YouTube is currently the primary way used by musicians to find music online. As a musician running a music YouTube channel, you should be able to effectively reach your current loyal audience and grow it too. Here are some handy tips to help you make the most of your YouTube channel.
1. Produce Quality Content Regularly
Uploading music videos regularly will help you attract regular viewers. However, that will only happen if the content you produce is quality. You’re better off uploading a webcam video of extraordinary vocals than a poor performance captured in a posh studio using an expensive, high-quality camera. Regularly uploading high-quality content can help you garner a loyal audience that will keep growing exponentially.
2. Enhance Visibility in Search Results
A great way of growing your audience is through optimizing your videos for search results. Think about what a fan would type into the search box to find your video. Use titles, tags and video descriptions with the relevant keywords. Ensure each video has a great thumbnail that accurately portrays the content and gives a good first impression.
3. Vary Your Content
Your audience would love to know more about you. As a result, not all your uploads should be traditional music videos. Upload behind-the-scenes videos, studio sessions, announcements, promotions and any other interesting videos to compliment your music videos.
4. Engage with Fans
YouTube is also a social network. Your channel should not only be used for uploading videos, but also for engaging in conversations with fans. Monitor the comments section and respond to your viewers. By responding to comments, your fans will feel valued. First-time viewers will also be inspired to comment. You can also elicit comments from viewers by asking for feedback or talking about something in the video soon after posting it.
5. Collaborate
Collaborations are one of the best ways to get more views and subscribers. If you collaborate with a musician who has his or her own YouTube channel, both of you can instantly double your audience for that one video. Cross-promoting your content through the other creator’s channel will help you tap into his or her audience and create new fans.
6. Use Analytics
Within the Creator Studio, you’ll find the Analytics tool that helps you review the performance of your YouTube channel. Bring out your inner geek and learn about the sources of traffic, watch time and playback locations just to name a few. Your fans may be watching your videos for free, but you can manage to squeeze a few dollars out of them by knowing where to plan your next concert tour.
The above tips will go a long way to making your music YouTube channel a success. You should, however, not forget to be persistent and passionate. It will take time for you to get a large fan base. Your viewers will also need to see your passion for what you do in your videos for them to become loyal fans.