The music industry has always been a competitive landscape; however, with the rise of digital streaming services like Spotify, the competition to get discovered and break through is even fiercer than ever. Spotify offers a wealth of opportunities for emerging artists, but also provides a challenge: emerging and unsigned artists must be strategic in their approach to ensure success and build a lasting fanbase.
Spotify Live is a new live audio app for artists and their teams that helps them connect with fans around the world through music, experiences, and conversations. This space encourages creative freedom to help artist engage with crowds in real-time. In addition, Spotify has recently announced new tools to help emerging artists find success on the platform.
This article will provide guidance on how to use digital streaming services like Spotify to become successful. It is a step-by-step guide to leveraging features like playlists and social media platforms, as well as introducing the exciting new Spotify Live app.
Step 1: Create a Professional Profile
Creating an impactful profile is key to making sure you are found on Spotify. Even if you are an unsigned artist, it is important to create a professional profile that will stand out and draw listeners in.
Choose an Artist Name & Image
The first step is to choose an artist name and image that will represent your personal brand. It is important that this image be eye-catching but also true to who you are as an artist. This will be your main identifier on Spotify, so it should reflect your musical style as well as your personality.
Write Your Bio & Tagline
Think of your bio and tagline as an elevator pitch - this is what will draw new listeners in when they stumble across your profile or playlist. You should keep it concise but reflect who you are authentically; give a snapshot of what style of music you make and include details that make you stand out from the crowd.
Upload Quality Music to Spotify
Once you have set up your profile with a professional name and bio, it's time to start uploading music. Make sure each song has quality production value and meets the minimum requirements for streaming on Spotify (which can be found here)
Additionally, make sure each track has been tagged with appropriate keyword tags - these can be used by curators and editors when searching for potential playlist submissions..
Step 2: Promote Your Music on Social Media Platforms
Social media is one of the best ways for unsigned artists to promote their music - not only does it help spread awareness about their tracks but it also gives them the opportunity to interact with their fan base directly.
Use Hashtags Strategically
When promoting your music on social media platforms such as Instagram or Twitter, using hashtags strategically can be key in connecting with new fans or finding people who could potentially share your songs or add them to playlists.
Try using popular hashtags such #newmusic #unsignedartist #indiemusic #discovermusic in order reach more people. You can also search for specific hashtags, such as #rockmusic or #acousticcovers, to increase the chances of finding people with similar musical tastes..
Connect with Curators, Fans, and Listeners
Another great way to get your music in front of people is to connect with curators, music bloggers, and playlist owners on social media. These are potential gatekeepers that can help you reach a bigger audience. Follow them, comment on their posts, and share your own music. You could even reach out directly in order to introduce yourself and your music.
Step 3: Get Featured in Playlists by Spotify Editors or Other Curators
Getting featured in playlists can be a great way to spread awareness and increase streams - especially if it is done by prominent editors or other curators. Reaching out directly to the right people or playlist owners is one way to get featured. Additionally, you can submit tracks for editorial consideration through the Spotify for Artists Submission Tool. This allows you to submit unreleased songs that have yet to be released on the streaming platform.
Success in the digital streaming world takes patience and perseverance - but committing to taking these steps will help you reach your goals. Digital streaming services offer a wealth of opportunities for emerging artists - leveraging features like playlists and social media platforms, as well as the new live audio app Spotify Live, can ensure that you make the most of those opportunities.
Listn is a cutting-edge music marketing platform designed to empower music creators with effortless, simple, and cost-effective promotion tools. We connect artists with curators, including radio stations, playlist owners, and influencers across more than 100 countries.
With access to over 2,200 radio stations, 2,700+ influencers and 500 Spotify playlists, Listn is changing the game in music marketing by providing unparalleled control and transparency to independent artists and labels alike.
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