Currently, TikTok is the thriving platform for indie artists to showcase their talent. However, it’s important to acknowledge that trends and platforms may evolve over time. At present, TikTok has proven to be a game-changer for musicians, with artists like Tai Verdes and Olivia Rodrigo experiencing significant growth and recognition through the platform. Personally, I’ve discovered numerous talented musicians on TikTok, leading me to follow them on Spotify. It has become my primary source for exploring new music.
The beauty of TikTok lies in its potential to rapidly connect artists with a wide audience. Even if you don’t achieve TikTok stardom, the platform can still be a valuable tool for attracting new fans. How does it work? Well, the algorithm presents your videos to individuals who aren’t already following you but are likely to appreciate your content. This means that complete strangers who have never encountered your music before can stumble upon it. (Of course, this is a simplified explanation, but you get the gist.)
As you accumulate followers on TikTok, you have the opportunity to convert them into listeners and ultimately long-term supporters of your music.
Stay Consistent
Consistency is the key factor in promoting your music, regardless of the platform or promotional methods you choose. Whether you opt for social media ads or live performances, maintaining a consistent approach is crucial.
If you decide to invest in social media ads for music promotion, fully commit to it, develop expertise in the field, and remain dedicated over the long term.
If live performances are your preferred method of getting your name out there, strive for consistency in your shows, delivering high-quality performances, and treating others with kindness and respect.
If you focus on leveraging TikTok, make a point to post a video every day and actively engage with your followers.
Ultimately, the most effective way to promote your music is to consistently create and produce new music, and then consistently share it with your audience. By consistently delivering your music to the world, you increase your chances of gaining recognition and building a dedicated fan base.
Community is the key
Putting the community first is crucial in the process of promoting your music. Once you have created your music, the next step is to generate content for social media, and I fully agree with that.
However, it is essential to approach content creation with a community-first mindset. While creating compelling content is important in the digital era, it should not be the ultimate objective. Instead, the goal should be to foster engagement, which in turn cultivates a fan base.
By prioritizing the development of a community with your fans, you pave the way for a sustainable music career. This approach allows you to establish meaningful connections, build a loyal following, and create long-term opportunities in the music industry.
Running social media ads can certainly help you reach new audiences who haven’t heard your music before. However, it’s important to be aware of the presence of social media bots. These bots are automated programs designed to mimic human engagement on social media platforms.
For indie artists running ads, this raises concerns about the accuracy of ad views and clicks. It can be challenging to determine the extent to which your ad engagement comes from real human users versus bots. This uncertainty can be problematic, particularly considering that social media ads often charge per click. Bots engaging with your ads could potentially result in wasted advertising expenditure.
To mitigate this risk, Melokid advice to closely monitor your ad performance, analyze engagement metrics, and consider implementing strategies to target specific demographics or regions known for genuine user engagement. Additionally, staying informed about the latest developments in social media bot detection and taking steps to report any suspicious activity can help safeguard your ad campaigns.