How to Make a Memorable Playlist on Spotify

Anyone can drag a few songs into a folder and call it a day. But I think we’ve all felt the magic of a truly great playlist. It’s the one at a friend’s party where every track is a perfect follow-up to the last, or the focus playlist that actually keeps you locked in for two straight hours. The difference isn’t just the songs themselves; it’s the curation.

Making a playlist on Spotify is technically simple. But learning how to make a playlist on Spotify that tells a story or crafts a specific mood is a skill. Let’s walk through not just the “how” but the “why” behind creating playlists that you and others will want to listen to on repeat.

Simple Steps: Creating Your Spotify Playlist

First, let’s get the basic steps out of the way. The process is slightly different depending on whether you’re on a computer or your phone.

On the Desktop App

1. Look to the top-left corner of the app, in your Library.
2. Click the plus sign (+) next to “Your Library.”
3. Select “Create a new playlist” from the dropdown menu.
4. Spotify will immediately create an empty playlist. You can click on the default title and cover art to edit the name, add a description, and upload a custom image.
5. To add songs, you can either search for tracks and click the three dots (…) to select “Add to playlist,” or simply drag and drop songs directly into your new playlist on the left sidebar.

On the Mobile App (iOS and Android)

1. Tap on the “Your Library” tab at the bottom of the screen.
2. Tap the plus sign (+) in the top-right corner.
3. Select “Playlist” from the options that appear.
4. Give your playlist a name and tap “Create.”
5. You’ll be taken to a screen where you can immediately start adding songs from Spotify’s suggestions or use the search bar.

Pro-Tip: Don’t skip the description! A good description helps you (and others) remember the intended vibe, whether it’s “late-night study jazz” or “70s driving anthems.”

Curating a Vibe, Not Just a List

This is where the art comes in. A memorable playlist has a clear identity. It’s more than a random collection; it’s a curated experience.

Start with a Core Idea or Mood

What is this playlist for? Answering this question is the most important step. Without a purpose, you’ll end up with a messy, unfocused list.

Some great starting points:

• Activity-Based: Workout, cooking dinner, coding, road trip.
• Mood-Based: Melancholy Sunday, energetic morning, chill focus.
• Genre or Era-Based: 90s alternative rock, modern funk, 1960s soul.
• Narrative-Based: Tell a story from start to finish, with songs representing different chapters.

Once you have your concept, pick 3-5 “anchor” songs. These are the tracks that perfectly embody the playlist’s core idea. Build out from there, finding songs that complement these anchors.

The Art of the Song Order

The default shuffle button is not your friend when crafting a narrative. The flow from one song to the next is crucial. Think about the energy level and tempo. You don’t want to go from a high-energy dance track straight into a slow, acoustic ballad unless that jarring shift is intentional.

A great playlist has an arc. It might start slow, build up to a peak, and then gradually come back down. Think of it like a DJ set for your daily life.

To reorder songs, simply click and drag them on the desktop app or tap the three dots (…) on mobile, select “Edit,” and then drag the songs by the lines next to their names.

Don’t Be Afraid to Prune

As you add music, you’ll inevitably include some tracks that don’t quite fit. Be ruthless. Listen through your playlist and ask, “Does this song serve the core idea?” If it sticks out or disrupts the flow, remove it. A tight, cohesive 20-song playlist is always better than a bloated 100-song list that misses the mark.

Giving Your Playlist a Personality

Aesthetics matter. A good name and a compelling cover image can make your playlist feel more professional and personal.

The Perfect Name and Description

Your playlist’s name is its first impression. You can be straightforward (“80s Rock Hits”) or get creative and evocative (“Asphalt & Fuzz Tones”). A clever name can make the playlist more memorable and shareable.

Creating Custom Cover Art

Spotify will automatically generate a cover using the album art of the first four songs, but a custom image makes a huge difference. You don’t need to be a graphic designer.

You can upload any photo from your computer or phone. For something more stylized, you can use a free online tool like Canva to quickly create cover art with text and graphics. A standard square image (like 600×600 pixels) works perfectly.

Using Spotify’s Tools to Your Advantage

Spotify has built-in features that can help you discover new music and collaborate with others, which is essential if you want to know how to make a playlist on Spotify that stays fresh.

To make a playlist collaborative, click the “Add collaborator” icon (a person with a plus sign) at the top of your playlist and share the generated link. You can find more details on how to share on Spotify’s official support page.

Now, It’s Your Turn to Curate

Creating a genuinely good playlist is a rewarding creative outlet. It starts with knowing the technical steps but truly comes to life when you infuse it with purpose and personality.

So, think about the mood you want to create or the story you want to tell. Start with a few anchor songs, build a natural flow, and don’t be afraid to trim the fat. The next time someone asks, “What are you listening to?” you’ll have a perfectly crafted answer ready to share.