If you have music that has the potential to connect with thousands or maybe even millions, but you are not getting the desired results, you are not the only one!
How do you get people to listen to you on platforms like Apple Music? It is a question that keeps many artists up at night! While it is challenging to do so, growing your audience on the platform is certainly possible- provided you approach it with intention, strategy, and leverage tools that many artists overlook.
That said, here is a look at some innovative and sustainable ways to grow your audience on Apple Music.
Treat Your Artist Profile Like Your Resume
First impressions on streaming platforms can make or break you. When someone comes across your profile, everything on it, including your artist photo, bio, and track arrangement, tells a story. Now ask yourself- if you were discovering your profile for the first time, would you click follow? You can also ask for an objective opinion from a peer or friend.
Make sure that your Apple Music for Artists profile is claimed as well as optimized. Use a professional, high-resolution image and include a bio that is not just a list of accomplishments but a narrative that explains why people should follow you.
Also, link your social platforms and update your profile regularly.
Go For One Niche and Expand Later
One of the biggest mistakes that artists usually make is trying to appeal to everyone from the start. In reality, the fastest way to grow is by being specific first. Instead of targeting to land on a massive editorial playlist on Apple Music, look for smaller opportunities initially.
For instance, you could explore your options in niche playlists, genre-specific communities, or regionally targeted fanbases. There are thousands of moods and vibes, activities, and genre-based playlists to consider that you have not tapped into yet.
Getting on some of those may quietly increase your streams and followers – and all of that without having to chase the same lanes as other artists.
Use Apple’s Data Tools
Apple Music for Artists provides you with insights into your listeners, including their age, location, songs played, and more. It is then up to you to use them to your benefit.
Are you getting traction in a specific region? If yes, consider running a regional ad campaign there. Did a song get popular unexpectedly? That is a sign that maybe it is time for a remix or to come up with a live or acoustic version of it.
While you are an artist who is primed to be creative, it is important to learn to think like a data-driven marketer. This will help you plan smarter releases, tours, and content.
Make Your Releases a Digital Event
Turn every release into an event instead of dropping a song casually. Start sharing teasers weeks in advance with a pre-save link. Also, share snippets and glimpses from the creative process, studio sessions, etc.
Today’s audiences do not just buy into the music; they buy into artists as well, and keeping them interested through these tactics is a good way to make them invested in your music.
At the same time, think about how you can combine these with a well-timed release strategy. For instance, dropping a song on a Thursday night can increase your chances of getting an algorithmic bump over the weekend. It also gives your fans something new to play going into Friday- which happens to be a major streaming day on Apple Music.
Leverage Short-Form Video Platforms for Promotion
Platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts are great for artists who are willing to get creative. Even a single short viral moment can result in thousands of streams on Apple Music. So, if you are promoting your music on other platforms, remember to add a link to your Apple Music tracks.
Sometimes, despite all these efforts, you may find it hard to break through the noise. While organic growth is the dream, you can always consider using platforms that offer social proof to increase your traction. Services like JayNike, for instance, enable you to boost your visibility by purchasing streams on Apple Music as well as other music platforms.
Collaborate With Other Artists
You do not always need a chart-topper to make it big! Collaborations are one of the most effective ways to cross-pollinate fanbases, and Apple Music can facilitate shared releases easily.
Look for artists with engaged communities, even if they are outside of your usual genre. For instance, an indie folk singer may collaborate with a lo-fi producer to create something new and fresh that appeals to two distinct yet overlapping audiences. The key here is chemistry and not chasing clout.
Final Thoughts
Growing an audience on Apple Music means telling your story to those who want to listen and connect deeply with them. It also requires consistency. However, it takes time, too, which means you need to keep trying for your goal and be patient and persistent.
If you show up every time, eventually, the right audience will show up for you, too.
The music industry is evolving fast, and Apple Music happens to be one of the most dynamic spaces where you can grow your audience. So, use the platform mindfully, keep experimenting, and remember that real connections always trump empty numbers.
You have the music- it is time to make sure the world hears it, too. Good luck!
