SRG SSR opened a submission period between 1 September 2017 and 22 September 2017 for interested composers to submit their songs via an online platform. Songwriters of any nationality were able to submit songs; however those with a Swiss passport or residency were given priority. A songwriting camp was also held in Maur during which 18 songs were created and 16 of which were submitted for the competition. 670 entries were submitted following the submission deadline. A 20-member jury panel consisting of music and media experts, Eurovision fans and television viewers evaluated the received submissions and selected six songs, which were then tested by their music producers with various artists. The six artists and songs that qualified for the national final were announced on 9 January 2018.
