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YouTube is the #1 music streaming platform in the world. It’s the #2 search engine in the world. It’s slowly replacing radio, MTV, and many other platforms for music discovery. It’s become a serious revenue source for musicians too (some CD Baby artists have earned more than 40k from YouTube ad revenue). And that’s why YouTube is more important than anything else in your music career — besides the actual music, of course.
But these days it takes more than just a couple music videos to establish a YouTube presence.
According to Lucy Blair:
The days of aiming to create a one-hit ‘viral’ on YouTube as a marketing strategy are long gone. These days it’s more helpful to think of YouTube as your own TV channel. Think of content as programming – and not programming for an album cycle, but a 12-month content cycle.
It’s essential to create a programming schedule and produce regular content to drive subscribers, repeat views and watch time, and to give subscribers a reason to return to your channel.
How do you develop a content strategy, though? And maybe more elementary, what kind of content should you be creating?
Well, here’s a list of twelve different kinds of videos you can create to promote your music.
Still need more inspiration? Check out these 32 viral video ideas for busy musicians.
Now, what should you DO with your videos to build your fanbase using YouTube?
download the YouTube Music Playbook to get advice from the source on how to optimize your music promotion on YouTube.
Have you had success using YouTube to promote your music? How long did it take to build a subscriber base? How many videos have you created, and how often are they published?
Top 5 Tips for Effective Music Video Promotion on YouTube
1.he description field for each video
Let your fans know where they can purchase your music. Simply enter the URL to your blog or website at the very beginning of the video description field (to ensure that it’s visible to all viewers). YouTube will hyperlink it automatically.
2. Make the first 15 seconds count
As the saying goes, “Don’t bore us. Get to the chorus.” You’ve got to hook them upfront. YouTube videos are like pop songs; they’re best enjoyed and shared when short and catchy. YouTube is proving there’s some truth to Andy Warhol’s saying, “in the future, everyone will be world-famous for 15 minutes.” Only now, 15 seconds may be all you get.
To help you capture your audience’s attention, the Official YouTube Blog has offered some good advice on how to make the first 15 seconds of your video irresistible:
Make compelling content first…
• Start off with something that will immediately grab attention, whether it’s what you say or a stunning visual.
Make it clear what your video is about early on, so viewers aren’t confused about what they’re watching.
• Tease the rest of the video so the audience is intrigued to see where you take them.
…share your channel branding later.
• A flashy intro may look cool, but it’s not the star of the video — let them see you, or your great content, first.
• Make your branding compelling by making it entertaining or unique to each video
3. Add tags to your channel and videos
Tags are important. Tags are keywords that help people find your video in YouTube’s search engine. What will your fans type into YouTube to find your video? Tag your videos with venue names, your band name (correct spelling and misspellings), song names, city, state, genre and other relevant keywords. Then when someone types in a search for your song or band, you have a much better chance of coming up first.
4. Choose great titles for your videos
Not many people on YouTube are going to be searching for “sadsong-ver.2 w/o vocals recorded at John’s.” Include your band name, song name, the venue or location (if relevant) and maybe even a few specific keywords that accurately describe your music.
For instance: Tommy Jug Band plays Silly Girl at Sunny-side Tavern, Portland, OR – Country Funk and Bluegrass
5. Respond to every comment
Responding to comments will not only make your fans feel appreciated, it will also inspire others to comment on your videos. Try sparking conversation by asking a question, or by pointing out something interesting in the video.
The INs-and-OUTs of your YouTube account
YouTube 101 for Musicians: The Basic Terms
8 Easy Tips for Creating a YouTube Channel
How to Optimize Your YouTube Video for Search (YouTube SEO Tips)
Enhance Your Music Video with YouTube Annotations
How to Post Links from Your YouTube Videos
Make Money with YouTube’s Partner Program
YouTube Analytics
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