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How to submit music to BBC Radio 1

How unsigned and independent artists get music on BBC Radio 1: the BBC Introducing route, Radio 1's Introducing shows, specialist shows and how the playlist works.

5 min read · Updated October 2026 · For independent artists who want airplay on bbc radio 1

How do I submit music to BBC Radio 1?

Unsigned artists get to Radio 1 through BBC Introducing: upload to the BBC Introducing Uploader, get picked up by your local show, and get recommended to Radio 1's Introducing programmes and specialist shows. Daytime playlist adds are decided at a weekly playlist meeting and label releases are usually pitched by radio pluggers.

There is no Radio 1 inbox

Radio 1 does not publish a demo address for unsigned artists. Its route for new music is BBC Introducing, which feeds Radio 1's own Introducing shows, including dedicated dance and rock Introducing programmes, and a weekly featured Introducing artist.

Specialist shows before the playlist

Radio 1's daytime playlist is set at a weekly playlist meeting, mostly from releases pitched by labels and radio pluggers. Specialist and genre shows in the evening and at weekends are the realistic first target: support there builds the case for a playlist add later.

  1. 01Upload your strongest single to the BBC Introducing Uploader.
  2. 02Research the Radio 1 specialist shows that play your genre.
  3. 03Build local support first — gigs, local Introducing plays, press.
  4. 04If you hire a plugger, choose one with a record at Radio 1 in your genre.

What suits Radio 1

Radio 1 plays pop, dance, rap and alternative for a young audience. Tracks that are radio-ready on first listen — short intro, strong hook, clean edit — have the best chance.

BBC Radio 1 presenters and contacts on Virtual Publicist

Public profiles of people at BBC Radio 1: what they cover and how to approach them.

More radio people to pitch in United Kingdom and beyond

Presenters, producers and music teams at other stations with a similar audience. Pitch several, not one.

The short version

  • Unsigned artists go through BBC Introducing.
  • Specialist shows come before the daytime playlist.
  • Playlist adds are decided weekly, mostly from label and plugger pitches.

Common questions

Can I email my music to Radio 1?

There is no public submission email. Use the BBC Introducing Uploader if you are a UK artist; labels and pluggers service releases to the station's music team.