Optimize your YouTube channel to increase the number of people who see it.
The first significant question regarding using YouTube to promote your music is why. Why go to the trouble of developing a YouTube channel, optimising it, and building a brand?
2 billion is the answer. That many people visit YouTube each month, resulting in billions of video views each day. And that figure just includes active accounts, not people who use the platform but do not have a Google account. According to a study conducted by Dataportal in 2019, 79 percent of Internet users have a YouTube account. That makes it the world’s second most popular social media platform, after Facebook, and the second most popular search engine, after Google.
So there you have it: the raw data. However, everyone is aware of YouTube’s popularity. The actual question is: how can you use the success of this worldwide video platform to promote your own music as an independent artist? Many features have been added to YouTube, making it an indispensable platform for musicians. Let’s have a peek, shall we?
What is the significance of videos for musicians?
It’s simple: people enjoy watching videos. Visuals assist us in making a faster and, in many cases, deeper connection with the music. It’s the foundation on which MTV was built during the advent of the music video in the 1980s, and it’s still there in the epic album-length concept films of artists like Beyonce and Janelle Monae today.
However, the combination of music and video is not limited to typical music videos. On YouTube, today’s music fans want more from their favourite musicians, and you should be prepared to meet those expectations. The choices for an indie musician turned YouTuber to engage with their audience are numerous, ranging from behind-the-scenes studio footage to live videos to live-streamed Q&As If you need increase your channel then use Smart ways to get more YouTube subscribers in 2022.
What exactly is a “YouTuber,” and how do I go about becoming one?
The term “YouTuber” refers to someone who makes videos and uploads them on YouTube. A true YouTuber, on the other hand, is an intentional content creator, someone who takes the process of generating videos seriously and actively connects with their YouTube viewers and followers. “YouTubers” also have a habit of posting videos on a regular basis.
This is not the same as a musician who puts out a video on YouTube every month or so and considers it successful. That’s not a YouTuber; that’s just someone who uploads videos to YouTube and doesn’t communicate with their audience in any meaningful way.
Musicians that utilise YouTube in the way YouTube wants are rewarded by the platform’s recommendation engine and revenue mechanism. Make the most of your YouTube channel and every video you make by becoming a YouTuber.
Not sure how to go about it? That is why we have come.
What is the definition of a YouTube channel?
A YouTube channel is the fundamental building component for each YouTube video provider. Consider a channel to be the equivalent of an artist profile on streaming platforms like Spotify or Apple Music for musicians. Your channel is where you organise and post videos, as well as engage with your followers. It’s the centre of your YouTube activities.
Another approach to consider your channel is like a television channel. You are the network, and YouTube is the media (say, cable TV). Your channel can host a variety of series in various forms. And, using your channel design options, video tools, and playlists, you can present your content in the way that works best for you, distinguishing between your “Prime Time” programmes and your more relaxed “daytime” shows — to keep the TV analogy going.
What steps do I need to take to start my own YouTube channel?
It’s quite simple! Follow these instructions from Google Support to create a YouTube channel:
- Sign up for a YouTube account on a computer or on a mobile device.
- Attempt any action that necessitates the use of a channel, such as submitting a video, leaving a remark, or making a playlist.
- You’ll be prompted to establish a channel if you don’t already have one.
- Check the details (including your Google Account name and photo) and click Create Channel to start building your new channel.
What is the difference between an Official Artist Channel and a Topic Channel?
If a YouTube channel is the streaming platform’s version of an artist profile, then a YouTube Official Artist Channel (OAC) is the streaming platform’s counterpart of a verified artist profile. It’s a claimed artist page on YouTube that offers you an official presence and allows you to collect all of your YouTube content, including official videos, Art Tracks, and some user-generated content (UGC, more on that later). An OAC allows the owner a lot of power over their YouTube account, such as:
- Options for personalization
- Auto-generated videos can be added and removed.
- Analytics and other tools are available to you.
A Topic channel is not the same as an Official Artist Channel
When your music is distributed to YouTube’s streaming service YouTube Music, a Topic channel is automatically created. These are generic channels with the artist’s name followed by the suffix “-Topic.” YouTube’s videos for each song an artist has disseminated aren’t exactly videos; they’re a static image of the art with the track title, album title, and artist name, which are referred to as Art Tracks in YouTube circles and Smart ways to get more YouTube subscribers in 2022.
How can I claim my YouTube Official Artist Channel?
