Launch Your Music Career: Essential YouTube Marketing Tips for Musicians
Think about it: YouTube is free to use ,for both viewers and creators. It has a built-in audience of billions, and offers endless creative possibilities. It’s like having your own personal music video channel, radio station, and concert stage all rolled into one.
Why Use YouTube for Music Marketing? It Launched The Weeknd's Career!
The Weeknd is one of the most streamed artists globally and he too got his career start through YouTube. Back in 2010, before he was a superstar, he actually uploaded his music anonymously on YouTube. That’s where his now-famous stage name even came from – it was the name of his YouTube channel! While he was posting music with a friend who produced his songs, his talent caught the attention of tons of fans, and even big names like Drake and The New York Times! This is the power of YouTube for music marketing!
Now the question is, how do you turn those clicks into a thriving music career? Here are some essential tips to get you started:
Turn YouTube Clicks into Fans: 8 Essential Music Marketing Tips
1. Find Your Niche and Own It
The music world is vast. Are you a soulful singer-songwriter with a captivating voice like Jorja Smith? A finger-picking virtuoso like Andy McKee? Or a beat-dropping EDM producer like Madeon? Identifying your genre and target audience allows you to tailor your content and attract the right kind of fans.
2. Craft High-Quality Content
Remember, you don’t need a Hollywood budget to create engaging content. Invest in a decent microphone and record your music in a quiet space. Learn basic video editing skills – there are tons of free tutorials online – to put together music videos or lyric videos showcasing your songs. If you want to know how to create an epic music video on a budget check this out!
3. Consistency is Key
Building a following takes time and dedication. Aim to upload content regularly – even if it’s just once or twice a week. This keeps your audience engaged and coming back for more.
4. Experiment with Different Formats
YouTube offers a variety of formats beyond music videos. Here are some ideas:
-Live Performances: Host live streams where you perform your music and interact with fans in real-time. Cover songs are a great way to showcase your talent and attract new listeners who might not be familiar with your originals.
-Behind-the-Scenes Content: Take viewers on a journey into your creative process. Show them how you write your songs, record in the studio, or even just jam out in your practice space. This helps fans connect with you on a personal level. Charlie Puth is known to make songs from random noises he finds and it gets over a million views every time!
-Tutorials and Tips: Share your musical knowledge! Create tutorials on songwriting, specific techniques, or how to use certain instruments. This establishes you as an expert and attracts aspiring musicians who can learn from you.
5. Collaborate
Team up with other musicians on YouTube.Collaborations expose you to a wider audience and can spark creative magic. Find artists who complement your style and create a unique sound together. Remember the iconic collaboration between Ed Sheeran and Justin Bieber on “Love Yourself”? That’s the kind of magic we’re talking about! If you’re looking for the right collaborator, we have the right tool for you.
6. SEO friendly
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is all about helping people find your content. Use relevant keywords in your video titles, descriptions, and hashtags. This increases the chances of your music popping up when people search for music in your genre.
7. Engage with Your Audience
Respond to comments, answer questions, and host Q&A sessions. Show your fans you care and appreciate their support. This two-way communication fosters a loyal community around your music.
8. Promote Your Channel
Share your YouTube content on other social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. Utilize relevant hashtags to reach a wider audience. Consider running targeted ads to get your music in front of potential fans who might not have discovered you yet. But remember, avoid spamming – focus on genuine connection. When your channel takes off, you can even make music your full-time job!
