Optimize Your Radio Campaigns with LISTN: The Complete Guide for Labels and Music Marketing Pros

Even in the streaming era, radio still accounts for over 19 % of music discovery in Europe¹ and acts as an editorial stamp for DSPs. For an emerging artist, first airplay triggers:

• an instant surge in 👉 Shazams;

• a correlated rise in streams and playlist adds;

• a solid talking point to convince promoters & local media.

With 2,200+ stations across 100 countries, LISTN streamlines the process and guarantees a response within 30 days, or your credits are refunded.

Recommended budget: €300 – €500 (1 credit = €1)

1. Discovery Phase (30 days)

• Target 50–100 indie stations in a single country to keep tracking simple (e.g., France, Germany, Canada).

• Let the LISTN algorithm pick the most relevant stations (cost: 2–8 credits per station).

• Goal: build an initial bedding of spins to test audience resonance.

2. Credit Reallocation & Analysis

After 30 days:

• 20–40 % of stations will have accepted or declined ➜ unused credits are auto‑refunded.

• Identify:

  • airplay supporters (prioritize high‑audience stations);

  • territories showing the strongest mid‑week reaction (Shazam, streams, sales).

3. Targeted Amplification (10–20 stations)

Reinvest credits in:

• high‑audience stations within the best‑performing countries;

• national outlets via a local radio plugger (interviews, liners, partnerships).

Result: a second promotional wave without extra spend.

• • One campaign = one country: easier reporting & A/B testing.

  • Add confirmed airplay to your press kit (timestamps, programmer quotes).

  • Cross‑check data Shazam ↔️ LISTN to spot geo‑hotspots.

Advanced Use Cases

🔄 Tour Support

Identify stations near tour stops and propose:

• spins of the latest single;

🤝 PR Agencies & Radio Pluggers

• Use LISTN to expand their roster beyond their home market.

• Response guarantee → detailed reporting for clients.

• Budget optimization thanks to credit refunds.