How to get more listeners on Spotify
You’re all set up as a Spotify artist. Now the challenge is nudging those all-important statistics on Spotify analytics. We’ve compiled a list of actionable advice on how to get more listeners on Spotify.
First of all, let’s make an important distinction between ‘listeners’ and ‘fans’. Since it’s one of the key metrics on Spotify analytics, we’ve called this guide “how to get more listeners on Spotify.” But it might be more appropriately titled “how to get more fans”. We’re after the people who will await your new releases and listen to your music again and again.
If you want long-term, sustainable success, you need to focus on building and maintaining your fanbase. These actionable tips will help you not only boost your listener statistics, but also seek out the people who will most appreciate your work, and keep coming back.
How to get more listeners on Spotify: 5 actionable tips to add to your to-do list
Complete your Spotify artist profile
We’ve all heard the phrase “dress for the job you want, not the job you have.” Even if you’re just starting out as an independent artist, you want to present as a valid artist with a story. That way, new listeners just discovering your music will know who you are and that you’re worth following.
Take the time to fill in your ‘about’ section and link to any external pages such as your social media accounts.
As you begin to develop traction and appear on Spotify lists, having an up-to-date profile will be increasingly important.
Locate and define your niche audience
We already know that your listeners are fans of your genre of music, but can you get more specific? Spotify gives you two useful insights: the location of your listeners and related artists. Make use of tools such as Facebook Insights to build a bigger picture of your listeners’ personas: what are their likes and interests, what other music platforms do they use?
This will help you define your target audience when planning a marketing strategy.
RELATED: Watch How to Make Money from Streaming Music in 2020 on YouTube
Create targeted ads
Once you’ve established your niche audience, it’s time to reach out to them through targeted ads.
For example, you might choose to create an ad for drum & bass fans in Warsaw who follow Spotify or are fans of one of your related artists. Use language in the ad that speaks to them directly and remember to link to your Spotify account.
Consider other platforms
A word of caution to those who are solely on Spotify: people switch platforms. Whether it’s because other platforms are running promotions, or just offer a better service, If a bulk of your fanbase switches to using Apple Music or Deezer, make sure you don’t miss out.
The best way to get your music distributed across all major channels (Apple Music, Deezer, Google Play, Tidal, etc) is to go through a music distribution company. We highly recommend DistroKid which allows you unlimited uploads for just $19.99/year.
Be proactive
Passive marketing only works once you have traction. People are highly unlikely to discover you organically e.g. through Google. You need to find a way to bring your music to them. Make sure you’re regularly releasing new work for your fans to get excited about and don’t be shy about encouraging them to promote you.
Share your music on music blogs; pitch unreleased work to influencers and music publicists; research and message Spotify playlist curators. Make yourself as prolific as possible.
These are some initial steps that you can take now to get more listeners on Spotify and other music platforms. If you’re looking for next steps, take a look at our 20+ Ways to Monetize Music course.
