encore to perfecting job listings or fine-tuning your resume to hit the right notes.

Remember:

Every song in a playlist creates the melody of an experience.

Let’s create that soundtrack. Together.

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