041: Leveraging YouTube for Music Artist Success
Peace and Light ahead of the Christmas Holiday tomorrow.
I’ve been getting a lot of calls from my friends on the music side of creativity. This is the time of year when the business quiets down. Artists have a lot of time to reflect, think and forecast. YouTube is still one of the most powerful content distribution and discovery tools available to artists. Using it right is everything!
This week, I’m breaking down how artists can hit the ground running in the new year with an optimized Youtube Strategy to make sure you cut through the noise.
YouTube remains an unrivaled platform in the digital realm with its extensive user base and unparalleled capacity for artists to engage directly with their audience. For musicians, whether emerging or established, YouTube offers a lot of opportunities to amplify their reach and solidify their brand.
Importance of YouTube for Music Artists
YouTube, with nearly 3 billion monthly users, stands as a potent tool for artists aiming to expand their reach and enhance their engagement. Even artists who do not consider themselves YouTubers should have a strategic approach to leveraging this platform. The ability to build and nurture a fan base on YouTube is critical, given its comprehensive tools and global reach.
Focal Points Include But Not Limited To:
Growth Potential: Utilizing YouTube can dramatically enhance visibility and fan engagement.
Strategic Necessity: Every musician should incorporate YouTube into their overall marketing and promotional strategies.
Key Strategies for Growing on YouTube
There are several strategies for maximizing YouTube's potential. The core strategy is the effective use of YouTube Shorts, which serve as a significant growth hack. Additionally, understanding and interacting with YouTube analytics allows artists to tailor their content effectively, ensuring they meet their audience’s preferences and requirements.
Effective Strategies Include:
YouTube Shorts: Harnessing the power of short, engaging videos to attract and retain viewers.
Analytics: Leveraging data to understand audience behavior and refine content strategies.
Consistency: Regular posting schedule to maintain and grow audience interest.
Content Types That Perform Well on YouTube
Different types of content can perform variably on YouTube, depending on the artist's audience and genre. So it’s important to have a diverse bag when it comes to content strategy. The strategy should include official music videos, visualizers, lyric videos, and behind-the-scenes footage. Also, don’t forget about live streaming and premiering videos to create buzz and enhance viewer engagement.
Content Types Overview:
Music Videos and Visualizers: Core content that showcases the artist’s primary work.
Lyric Videos and BTS: Additional content that supports main releases and enriches the fan experience.
Premieres and Live Streams: Tools for real-time engagement and hype creation around new releases.
Underrated Features on YouTube That Artists Miss
One often overlooked feature is YouTube Premieres. Premieres can act as a pre-save feature, building anticipation before a video goes live. This feature can significantly boost initial viewership and engagement by notifying subscribers in advance.
Benefits of YouTube Premieres:
Build Anticipation: Similar to a movie premiere, it creates excitement about a new release.
Engage with Fans Real-Time: Artists can interact with fans in the chat during the premiere, enhancing the communal experience.
Community Engagement on YouTube
Engaging with the community on YouTube not only helps in retaining viewers but also transforms casual viewers into loyal fans. It’s important to use the community tab effectively, posting polls, and asking questions that provoke interaction.
Community Engagement Strategies:
Polls and Questions: Simple, engaging content that prompts audience participation.
Regular Interaction: Responding to comments and creating content based on viewer feedback.
Monetization and Financial Aspects on YouTube
Monetization on YouTube offers artists a significant revenue stream. Through ads, subscription fees, and Super Chat in live streams, artists can monetize their presence beyond traditional music sales.
Monetization Methods:
Ad Revenue: Generated through regular and consistent content posting.
Membership Fees: Fans pay a subscription fee for exclusive content.
Education and Resource Availability Through YouTube Programs
Programs like YouTube Avenues and Future Insiders provide artists and music industry professionals with the tools and knowledge needed to succeed on YouTube. These initiatives offer educational resources and networking opportunities that are invaluable in navigating the complexities of digital content creation.
Available Programs:
YouTube Avenues: Community-focused sessions offering insights into YouTube strategies.
And more… Here is a link to all off YouTube’s official programs for creators.
Final Thoughts
From leveraging YouTube Shorts to understanding the intricacies of channel analytics, these insights provide a roadmap for artists seeking to elevate their YouTube presence. Utilizing these strategies can lead to increased engagement, a stronger community, and potentially significant revenue through various monetization avenues.
For those keen on diving deeper into the world of YouTube for music success, subscribing to informed channels and staying engaged with educational content is crucial. Comment below if you have personal experiences or additional questions about leveraging YouTube in your music career.