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Youtube

How Artists Can Maximise Their YouTube Promotion Campaigns

Posted on 3 April 2023
YouTube Promotion Campaigns

With the average music video costing £1,500 – £5,000 for independent artists to shoot, unless you have some very benevolent and talented videographer connections, music videos are one of the hardest investments for independent artists to rake back their investments from.

By learning how to utilise the marketing opportunities offered by YouTube, you will have the best shot at investing wisely in your music videos. In this article, we will cover the top seven ways to maximise your YouTube promotion campaigns and touch upon the new music promotion trend, which is putting more momentum behind megastars, such as Miley Cyrus, and helping independent artists to make an impression in an oversaturated scene.

Contrary to popular belief, it takes a fair amount of work to stand out on YouTube. The streaming service may have 2.1 billion active users, and over 1 billion videos are watched every day, but as there are approximately 800 million videos and 37 million channels to compete with, grabbing attention is easier said than done. The rate of uploads to YouTube is only speeding up too – 3.7 million videos are uploaded every day – that is sixty hours of video uploaded every minute of the day!

How to Make the Most of YouTube Promotion Campaigns

  1. Verify Your YouTube Account

Just like getting a blue tick on Facebook and Twitter helps to build your credibility on the platform, verifying your YouTube account and obtaining the valuable blue tick on YouTube will help to improve your standing. Unlike with some social media platforms, you don’t need to be a popular public figure to gain your blue tick; you just need to verify your account.

The verification process will entail ensuring you have provided all of the information required to complete your profile; for additional algorithmic brownie points, include links to all relevant social media pages and websites. To make it easier for people to contact you, provide your contact information too.

  1. Get Short

Unless you have been hiding under a rock for the past few years, you will have noticed the TikTokification of other apps, such as Facebook and Instagram; Spotify and YouTube are now jumping on the same short video clip bandwagon.

It is no longer enough to upload your official music videos and lyric videos; the diminishing attention spans of music fans may be cause for concern, but there is no reason why independent artists can’t use the new YouTube Shorts trend to their advantage.

Whether you’re launching a new single, EP, album, or music video, whet the appetite of your audience by showcasing a snippet (or multiple!) of your music to garner traction with music fans who may not have felt inclined to sit through the entire track, video, or LP!

  1. Invest in Ads for Your YouTube Promotion Campaigns

Targeted YouTube ads are a great way to find large niche communities on a relatively small budget. YouTube ads can also help you target users with specific behaviours and intentions, making it far more intuitive than using Facebook and Instagram-sponsored ads.

To maximise Your YouTube Ads campaign, do plenty of research first; getting trigger-happy with your ad campaigns is as futile as throwing money down the drain. Platforms such as soundcharts can help you gather all the necessary data points you need to build an effective campaign. Once you know who you want your music, music videos and shorts in front of, ensure your ads are engaging and attention-grabbing.

  1. Create an Interesting Thumbnail

Thumbnails should never be an afterthought when uploading new content to YouTube. Don’t be tempted to use a grainy screengrab from a music video; always use a high-resolution thumbnail paired with a compelling caption so your audience knows what they are clicking on before they delve into the video.

Contrasting colours are great for capturing attention, as are whitespace and negative space. For more tips, read this guide on how to create the perfect YouTube thumbnail.

  1. Stop, Collaborate, and Listen

Many marketing tips and trends come and go; one of the only ones that stand the test of time is that collaboration is key to success when expanding your reach and your audience. In addition to sharing fan bases, it can also put you in touch with other valuable people within the music industry.

Whether you’re collaborating with fashion designers, visual artists, other artists, producers, influencers or videographers, collaboration is one surefire way to boost your streaming numbers if you work with the right people!

  1. Share Your YouTube Videos and Shorts

Social media platforms such as Facebook may not be the best for sharing YouTube video links as anything that will pull social media users away from the platform is considered algorithmic bad cake, but promoting your videos is still a necessary evil!

Before your new music video debuts, share a link so your audience can watch the premier as it happens, make another post when the video goes live, and don’t be shy about sharing your streaming milestones; this will give your fans who may have missed your original post another chance to view the video. If you get your ducks in a row before your hotly-anticipated music video debut, you can also reach out to music journalists and blogs to see if they want to exclusively premiere your music video. This kind of arrangement is beneficial for both parties; you can put even more traction behind your new release, while the blog or online music mag will get some exclusive content to share with their readers.

  1. Don’t Neglect the Comment Section

You wouldn’t get far without your music fans; never think you’re above expressing your gratitude for their time and comments! Always find the time to connect with your audience, whether they are commenting on the YouTube video itself or a social media post. To drive up engagement, you can be direct in asking for feedback or find other ways to encourage others to get involved with your music.

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For more help and advice on YouTube Promotion Campaigns, contact A&R Factory to find out more about our artist & development services, or you can contact us about your music video premiere today by using our artist submission page.

 

Article by Amelia Vandergast

 

Make It: Kem .SoL hopes for the romance to blossom on 1 Day

Posted on 7 March 2023

Wanting so much more and sensing that the formally fragmented pieces are finally plunging together, Kem .SoL shows us an unbelievable new creation on the superb 1 Day.

