Why SubmitHub Might Not Be Worth Your Time or Money: What You Need to Know Before Submitting Your Music

The Cost of SubmitHub: More Than Just a Few Credits

SubmitHub’s credit system seems straightforward. You buy credits, which you then use to submit your tracks to music curators who might feature your songs. However, the true cost of using SubmitHub quickly becomes apparent as you delve deeper.

Expensive Credits

SubmitHub offers free credits, but these come with significant limitations—like slower response times and lower chances of being reviewed. Premium credits cost around $1 per credit, and as you start submitting to more curators, the costs can add up quickly. For example, if you submit your track to 20 curators using premium credits, you’re spending $20 per submission round. Multiply this by multiple rounds of submissions, and the expenses can easily exceed hundreds of dollars, especially if you're targeting high-impact curators.

Hidden Costs

Beyond the financial burden, there’s the cost of your time and emotional energy. Submitting track after track, only to be met with silence or rejection, can be disheartening. The submission process may be easy, but the toll it can take on your motivation is much harder to quantify. Many artists find themselves asking, "Is SubmitHub worth it?" after facing multiple rejections.

Low Acceptance Rates on SubmitHub: The Harsh Reality

One of the biggest selling points of SubmitHub is its transparency. You can see how many music curators have listened to your track, how many have approved or rejected it, and what kind of feedback they’ve given. But this transparency also reveals a harsh reality: acceptance rates on SubmitHub are often shockingly low.

The Numbers Game

SubmitHub’s own data shows that, on average, only 20% of submissions receive approval or positive feedback. This means that out of 100 submissions, 80 are likely to be rejected. This isn’t necessarily because the music is bad—SubmitHub curators are inundated with submissions every day, making it incredibly difficult for any one track to stand out. The sheer volume of music they receive means that your chances of being featured are slim, regardless of how much you spend on credits.

Curator Saturation

With so many submissions to sift through, many curators simply can’t give each track the attention it deserves. This saturation often results in quick rejections without in-depth consideration, and even when feedback is provided, it’s often generic and unhelpful. Many artists find themselves wondering if the curators even gave their track a fair listen. This can lead to frustration and the feeling that SubmitHub might not be the best platform for serious artists.

SubmitHub's Curator Selection: Not Always the Best Fit for Independent Artists

SubmitHub boasts a wide array of curators, but quantity doesn’t always equate to quality—or relevance.

Lack of Niche Focus

If your music falls outside of mainstream genres, you may struggle to find curators on SubmitHub who truly align with your style. The platform tends to favor more popular genres, leaving niche artists with fewer options. Even when you do find a curator who seems like a good fit, they may not be as receptive to experimental or unconventional sounds.

Quality vs. Quantity

While the sheer number of curators on SubmitHub might seem impressive, it’s important to remember that not all curators are created equal. Some have significant influence and can help propel your career forward, but many others have limited reach or engagement. Even if your track is accepted, it may end up on a blog or playlist that doesn’t offer much in terms of exposure or listener engagement. For artists looking for high-impact placements, the quality of curators is more important than quantity.

Better Alternatives to SubmitHub: Introducing Serena

Given the high costs, low acceptance rates, and questionable quality of some curators on SubmitHub, you might be wondering if there are better ways to promote your music. The answer is a resounding yes, and one standout option is Serena.

Direct Music Submissions with Serena

Unlike SubmitHub, Serena offers a direct music submission platform where artists can submit their tracks straight to playlist curators without the need for middlemen. This streamlined approach ensures that your music reaches the right ears more efficiently and effectively, without the high costs associated with platforms like SubmitHub.

Organic Playlists for Authentic Exposure

Serena prides itself on maintaining organic playlists curated by industry professionals who genuinely appreciate and support the music they feature. This means that your tracks are more likely to be placed on playlists that align with your genre and style, enhancing your chances of gaining meaningful exposure. Organic playlist placements can lead to authentic listener engagement, which is more valuable than simply racking up numbers.

No Middleman Fees

One of the most significant advantages of using Serena over SubmitHub is the elimination of middleman fees. With Serena, you submit your music without incurring additional costs beyond the standard submission process. This makes it a more budget-friendly option for independent artists looking to maximize their promotional efforts without breaking the bank. Direct submissions mean more control over where your music is featured and how it’s presented.

Higher Acceptance Rates

Serena focuses on quality over quantity, ensuring that submissions are reviewed by curators who are genuinely interested in discovering and promoting new talent. This results in higher acceptance rates and more personalized feedback, giving you better insights into how to improve and succeed in your musical journey. For artists seeking real opportunities, higher acceptance rates can make all the difference.

Building Genuine Relationships with Curators

Serena emphasizes the importance of building genuine relationships between artists and curators. By fostering direct connections, artists can receive more tailored support and opportunities, paving the way for long-term growth and collaboration within the music community. These relationships can lead to ongoing support and new opportunities that go beyond a single playlist placement.

Final Thoughts: Is SubmitHub Worth It for Independent Artists?

When it comes down to it, SubmitHub might not be the best option for every artist. While it does offer a streamlined way to submit your music to a large number of curators, the high costs, low acceptance rates, and variable quality of feedback make it a risky investment for many musicians.

On the other hand, platforms like Serena provide a more effective, budget-friendly, and relationship-focused approach to music promotion. By eliminating middlemen and focusing on organic playlist placements, Serena ensures that your music reaches the right audience without unnecessary expenses or hurdles.

If you’re considering using SubmitHub, weigh the potential benefits against the costs. In many cases, you might find that your time and money are better spent on more personalized, relationship-focused platforms like Serena that align better with your goals and budget.

Explore Alternatives to SubmitHub

Looking for more effective ways to promote your music? Check out our other blog posts on building relationships with curators, effective social media strategies, and alternative music submission platforms like Serena. Let’s help you get your music to the right ears—without breaking the bank.