CD Baby artists are in for a treat! Right inside your CD Baby account, you can declare your YouTube channel and turn it into an Official Artist Channel.
You can also claim your channel on YouTube directly. The OAC page in their Help Center has instructions on how to achieve this.
What are the best practises for optimising my YouTube channel and videos?
It’s time to make the most of your channel now that you’ve made one (or logged in to an existing one). This is referred to as optimization.
You may improve your YouTube channel in a variety of ways. Although not all of them are required, they can all help your channel gain more viewers and increase its fan base.
This beginner’s checklist for optimising your YouTube channel has been put up by us:
- Choose a channel name — Because the channel name differs from the URL, this name CAN be changed. However, for consistent channel branding, it’s important to choose a name and stick with it. Choose something that is both brief and distinctive (like your band or artist name) and also informs visitors about your channel’s content. To edit, go here and click the edit button.
- Select a channel icon — Upload a square, high-resolution (800800) image that is easily recognisable and looks fantastic at smaller sizes (so use text sparingly). This image will serve as the icon for your channel throughout all of YouTube.
- Upload your channel art – The banner/header that appears at the top of your channel when viewed on a desktop is known as channel art. Upload a huge image (25601440) with the most significant graphic elements in the inner 1546423 region (so they’ll show up when scaled for mobile and tablet). Keep in mind that channel art can be viewed on other devices such as mobile phones and smart TVs, so make sure the image is high-resolution to ensure that it appears sharp and clear on all screens. Look into it.
Canva may also be used to make personalised art for your channel.
- Make sure your channel art displays your personality rather than looking like a generic brand logo. For some inspiration, look at YouTube’s channel art tips.
- Create a description for your channel — Select “edit links” from the upper right corner of the channel art area. To set expectations for your audience, make sure to highlight the most significant content you create, include relevant keywords, and specify your upload schedule.
- In the About page, add links to your website and social media -accounts; the corresponding icons will appear as overlays on your channel art. Include links to your company’s official website, store or product pages, social media profiles, newsletter subscription form, and promotional campaign sites.
- “Featured Channels” should be selected — The “Featured Channels” header can be seen on the right hand side of your channel. Add any channels that are connected or comparable, such as channels for other creative projects you’re working on, your record label, and so on.
- Enable browse view and discussion – Hover your cursor in the right-hand corner of your YouTube channel homepage, where the channel name and tab names display, until the pencil icon appears. After that, activate both the browsing view and the conversation settings by clicking “modify channel navigation.”
- Choose or upload a channel trailer — Once the browse view is enabled, choose or upload a channel trailer video. When an unsubscribed viewer accesses your channel, a channel trailer will automatically play, giving you the opportunity to hook them and get them to subscribe and Best ways to get more YouTube subscribers in 2022!
Your trailer should be educational and consistent with the tone of your channel (did we mention it should be brief?). You should also ask viewers to sign up for your newsletter.
Sections are a wonderful way to arrange videos (by theme, style, series, genre, and so on) and give viewers a simple method to browse your material from the Home/Browse page. Sections can be made up of videos, playlists, or channels, and they can include both your own content and that of other YouTube users.
Only the top section of your channel page will be accessible to most people without scrolling, so make sure your most significant films are in that section. You also have a fantastic opportunity to cross-promote with other artists and design an intriguing viewing experience for your audience because sections can contain content from other channels. Simply click the “Add a Section” button to create a new section.
It’s vital to remember that some elements are required on every YouTube website, such as your top-level section list, the most recent video you submitted, and an Uploads category that shows all films you’ve published.
- Customize your channel URL – isn’t YouTube.com/GigglyWiggly123CuzItWasMyEmailAddressBackIn2007 a lot simpler to remember? You may personalise your URL on YouTube, and the requirements are listed in their Help Center.
What do I need to do in order to claim my YouTube channel?
According to YouTube, you must meet the following criteria to claim your channel:
Your channel must meet the following criteria to be considered for an Official Artist Channel:
- Own and run a YouTube channel for a single artist or band.
- Have a music distributor or label deliver and distribute at least three official YouTube releases.
- On your channel, there are no policy violations.
Then there’s one of the following:
- Working with a YouTube Partner Manager is a great way to get started.
- Join the YouTube Partner Program today.
- Your channel works with a Partner Manager as part of a label network.
What is the best way to optimise my YouTube videos?