Kem .SoL is an American indie alternative artist who is now based in London, UK and makes a sterling blend of vividly descriptive soundscapes to love forever.

Hoping for love to stay strong despite the strong winds and taken as the 2nd track off The Only Way Is Up, Kem .SoL sends our gaze right into better days. Vocally smooth and drifting with some impact, this is a rather splendid experience to love for its kind energy.

1 Day from the London, UK-based indie alternative artist Kem .SoL is a tremendous single to turn up loud and with some velocity. This is a strength-packed song when you need to keep that hope strong, that two loving humans may stay close despite all the temptations lurking. Lathered in magnificence and calming our ears, we are treated to something so honest and caring when needed most.

When you speak your intentions, the road suddenly clears.

Turn this up loud on YouTube.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Saint Germain delivers kaleidoscopic quiescence in his reflective ambient alt-indie release, ONUS

Posted on 22 February 2022

The up and coming artist, Saint Germain, proved that he’s the Chris Isaak of this generation with his gently innovative latest release, ONUS. The 21-year-old self-taught artist has been working on his ambient sonic style since 2008. There are still hints of his influences’ style in the soundscapes. Yet, instead of becoming yet another Bon Iver or Frank Ocean assimilator, he’s carved his own intricately intimate path, and ONUS unfolds as an absorbing milestone in his career.

The colourfully trippy melodies paired with the Canadian’s quiescent vocals that sit between etherealism and warm soul ensure that even after the mellow-yet-haunting-all-the-same single comes to an accordant end, it will stay with you for long after.

ONUS was written at 3 AM during a spate of situational insomnia. You can practically hear the nodes of delirium in the meditative production that was crafted as a reflection to the feeling detachedly adrift. There are as many questions in the lyrics as there are answers – making it feel so much more human than your average release. There’s nothing more humbling than soul-deep confusion, which goes a fair way in explaining why, despite its soft layers, ONUS hits bruisingly hard.

You can check out the official lyric video to ONUS by heading over to Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Chasing that rush: North Carolina Pop singer Natalie Carr knows the party needs to end on lyric video for ‘Blue Lights’

Posted on 28 November 2020

Her voice is so real and relevant. Natalie Carr shows us what life is like on the run while chasing those tempting tattoos for a little bit too long on ‘Blue Lights’.

You love that feeling of danger and partying wherever and whenever you want. You know deep down however that this needs to end otherwise you will be seeing those dreaded lights a bit too close and things will change forever. You keep yourself close to that partner for the night but also have a plan to get out if the going gets too dangerous.

“I’ve found my stride in being honest in my writing, for everyday people, like myself, to relate.”- Natalie Carr

Her music is refreshingly straight forward and she gets to the core of the story without too much fuss. This is all about having fun and enjoying each moment as life comes, you wish it wouldn’t stop. However, you know that it needs to end and you should move on to better things. So many of us find ourselves stuck in this maze of bright lights, the chase that is so hot to begin with and then it burns out like a used cigarette.

With an honest R&B/Pop style that sizzles the ears, she is the ultimate partner in crime. The late nights, going on fun adventures lasts for a while and these will be memories forever. However it only takes one slip up to have this moment crash down like a pack of cards into dust and doom, locked up for something so silly that shouldn’t have really happened.

‘Blue Lights’ from US Pop singer-songwriter Natalie Carr is a breath-taking track and the visuals only make this song a sultry view and listen for the lost hearts out there, frustrated with lock-down days. The temptation and urge to explore again is sometimes too much to pass up. Taking time to take a step back however, is the safer but less fun way to go.

See this exciting video here on her YouTube and find out more about Natalie on her IG and Facebook.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Creative beyond words: Shrt_Lyf drops the highly entertaining ‘Pretty Eyes and Blue Levi’s’

Posted on 19 November 2020

With a video that defies belief, the quality of the song matches the unique style with a Hip Hop song that is so fresh you will need extra ice to wrap on your face. The flowing locks only make him look like a real music star, Spanish artist Shrt_Lyf is absolutely remarkable on ‘Pretty Eyes and Blue Levi’s‘.

This is all about going for the wrong girl, only to realize too late. Way too late. A true message that so many of us have experienced in our lives. With a flow like no other, this is that rare kind of music that you can just smile at. You appreciate the creative juices that are squeezed into our ears like that delicious music that wets your lips just right.

Flamboyance personified, you are transported into a different state of mind while enjoying this Indie Rap track that features different genres in the video too. There is no telling what he is going to come up with next and the full Rock band outro at the end is a sign of things to come.

Shrt_Lyf shows off his growing legend on ‘Pretty Eyes and Blue Levi’s‘ and you will be blown away by what you see whether you like Hip Hop or not. This is the kind of musician that comes around once a lifetime.

Fill your day with this incredibly entertaining video on YouTube and find out more on Facebook.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

‘Sweet Dreams’ Re-imagined: Exciting duo Sonophonix put their own blend on a classic with supremely satisfying results

Posted on 11 November 2020

‘Sweet Dreams‘ Re-imagined: Exciting duo Sonophonix put their own blend on a classic with supremely satisfying results as they are two such talented musicians. Form is temporary and class is permanent- these two incredible artists have created something so stunning here for us in the fire of 2020 that cools the airs and helps with the global anxiety.

