10 Easy Ways to Promote Your Music Online as an Emerging Artist

Photo Credit: Fred Souza

In today's digital age, it's more important than ever for emerging artists to have a strong online presence. With so many platforms and tools available, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. Here are our recommendations for emerging artists to promote their new music online.

1. Distribute your music on streaming platforms

Streaming platforms are the most popular way for people to listen to music, so it's essential to make sure your music is available on all of the major platforms, such as Spotify, Apple Music, and Deezer. You can distribute your music yourself or use a distributor to help you.

Some of our recommended music distribution services that you can use include: Ditto, SpaceLoud, and Record Union.

2. Sign up for artists services

Most streaming platforms offer artist services that provide you with valuable insights into your audience and help you promote your music. Spotify for Artists and Apple Music for Artists are two of the most popular options. These services are great for understanding your fanbase and how they engage with your music.

Spotify for Artists:

• Artist Analytics: Provides insights into streaming data, listener demographics, and playlist placements.

• Verified Artist Profile: Allows artists to customize their profile with branding, social links, and tour dates.

• Artist Playlists: Submits music for consideration in curated playlists and algorithmic recommendations.

• Fan Connect: Enables direct communication with fans through messaging and fan engagement tools.

• Monetization Tools: Offers streaming royalties, merchandise sales, and exclusive content subscriptions.

Apple Music for Artists:

• Apple Music Connect: Provides a platform for sharing behind-the-scenes content, lyrics, and artist commentary.

• Apple Music Analytics: Delivers insights into streaming data, listener demographics, and playlist placements.

• Apple Music Uplift: Allows artists to promote their music to Apple Music subscribers through targeted ads.

• Apple Music for Artists App: Offers a dedicated app for managing artist profiles, accessing analytics, and engaging with fans.

3. Find your audience: Start Local

It's important to focus on building a fan base in your local area before trying to reach a wider audience. Play shows at local venues, connect with other musicians in your scene, and promote your music to local radio stations and blogs.

4. Promote your music on social media

Social media is a powerful tool for promoting your music. Create engaging content, connect with fans, and run targeted ads. Use social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter/X, TikTok, and Facebook to connect with your fans and promote your music.

Instagram:

• Instagram Reels: Reels are short-form videos that have become increasingly popular on Instagram. Artists can use Reels to share snippets of songs, behind-the-scenes content, and live performances.

• Instagram Music: Instagram has a built-in music library that artists can use to add music to their Reels and Stories. This is a great way to get your music heard by a wider audience.

• Instagram Stories: Stories are ephemeral videos and photos that disappear after 24 hours. Artists can use Stories to share updates from the studio, tour dates, and fan interactions.

TikTok:

• TikTok Sounds: TikTok Sounds is the platform's music library. Artists can upload their music to TikTok Sounds and then have it used by other users to create their own videos. This is a great way to get your music heard by a younger audience.

• TikTok Hashtag Challenges: TikTok Hashtag Challenges are a great way to get your music discovered and used by other users. Create a hashtag challenge that encourages users to create videos using your song.

• TikTok Duets: TikTok Duets allow users to create videos alongside other users' videos. This is a great way to collaborate with other musicians or fans and create new and interesting content.

Facebook:

• Facebook Music Stories: Facebook Music Stories are a feature that allows users to share snippets of songs with their friends. This is a great way to promote your new music or share songs that you're enjoying.

• Facebook Groups: Facebook Groups are a great way to connect with other music fans and artists. Create a group for your fans or join other groups related to your genre of music.

• Facebook Live: Facebook Live is a feature that allows users to broadcast live videos to their friends and followers. This is a great way to connect with your fans in real time, share live performances, or host Q&A sessions.

5. Create an original newsletter to promote your music

Email marketing is a great way to stay in touch with your fans and promote your music. Create an email list and send out regular newsletters with updates on your music, tour dates, and other news.

6. Get into playlists on streaming platforms

Playlists are a great way to get your music heard by new listeners. Submit your music to independent playlists on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube and other streaming platforms.

Our recommendations for submitting your music to curated Spotify playlists and YouTube channels are: Playlist Promotion, DropTrack and SoundCampaign.

7. Promote your music with a solid press kit

A press kit is a collection of information about you and your music. It should include a bio, press release, high-resolution photos, and links to your music.

8. Get press and blog coverage

Reach out to music blogs and journalists in your genre and send them your press kit. If you can get featured in a blog or magazine, it can be a great way to promote your music to a wider audience.

9. Release eye-catching music videos

Music videos are a great way to get your music noticed and to capture the attention of potential fans. Create high-quality music videos that are visually appealing and engaging.

10. Find the right team to help you promote your music

If you can, consider hiring a music manager or publicist to help you promote your music. They can help you with everything from booking shows to pitching your music to the media.

Conclusion

Remember that effective online promotion is not just about reaching the largest audience possible; it's about connecting with your target audience in a meaningful way.

By utilizing these strategies and tailoring your approach to your unique style and genre, you can effectively promote your new music online, cultivate a dedicated fan base, and establish a thriving music career.

What’s Next?

Now that you have some ideas for how to promote your new music online as an emerging artist, be sure to become a FREE member of the Music Accelerator, which is our hub of music tools, resources, and opportunities that you can use to take your music career to the next level!