We’re almost ready to start uploading videos, but first you need learn how to optimise the ones you already have. Optimizing your videos increases your chances of attracting more viewers and, as a result, boosting your YouTube audience. Consider the following guidelines when uploading any video to YouTube:
- Choose a keyword-rich video title: A keyword-rich video title will help visitors locate your video while looking for related topics.
- Upload a creative graphic : that teases something spectacular in the video as the thumbnail image. The thumbnail should have a resolution of 1280 720 pixels with a 16:9 aspect ratio.
- Interact with viewers: by linking them to a URL, directing them to another video, or encouraging them to subscribe.
- Watermark: This feature allows you to insert your channel logo in the video’s bottom right corner. They’ll be taken to your channel to subscribe if they click it.
- Relevant tags: Include terms linked with your video, the topic matter, or a featured performer.
- Write a description: Your description is what drives YouTube’s search, so make it compelling, utilise keywords for search hits, and include connections to your profiles on other sites like social media.
- Record an intro: You can upload an intro to YouTube as a private video and then integrate it with any videos you publish using the Video Editor tool. This unifies your videos and gives them a sense of continuity.
- Make high-definition videos: For the greatest quality, record in at least 720p or 1080p. This gives your videos a professional appearance.
- “Next”: Create a playlist for your video and include the “share with playlist starting from current video” code anytime you share it. When a visitor selects “next,” they will be directed to another of your videos.
- Add end cards: These are short outros (5-10 seconds) with calls to action that direct viewers to more videos and content. You can utilise the same way you used to upload your intro, which is to upload it to YouTube as a private video and then mix it with any other videos you broadcast using the Video Editor tool.
What types of videos should I upload to my YouTube artist channel?
Now that you’ve designed, optimised, and organised your YouTube artist channel, as well as learned how to optimise videos, it’s time to start uploading videos! What kinds of videos should you share? This is where you may let your imagination run wild. Show off a variety of parts of your personality, interests, and music to your admirers. People become tired with a channel comprised of only music videos, so spice it up with these ideas:
- Music videos: Yes, we just said that if your entire channel is music videos, people will get bored. However, these are the most important aspects of any musician’s YouTube account. Construct a budget for your best song and make a decent-looking, creative video for it Effective ways to get more YouTube subscribers in 2022.
- Live videos: Enlist the help of a friend or hire a filmmaker to capture one of your live performances. This could be just you playing at home, or it could be a video of a prior performance from back when live performances were an option (remember that?).
- Live streams: Use the same idea as previously with a videographer, or do it yourself at home. With our live streaming tutorial, it’s a breeze!
Visualizers are short animated videos that react to the music you’re playing. You can easily make these with Rotor Videos!
- Vlogs: Also known as “behind-the-scenes,” these videos offer a different side of you than a performance video. Allow your followers a glimpse into your life, whether it’s in the studio discussing your music and creative process, or in your everyday life. This is how you engage with people on a more personal level than just your music, making them feel as if they know you.
- Are you a gearhead? Here are some how-tos for you. Make a video of you unwrapping your latest toy, and include a link to the product’s webpage. If someone buys a product from your link and you’re an affiliate, you could make some additional money! Do you have a cool home studio? Show viewers around your rig and discuss all of the technology. Make a video with tutorials on how to play a few of your tunes, or just a video of lessons on your chosen instrument. If you’re an expert in anything, tell your followers about it!
- Content created by users: For short, UGC. These are videos that other people have uploaded to their accounts. Perhaps a fan captured a particularly memorable video of one of your live performances. These films help to attract visitors to your website.
These are frequently in the form of Q&A sessions with your audience. Post a standalone video or a tag at the end of your most recent video inviting viewers to ask you questions in the comments section.
How can I get the most out of my YouTube videos?
There are a few things you can take to ensure that your films reach the widest possible audience:
- Make a schedule for yourself. And make sure you stick to it! This is more essential than the weekly amount of videos you post. Set realistic expectations for your audience and then deliver on them. Viewers are more inclined to subscribe if they believe you are trustworthy.
- Analyze the data. This offers vital information regarding the time and engagement of the watch. For additional information on how to read YouTube Analytics, see the section below.
How can you make money from your YouTube channel?
Now that you’ve created your channel and added videos, it’s time to start earning money! However, how is money made from YouTube music? YouTube employs a feature known as Content ID, which automatically recognises any video on its server that matches audio in its database. It inserts an ad on a video with matching audio when it finds it. YouTube reports money to the distributor for each click on the ad.
Music streaming on YouTube generates streaming money in the same way that it does on other platforms like Spotify, so when you monetize your videos, you’re earning twice as much!