Cellist Xue was born in Beijing, China and is now New York based where she works with various indie acts. After learning the piano aged 4, she moved onto the cello when she was only 9 years old.

Deborah is the pianist here and is from Salem, Oregon but now based in New York City too. She also started playing piano when she was just 4 years old and you can feel the quality here.

This is a beautiful expression of music without words and the stunning soundscape is a blessing to our tired souls. The exciting duo are two inspiring women that use their skills to make such amazing music.

‘We combined electronic elements and a touch of vocals to compliment the piano and cello.’- Sonophonix

This is an underrated duo that deserve more love and Sonophonix have been careful to put their own spin on such a classic song. Sometimes covers can sound clunky or too similar to the original. Not on this occasion. I feel so relaxed after listening to this and you will too.

With years of practice on different instruments, you can feel that these two talented musicians are in their element here and the results are marvelous. The goal of creating an atmospheric sound palette has certainly been achieved.

Click here for the YouTube link.

Head through to the Insta page.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Producer Luke Hunt brings us a beautiful new indie-electro dream with ‘Pastel Forest’

Posted on 4 November 2020

Luke Hunt brings us a beautiful new indie-electro dream with ‘Pastel Forest‘ and this is such a tidy tune for us to enjoy in 2020.

This is a fun 8 minute instrumental-only track with no vocals. We are instead brought inside what feels like a dream where everything is bright and vivid, we are transported into something so beautiful. With a catchy beat, this is the type of song that is a bit different and made with love.

‘Pastel Forest‘ from producer Luke Hunt puts you in a good mood, you feel like you are with friends and having a great time. The beat is vibrant and keeps you dancing almost the whole way through. This is the type of song to put on to open minded music friends, humans who appreciate something different and with energy. A real underrated effort here and a track to really enjoy and turn up all the way to max. This is a fun family friendly song that is perfect for playlists. A real great song here that will keep you entertained.

Click here for the YouTube link.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

‘Old Enough’ from Now Defunkt is an ode to the good times

Posted on 2 November 2020

‘Old Enough‘ from new act Now Defunkt is an ode to past as this is a fantastic new single release.

At the start of the current pandemic, 3 friends- Scott, Steve and James created a song with the expectation that they would simply release the track and then return back to normal life.

After the virus continued, the trio, with the help of their equally talented children and also some loyal friends- are releasing a full album titled ‘Skills Are Handy, Feel is Gold‘ under the name Now Defunkt. This is a good bunch of friends and family who are doing amazing things right now with their music. Sometimes music comes from strange times to help heal us.

Now Defunkt is a creative collective producing primordial sound-box of the soul shifts. With a summer sax vibe, there is lots of sexy people cruising on roller-blades here. This is the song that makes you remember good times, when you were free and not worrying about life.

What started as a simple song evolved into a whole new crew of music and this is one for memory lane. Now Defunkt are a fresh group and ‘Old Enough‘ is a track that needs to be slipped on while with friends. This is an indie summer jam that makes everything feel okay again.

Hear more here on the YouTube.

Click here for the Facebook page.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Australian songstress Kristen Plati sings with self-awareness on the stunning new single ‘Stone’

Posted on 1 November 2020

Kristen Plati sings with self-awareness on the stunning new single ‘Stone‘ and this is quite the fantastic effort from the young singer.

Kristen Plati is a soothing singer-songwriter, model and actress originally from Perth in Australia. She is currently living in New York and enjoying her American adventure. This is a young lady who likes to push the boundaries and learn new things, challenging herself to be better each and every day.

Kristen was most recently seen in the BravoTV show “Your Husband Is Cheating On Us“. She is a busy artist and doing all she can to get her name out there to the world.

‘Stone‘ from Australian singer Kristen Plati is a lovely escape from the real world, you feel the strong vocals here, this is a woman who sings with passion and soul. This is a song to turn up really loud and enjoy with friends or when you feel like reflecting by yourself. The voice is majestic, the lyrics are real and gritty. This is a fine song.

Click here for the YouTube.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Singer/dancer Giora is back with the expressive video for ‘Sorry’

Posted on 26 October 2020
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yHpDLZkmytU&feature=youtu.be

Singer/dancer Giora is back with the expressive video for ‘Sorry‘ and this is a vibrant effort that shows us the skills of a talented performer, no matter what the genre.

You get rare talents like Giora sometimes and the world needs to notice. This is an underground artist with lots to offer the world. This artist glides through and shows pain in this new song. You feel paid from the last relationship and it hasn’t gone away

Singer/dancer Giora returns with the new single that calls out for forgiveness on ‘Sorry‘. This is a real piece of art, the dance has been choreographed to perfection to match up with the whole concept of the song. This is the kind of creative song that seems to have been inspired a bit by 2020, things that seemed like a open goal have turned into a foul. Such is the world right now. Luckily, we have this kind of music to listen to and watch. Good intentions.

Head through to the YouTube link.

Click here for the Insta page.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen