So, you’ve decided to start a music channel on YouTube but fear that you won’t make it big? Do you want your start to be impactful? Do you want your channel to hook people from the first note to the last? We’re here for you, and we’ll help! Let’s dive into the ultimate guide to launching a music channel that’ll have your audience smash that subscribe button faster than a Slipknot drummer hits his solo!
Define Your Brand and Audience
Skip ahead if you know your stuff…
Before uploading random videos of you jamming in your bedroom, take a step back and think. When it comes to launching a music channel, the first rule is simple: know who you’re going to make it for. Sounds easy enough, right? Well, defining your brand isn’t just about picking a logo; it’s about understanding what makes you unique and how you want to be seen by the world. Let’s break it down:
Who Are You as an Artist?
It’s an important question to answer to make a powerful entrance. What’s your vibe? Are you the soulful singer-songwriter, an electronic producer, or the wild rock band that makes everyone wish they could play guitar? Or are you a pop sensation with a flair for glitter and high notes? What’s your personality? What’s your style? Are you a laid-back chill artist, or do you bring high energy and enthusiasm everywhere you go? To make an impact your brand should scream you, it should transfer your unique vibe into the channel.
Who Is Your Audience?
Once you have nailed the previous point, it’s time to think about your audience. Perhaps you have already made it somewhat big on TikTok, or maybe you are known in your local community. Who are the people that vibe with your music? Know your audience, what makes them tick, and what keeps them coming back for more, and you’ll know how to reach them and make them click that subscribe button.
Make a Content Strategy
Now that your brand is sorted out, it’s time to think about content. And no, we’re not just talking about uploading your tracks. A solid content strategy is what separates the pros from the amateurs.
- Think about the videos you want to make: music videos, tutorials, behind-the-scenes, etc.
- Map out your content in advance so you’re not scrambling for ideas in panic every time you need to upload.
- Plan and stick to a schedule to make the YouTube algorithms fall in love with you.
- Pick up trends, react to what’s hot and relevant. Post shorts with covers of trendy songs.
- Balance timeless with trending.
- Strategize how to get your content noticed. Think about promotion on your socials, perhaps.
- Ask professionals for their opinion and help. At AIR Music, our team will be more than happy to guide you through this crooked path. Contact us now.
Make Your Videos, Edit Them, and Keep the Audience Coming Back for More
You’ve got the plan; now it’s time to execute. When it comes to making music videos, quality matters. You don’t need a Hollywood budget, but you do need clear visuals and good audio. People will forgive a slightly shaky camera, but they won’t stick around if they can’t hear your sweet tunes properly. After shooting, spend time on editing. Cut out the fluff, keep it tight, and make sure every frame serves the music. And here’s the secret sauce: always leave your audience wanting more. Whether it’s a sneak peek of your next release, or just killer content that leaves them hooked, make sure they’re hitting that notification bell so they don’t miss what’s next.
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Optimize Your Channel and Videos for SEO
Okay, now that your music video is done, make sure people can easily find them the quickest way possible. How? Use that SEO to your advantage (that’s where AIR Music and VidIQ can come in handy to save the day).
- Titles: Use keywords that people are searching for and that represent your content to the fullest.
- Descriptions: Include key phrases and a call to action as well. Use words that describe the genre of music you’re making, such as ‘indie music’, ‘relaxing’, ‘rock band’, ‘techno’ etc.
- Tags: Use relevant and popular tags. To see what people are searching for the most in your niche, use VidIQ.
- Thumbnails: Make them eye-catching and make sure they represent you as a future brand.
- Playlists: Organize content for easy binge-watching. Your songs, behind-the-scenes and tutorials should have their separate playlist.
- Subtitles: Read on how to make and format subtitles. This not only helps people, who don’t know English as much, but also is very beneficial to people with impaired hearing or auditory processing disorders.
- End Screens & Cards: Add relevant socials and links to your other music videos.
The goal is to make it as easy as possible for new listeners to stumble upon your channel.
Promote Your Channel on Socials
Don’t keep your YouTube channel a secret! Promote it across all your social media platforms. Whether you’re big on Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, or Facebook, make sure you’re shouting about your new music videos from the rooftops. Use these platforms to give teasers, share behind-the-scenes content, and talk to your fans. Social media is a great way to drive traffic to your channel, so don’t be shy about cross-promoting. The more places your content lives, the better your chances of growing your audience.
Monetization Strategy
Let’s talk about the cash. Sure, you’re doing this for the love of music, but a little revenue on the side never hurt anyone. YouTube offers several ways to monetize your content. We have already explained how to monetize your channel and how to earn even without monetization, but we will discuss it briefly here as well.
- AdSense: Enable ads on your music videos for steady revenue.
- Merch: Sell branded merchandise directly on your channel.
- Super Chat & Super Stickers: Let fans support you during live streams. Learn how to hold a 24/7 livestream with Gyre!
- Channel Memberships: Offer exclusive content to paying subscribers.
- Affiliate Links: Promote products you love and earn a commission.
- Copyright: Allow others to use your tracks for a fee and protect your music by copyright.
And remember, monetization isn’t just about making money; it’s about building a sustainable career as an artist.
Use All the Professional Help You Can Get
Starting a music channel is tough, but you don’t have to go it alone. That’s where AIR Music comes in. We’re not just a service; we’re your partner in success. With AIR Music, part of AIR Media-Tech, we’ve been helping musicians, bands, and artists distribute their music across 120+ streaming platforms since 2011.
We provide data analytics, promotional tools, and personalized attention to your releases, so you can focus on what you do best—making music. And don’t worry, you retain full ownership of your recording rights, so you stay in control of your creations. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your music career to the next level, AIR Media-Tech has your back. So what are you waiting for? Contact us now to get started!
Launching a music channel on YouTube is a journey, but with the right strategy, it can be an incredibly rewarding one. Define your brand, plan your content, be consistent, optimize for search, and promote across all your platforms. And when it comes to monetization, think beyond just ad revenue. With AIR Media-Tech by your side, you’ll have the tools, support, and expertise you need to turn your passion for music into a thriving career. So, go out there and let’s make some noise!