So, how do you get your music into the Content ID database on YouTube? Easy! CD Baby is a YouTube distributor, and we monetize your videos for free. Simply check the boxes for these two items throughout the submission process:
- On the page for Distribution Options, there is a section for YouTube Music.
- On the Monetization page, look for the YouTube Content ID.
How can I tell if my YouTube promotion is working?
You may use a few measures to determine the performance of your YouTube promotion activities, and you can view them all in your account.
Here are some things to keep an eye on on your YouTube account:
Views : are the most basic indicator for determining the success of a channel. The more views you get, the more marketers will pay to have their advertising shown on your film, making it more valuable. Checking the view count for all of your movies on a regular basis is a smart practise.
Playback and retention:are indicators that show you which parts of your videos people are watching the most and when they stop. Knowing this will enable you to determine the content that your specific viewers value the most and what they don’t care enough about to keep watching.
Traffic :This is how you can see how people are finding and watching your videos: traffic. Are they on the lookout for them? Trying to figure out what’s “up next” on another video? Using a blog embed code? Through the use of social media? The more you know about your viewers’ preferences, the better you may personalise your channel’s offerings to boost traffic and overall views.
Subscribers: These are the people who keep coming back to you. When a user subscribes to your channel, your material will appear on their personal YouTube dashboard. This encourages repeat visits and more views, as well as suggesting your material to new individuals with similar subscription/viewing patterns as your present subscribers.
Demographics :Who are your true viewers, according to demographics? This feature provides information on who is watching your videos. Knowing your viewers’ age, geography, and gender is important not only for the material you provide, but also for your channel’s entire branding.
What are the many YouTube types?
There are various YouTube channels that are connected but not the same. Aside from the standard YouTube that we’re all familiar with, there’s:
Premium on YouTube:
A YouTube experience that is ad-free and subscription-based.
This monthly subscription service ($11.99) allows users to watch videos without ads, gain access to exclusive content only available to subscribers, and enjoy ad-free YouTube Music streaming.
Music on YouTube:
YouTube Music is a music streaming service that includes a vast library of Art Tracks, which we briefly discussed earlier
YouTube Music curates millions of official Art Tracks (videos with high-quality audio and a cover art image), music videos, and more. This video is offered as ad-supported streaming for free users, ad-free for YouTube premium members, and as a standalone, ad-free subscription service for $9.99/month.
Art Tracks are the videos that occur when CD Baby distributes to YouTube.
There are a few things you should know regarding YouTube music:
- You may read about it here.
- It’s a music streaming service similar to Spotify or Apple Music (it even has its own app for mobile devices)
- It features music-specific filters that aren’t available on standard YouTube, such as “artist” and “song.”
- With the YouTube Music App, users may listen to music in the background (without having to keep a video open) or download music for offline listening.
- The content is usually arranged by artist name or in playlists with music recommendations based on theme, genre, and other factors.
- Artists will be assigned to either their own “subject channel” or genre-specific “various artist” channels.
- When CD Baby’s art tracks are streamed, YouTube pays on a per-stream basis (much like Spotify or Apple Music).
Creators on YouTube
This is where you’ll find information on platform updates, opportunities, best practises, and more.
YouTube Creator Academy can help you become a creator.
Through online lessons and videos, YouTube’s Creator Academy is a terrific method to learn about video skills, channel optimization, and more. Although the Creator Academy is technically part of YouTube Creators, I thought it was worth noting separately because people still refer to them as different entities.
With YouTube Studio, you can better manage your channels
YouTube Studio is a set of tools within YouTube that allows you to better manage and organise your channel and videos. You don’t even have to register for anything else! To gain access, simply log in with your regular information on YouTube Studio’s homepage.
Show.co can help you gain more fans
Show.co, one of our promotional partners, offers a variety of ways to advertise your YouTube channel and videos both on and off the platform. You can launch a video on YouTube and promote it using Show.co’s Interactive Ads on your fans’ favourite websites! You may get started for free, and their marketing campaigns are among the most cost-effective available online.
That’s all there is to it. You’ll have everything you need to make your YouTube channel the next big thing! It’s a lot to remember, but happily, we’ve compiled all of the information on this single page. Because YouTube is a continuously changing platform, we’ll keep you updated as new features are announced. Meanwhile, get out there and shoot some videos!
Also Read : 4 Best Real YouTube Video Promotion Service – Great Work at a Low Cost