Streaming and social media platforms have completely revolutionized the music industry. With how fast they change, it can often feel impossible to wrap your head around it all. That’s why we’re here today to try to make things easier on you!
Streaming Importance
Jimmy Iovine, co-founder of Interscope Records and Beats Electronics, took a moment to share his thoughts on the industry with the people at New York Times. According to Iovine, “Drake and Billie Eilish stream more than the entire decade of the 1980s.”
We found this statistic particularly interesting because it shows just how massive the stars of today are. Today’s artists have something that they’ve never had before, and that’s a direct line of communication with their audience. Streaming platforms provide listeners with the ability to support their artists from their home, car, bed, virtually anywhere their phone goes the music goes with them. Not only is streaming providing this relationship between fans and artists, but it’s also allowing smaller artists to get on the market. Label contracts are not necessary to place music on streaming platforms or playlists. That’s the magic of streaming. Anyone can release music.
TikTok Changing The Game
Newer social media platform, TikTok, has helped music from decades ago find its way back to the charts and into the lives of a younger generation from the pure power of social media trends and marketing.
Fleetwood Mac’s classic hit “Dreams,” sung by the one and only Stevie Nicks, is having a breath of new life thanks to a TikTok that recently went viral. Since going viral, the number of streams “Dreams” has gotten has almost doubled, and even re-entered the music charts. As if this story of the power of social media couldn’t get any better, Fleetwood Mac’s drummer, Mick Fleetwood, recently joined TikTok so he could recreate the now famous video.
Social media has drastically leveled the playing field. First, it provides an outlet for artists to cultivate their brand. It also provides artists realtime access to their fans whenever and wherever they like. Social media also allows artists integrate streaming platforms with their profiles. When people share a song on their Instagram story or in a TikTok, the credits are included. You can also add a link to your music directly to a post so fans won’t have to search through your profile to find that link.
As more social media platforms arise, artists have more opportunities to gain popularity. Increases in exposure lead to a rise in number of streams, followers and fans. Instagram is rising to the challenge behind TikTok by introducing more creative ways to interact with their audiences. Read more about Instagram’s Live Rooms, Shop, and Ads to get a better grip on how to use Instagram’s features to reach your target audience.
We know social media can be overwhelming. Getting organized definitely helps! Click below to download our free Social Media Organizer. Happy posting!
