Streaming is definitely a big part of the music industry right now, and it’s not all good news for artists. The per-stream royalty rates may be small, but as streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music continue to grow, the numbers are starting to look better for some musicians. But, it’s not enough yet. Spotify is trying to help out by creating artist-facing tools and teams, but it’s still early days and it’s not always clear how to make the most of this new streaming world.
Here are some tips to help you succeed on Spotify:
- Get your music on the platform.
This may seem obvious, but you can’t benefit if you’re not there. Independent, unsigned acts may need a third-party service like TuneCore, CDBaby or DistroKid to get their songs and albums on Spotify and other streaming services. Here is a comparison of the most known music distributors: https://aristake.com/digital-distribution-comparison/ - Get your music everywhere else too.
Spotify may be the biggest, but it’s not the only streaming service out there. Spread your music as far and wide as possible. This includes free services like SoundCloud and YouTube, having a meaningful social presence on platforms like Facebook and Instagram, releasing music videos, and playing live. - Connect with your fans.
Use the data and insights on your listeners that Spotify offers to your advantage. Engage with your fans, ask for feedback, and create a community around your music. - Be strategic with your releases.
Don’t flood the market with new music all the time, instead, release your music strategically and have a plan in place to market and promote it. - Collaborate.
Collaborating with other artists can help you reach new audiences and give you a chance to learn from other musicians. Don’t be afraid to reach out to other artists and see if there’s an opportunity to create something together. - Branding and image.
Your image and branding are just as important as your music. Take the time to develop a strong and consistent image and brand. - Go live.
Playing live is still a crucial part of the music industry. It’s where you can connect with your fans, build your fanbase, and make money through ticket and merchandise sales. - Get a team.
As you start to grow, you’ll need a team to help you manage your career. This includes a manager, booking agent, publicist, and attorney.
In summary, the music industry is a challenging and competitive field, but with hard work, dedication, and the right approach, it’s possible to succeed. Remember to get your music on the platform, get your music everywhere else too, connect with your fans, be strategic with your releases, collaborate, focus on your branding and image, go live, and get a team. With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to achieving your dreams. If you need some help with getting a good start we can help to increase listeners on Spotify.
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