How Social Media Affects Music Industry

The past decade has revolutionized every aspect of the global music industry. The performers began to communicate with their fans in a different way. Over the years, we have seen artists utilize platforms like Twitter, Instagram, TikTok Youtube, and Facebook to generate movement in their careers. Social media continues to give musicians the opportunities they previously could only have through record companies.

In the past, musicians would need to do things like record demos and distribute them to fans. They needed to bargain for the time in the studio. If there were live shows at local venues — acts would need to find an opportunity to play. All of these efforts were in the hopes that enough fans or an A&R representative from a label would help them get more involved in the industry.

The rise of the internet and social media platforms has evolved how bands establish themselves. Many of the same tactics like playing live, recording and distributing music, and seeking label attention remain the same; however, social media evens the playing field and empowers artists. It can help:

#1 Build an audience

Building a community of loyal fans is one of the most crucial parts of establishing a musical act. The audience indicates a consistent demand for new albums, live shows, merchandise, and marketability.

Social media allows artists to find their audience among each platform’s user base. Facebook followers, Instagram followers, and Youtube subscribers are examples of an artist’s dedicated communities. This attention from loyal fans gives artists a community that will sustain them and allows them to create music for the long term. Artists just need to find dedicated fans who love their music, even if it’s not billions. These fans will buy merchandise, enjoy new music, and follow the musician across their career.

#2 Create content

In the digital era, content creation is the queen gambit. Creating content is one of the most significant ways that social media remains a crucial place to be in the music industry. Not only does this content lead to more interest, but it is also the foundation of finding and keeping long-term fans.

Nevertheless, it’s important to understand that each platform demands different kinds of content. For example, viewers tend to enjoy longer videos on Youtube and Facebook, but they enjoy shorter videos on Instagram and Tiktok. It depends on the platform, and it also depends on the market. Part of using social media understands what kind of content viewers gravitate to on each platform.

#3 Connect with Fans

Social media connects fans to artists. Fans can comment, like, and share content, and may even have the opportunity to speak with their favorite artists through social media platforms. 

As one of the most powerful assets to using social media, artists can develop a stronger bond with their audience. Social media platforms give artists an outlet to express their thoughts and feelings or post everyday events. These are pieces of content fans love to see. 

Finally, they can get a more personal look into their favorite artists’ lives and identify with them more personally. Musicians can share their appreciation and dedication to fans to keep them coming back to their thriving communities.

The Bottom Line

Social media has changed so much over time, especially within the music industry. It has brought huge improvements in some areas, but not in all. The best way to look at these changes, improvements, or consequences is to embrace the positive aspects of them while really trying to find ways to overcome, or deal with, the negative aspects.