8 Ways to Promote YOUR Music Independently in 2022
In order to become a successful independent artist in 2022, you need to learn how to promote your music effectively.
The harsh truth is that even if you create the most incredible music, nobody is going to hear it if you don’t know how to market and promote it. There is an enormous amount of music out there released by other independent artists, so you need to find a way to stand out from the crowd.
But with the popularity of social media, streaming services and other modern promotion techniques, it’s easier than ever to get your music heard in 2022.
On the other hand, there are promotion techniques that may have worked in the past that just won’t work in todays saturated music market.
So without further ado, let’s take a look at the top 8 ways to promote your music independently in 2022. This techniques will help you build an organic audience without a record label budget.
How to Promote Your Music Independently in 2022
1. Sign up for artist services
In 2022, most streaming sites offer their own artist services. For example; Spotify for Artists, Apple Music for Artists and Amazon Music for Artists.
One of the benefits of these services is to give you an insight into who is actually listening to your music. For example, Spotify for Artists give you a detailed breakdown of which demographics your music is popular with. As we shall see, this can really help you to tailor you marketing strategies.
Spotify for Artists allows you to edit your artist photo, artist bio, as well as customize playlists shown on your Spotify page. When you sign up, you’ll also receive a blue tick on your Spotify artist page, which adds a little bit of professionalism to your profile.
Plus, these artists services are completely free!
Another benefit of these services is that they allow you to submit your tracks to various playlists, which can be an absolute game-changer when it comes to promoting your music in 2022.
2. Getting Playlisted
In todays world, getting playlisted in arguably the most effective way to promote your music and build a fanbase.
Getting featured on popular playlists on Spotify, Apple Music etc, is the modern equivalent of being played on the radio.
These streaming playlists often reach millions of listeners worldwide. Not only do they help to build global awareness for your tracks, but allow you to rack up thousands of streams in the process (which means more streaming income in your pocket).
Again, the easiest way to submit your tracks to these playlists is through the Artist Services described above. However, don’t discount getting placements on smaller playlists as this can act as a stepping stone to the larger, more popular playlists.
For example, Ditto Music are a music distribution service that allow you to submit your track to their huge collection of popular curated playlists. You can read our full Ditto Music review here.
3. Unique Music Videos
Throughout the history of contemporary music, there are countless examples of tracks that gained significant popularity because of a music video.
Sometimes a unique, memorable, dynamic music video can help a track to reach a much wider audience. One notable example is Childish Gambino’s This is America, a song that became a viral sensation primarily due to its outstanding music video.
It’s likely that at this stage you don’t have the kind of funds to create a video similar to This is America. However there are many ways to create an eye-catching video on a tight budget. For example, Skepta’s iconic That’s Not Me video was apparently filmed for around £80.
A music video that grabs the audiences attention can also help to promote your music. Music videos are also a fantastic way to solidify your own unique image and aesthetic that will accompany your music.
As well as music videos, there are other types of video content you can use to effectively promote your tracks in 2022.
Video platforms such as Instagram Reels, TikTok and Youtube Shorts support short video uploads. Using these platforms you can upload snippets of your music video as well as engaging video content relating to your music.
4. Social Media
You’re probably aware of how effective social media can be as a marketing tool. The power of social media cannot be understated.
In the era of modern music, it’s extremely common for an artist to gain a huge following almost exclusively through social media.
So in order to promote your music and get your tracks heard, you need to learn how to use social media effectively in 2022.
Here are two important things to remember when it comes to your social media prescence:
Post regularly
One of the most important factors when it comes to social media marketing is consistency. Platforms such as Instagram and Facebook reward consistency and accounts that post regularly.
Consistently posting leads to higher engagement from your followers. Conversely, not posting for weeks/months at a time can severely hurt your engagement.
So try to aim for between 4 – 7 social media posts a week. Whether that’s clips of new tracks, or pictures of you performing, make sure you are consistent.
Engage with the community
When you’re first starting out, make sure you reply to every single comment you get on your social media channels. Make sure you show them that their support is appreciated, this means they are more likely to keep supporting you in the future.
5. Build Relationships
Building relationships within the industry is one of the most overlooked aspects of music promotion in 2022.
Being an independent artist doesn’t mean you can’t work with people within the music industry. Building and maintaining valuable relationships can often skyrocket your career, especially as an independent artist.
So how do you create relationships within the industry?
The easiest way is to start by reaching out to similar musicians and artists with the goal of collaborating on a project. Social media is a fantastic way to build relationships with other artists (in particular Instagram and Twitter).
However, don’t just DM artists saying “collab bro?” Tailor your message to their music by complimenting a specific track or project, and show a genuine interest in their art.
By collaborating with artists, you’re often introduced to managers, A&R, and other people within the music industry. Don’t underestimate the value of building relationships with these people, as they often have years of experience when it comes to music promotion.
6. Podcasts
In 2022, podcasts are more popular than ever. They are also a fantastic way to promote your music.
Starting your own podcast is extremely straight-forward, and requires very little equipment to get started. You could create your own podcast talking about music production, or even interviewing other artists or producers.
If starting a podcast is not for you, featuring on other peoples podcasts is an excellent way to gain exposure and increase your online following. There are countless podcasts out there that focus on different areas of music, from songwriting to music production. Reach out to the creators of music podcasts and explain why you’d be a ideal guest.
7. Blog posts
In 2022, promoting your music through blog posts and music press sites is seen as an outdated method for building an online fanbase. However, it’s still a great method for getting your music out there to a wider audience.
Posting regularly to an online blog can be used to drive traffic directly to your music.
Writing blog posts about similar artists, music production, live shows, album reviews and other topics can generate a lot of traffic. If you host these blog posts on your own website, it will incentivize some of the readers to check out your music.
Make sure the blog posts are well-written, relevant and interesting to a wide audience.
Alternatively, you can submit your new tracks/projects to existing music blogs. Many smaller blogs are always on the lookout for undiscovered talent to feature on their site.
8. TikTok
There are countless examples of songs that have become viral sensations via TikTok trends or viral videos.
“Old Town Road” by Lil Nas X exploded on TikTok when fans began uploading their own content featuring the song. The viral sensation skyrocketed the track to Number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, where it stayed for 17 weeks straight.
Here are a few quick tips to bear in mind when posting to TikTok:
• Focus on the hook – For a song to do well on TikTok, the hook must be a prominent part of the song. It also helps if the hook is extremely catchy with simple, easy-to-understand lyrics.
• Create a Challenge – “Old Town Road” went viral due to the “Yee Yee Juice Challenge”, Drake’s “In My Feelings” went mega-viral with the “Kiki Challenge”, and so on. Challenges expose your track to new audiences, especially if well-known TikTok influencers get involved. Make sure the challenge is unique, entertaining and works well with your track.
• Share Everywhere – In 2022, over 50% of 18-29 year olds in America use TikTok. Therefore, you should share your TikTok content across various other social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat etc.
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