If you’re thinking about promoting your music to youtube, you’re not only on the right track, your are on the actual, correct track. YouTube is owned by Google, and YouTube has become the #1 world’s most popular Search Engine for people looking for music of all kinds (especially new music); but if your music is dated or of a certain genre, you can and will become just as successful if you follow the advice in this article.
*Like this post? Become a Sponsor. Get noticed. Keep this resource free.
YouTube is the 2nd most popular Search Engine on the planet, so stop looking at it as a mere “video site” (if you will). Right now, it’s all about getting your music to youtube (and/or videos; don’t worry if you don’t have a music video, as strange as this might sound). This article is going to teach you everything need to know, while simplifying the entire process.
Any music you upload to YouTube can be “shared” across websites, social networks, blogs, and the entire Internet Universe. For the purposes of this article, we are going to talk about creating your own YouTube channel to get your music to youtube. Going viral is NOT a lottery. It is a strategic approach that just requires a little dedication and knowledge that needs to be shared with you. You will do this by creating your own station on YouTube and taking advantage of all above resources mentioned at the top of this paragraph.
*Like this post? Become a Sponsor. Get noticed. Keep this resource free.
1.) You will set up a YouTube account where you can access your account through YouTube’s main page or through Gmail sign-in.
2.) You will set up your very own customized YouTube channel. You can also create “multiple channels” as we will discuss in just a little bit. Fans can then “subscribe” to your customized channel.
3.) You can add Annotations to the content of your channels (i.e. links to buy your music, notes, thought bubbles, etc.), but do it wisely and not too much. It can appear very annoying and also look like “spam.” However, as you will see, Annotations are a PLUS if used correctly. Getting your music to youtube gives you access to their “Partner Program” that offers you tools, exposure, and revenue.
4.) When you create a playlist with a chosen “theme” (and yes, you can create MULTIPLE playlists), your videos will play like a shuffle television station that you have created. You will communicate relevant (I repeat, “relevant”) information about your music to subscribers (NO spam of fluff), you’ll do it sparingly, and you’ll do it by informing subscribers about new music, interviews, concerts, etc.
Your Youtube channel “brands” your name so make sure it’s the name you want and use on your website, blog, or marketing literature, or wherever. You can also cross-promote with other Artists or Bands of the same style and “keywords” you’ve chosen.
*Like this post? Become a Sponsor. Get noticed. Keep this resource free.
IMPORTANT
Make sure you go into “Settings” and fill out ALL required “keywords” and “descriptions.” Take full advantage of choosing a GREAT color background that (most importantly) MATCHES the color of the panoramic photo you will choose for your musical Act. Using the “Settings” tool will take you to all these options. Make sure your photograph is truly “panoramic” and matches the color background you will choose. Use a panoramic photo that is 970px in width (which is YouTube’s requirement, especially if you want an AMAZING-looking page/channel). Make sure the photo looks “cool” and is filled with life and scenery.
Again, when you post any news or content to your subscribers, don’t overdo it in frequency. Particularly important is that you don’t send anything that could potentially appear as “Fluff” or “Spam.” You can lose subscribers this way and look very unprofessional. Your fans are smarter and quicker than you think.
*Like this post? Become a Sponsor. Get noticed. Keep this resource free.
YOUR MUSIC VIDEO SHOOTING CHOICES ARE IMMENSE & DIVERSE
As I mentioned in my previous article (CLICK HERE to read it after finishing this article), I am and always will be a sucker for a music video with a GREAT storyline (or at least a meaningful one). Back in the days when music videos went main-stream, they all had a wonderful knack for creating a true (mini) musical film. This is my taste, it hasn’t changed, because I think this is the true intention and “spirit” of the music video. But DON’T allow my own tastes or (perhaps a limited budget) deter you from the many other options I’m going to present to you.
1.) Live footage of your music is always a great option (even using an iPhone or Smart Phone).
2.) Creating interviews, behind-the-scenes commentary, eating, having fun, showing the band, instruments, gear, and explaining about your music is a video in and of itself.
3.) YouTube has free animation tools for your music.
4.) Shoot a simple, live performance of a song or a series of songs indoors, outdoors, or with an interesting background, even if you have no audience.
5.) Use public domain footage (if you must) and if you want to create a storyline or, at least, something picturesque.
6.) Encourage people to do cover versions of your songs. This has worked for major Artists.
7.) Use fast-paced, still imagery to create a music video of your work or an entire album.
8.) Use spoken-word videos about your music and your MISSION as an Artist or Band.
*Are you looking for an inexpensive way to make a world-class music video? Sony Movie Studio Platinum Suite 12
*Like this post? Become a Sponsor. Get noticed. Keep this resource free.
When you create a playlist on YouTube, you can create as many as you want. They will play non-stop like a TV show until the end of the list. What’s more, you can add other Artists and cross-promote with them, especially if your subject matter and embedded key words are the same. You must have a THEME to your playlist, and you MUST stick with it. Ask to be included on other websites and social networking forums, and be ready to offer the same treatment to others who match your theme. You can do this even if your playlist is a spoken-word montage of music-related or career-oriented advice. Make sure you embed your playlist(s) on your regular music website of blog for people to watch like a TV show. Again, don’t forget to leave ANY fields that require information blank. Leave URL’s where people can buy your music (especially at the beginning of the video), post song lyrics, concert dates, locations, links to new music, discount codes, and anything else you can think of. Holding contests and offering a free CD (or merchandise) to anyone who “recreates” a video of your music is a great idea. Give them permission, and even allow them to use family and pets (which so many people love and often are funny or “cute”). You can then create a separate playlist of ALL contestants who entered.
*Like this post? Become a Sponsor. Get noticed. Keep this resource free.
THIS ABOVE ALL
Make your video catch the audience quickly, and leave them wanting MORE. Don’t make the length of a single video too long. The official YouTube Blog gives instructions on how to create a video with the most “effect.” Ask questions on your comments section. Start a discussion. If someone leaves a comment, ALWAYS respond. You will make your fans feel important (as they should feel).
IF YOU HAVE NO VIDEO BUDGET
It is OKAY. Stream EVERY song you’ve ever recorded onto your station and in playlists. As I mentioned, still shots of you, your band, artwork, imagery, or whatever can be included in your streams, and even repeated in more than one song.
FINAL THOUGHTS ABOUT YOU EARNING MONEY FROM YOUR MUSIC VIDEOS
Between YouTube’s existing partner program that earns you revenue for streams of your video, and the new sync-licensing arrangement that CDbaby has created in partnership with Rumblefish (giving your music access to film and TV music supervisors, video games, commercials, and more), you can get paid for the use of your music on YouTube. Never before have you stood such a wonderful chance of making your musical dreams come true. Go to it!!
More to come.
*Like this post? Become a Sponsor. Get noticed. Keep this resource free.
(C)(P) Paul Spencer Alexander – All Rights Reserved. Paul Alexander Music: http://www.PaulAlexanderMusic.com – The Official Home of Paul Alexander Music.