In the digital age, platforms like YouTube and Spotify have been game-changers for
musicians. Through viral videos and direct fan engagement, indie artists are now using online
platforms to make their mark, proving that musicians no longer need a record label to reach
global stardom.
YouTube Makes it Easier for Indie Artists to be
Discovered
Country music artist Dylan Schneider gained popularity by posting both original songs and
covers on YouTube. His unique and personal storytelling helped him to gain millions of fans.
He’s now a successful independent artist, who is embarking on full tours.
One reason why independent music artists are being found on platforms like YouTube and
Spotify is through algorithmic recommendations. When someone listens to a country music
artist, YouTube and Spotify will automatically recommend similar music, which helps to put
indie musicians in the spotlight. This is similar in other entertainment verticals too, including
iGaming. If you frequently play on a European roulette wheel, which contains one green zero
instead of two, you may be suggested other similar titles, including Roulette Deluxe and
Quantum Roulette. Suggestions like this help variants that a player would otherwise have not
been aware of, to be put in the spotlight. Not only does this help game developers, or artists,
it also helps the general public, as it helps people to delve deeper into games or a new music
genre seamlessly, shaping and enhancing the experience as a whole.
YouTube and Spotify don’t just help by providing recommendations, and insights into new
music either. They have also created tremendous opportunities for indie artists who were
once limited by location.
Live performances in local venues can be streamed to people in countries that are thousands
of miles away, showing what a key part it plays in independent music. For independent
artists, this can be instrumental to success. Many people on YouTube start by uploading DIY
music videos, or covers of popular songs. If a cover or song resonates with the online
audience, this can lead to millions of views, which is the key to crossing borders and
becoming a breakthrough artist on a global level.
Spotify’s Release Radar and Discover Weekly
Indie artists are benefiting from Spotify. The Release Radar and Discover Weekly features
allow artists to upload tracks, where they are then exposed to millions of listeners across the
world. Artists can track real-time data based on listener demographics, with indie artists now
being given the chance to tweak and refine their promotional strategies. With YouTube
offering artists the chance to live stream and build a community around their music,
independent artists are also being given the chance to hold intimate performances or even
Q&A sessions with fans. This, combined with ads, also gives people the chance to monetize
their work.
Artists are paid by streaming on Spotify, but it can take millions of listens to generate a
significant income. YouTube’s option to monetize ads, however, provides an alternative
avenue, along with sponsorship opportunities.
Even though the music business is fierce with lots of competition, YouTube and Spotify are
giving talented stars the chance to stand out in a crowded market. With many artists
using these platforms to directly contribute to their global success, they could well be the
ticket for independent artists who want to make their mark
