Top 10 Tips from the Underground Up
Since I, myself, have really just started scratching out something on youtube, I asked ChatGPT for its 10 ten things to do on Youtube as an independent musician.
If you’re an independent artist trying to build a real audience on YouTube without buying fake views or chasing algorithm hacks, you’re in the right place. Organic growth takes patience and authenticity — but the long-term rewards are far greater. Here’s how to lay the foundation.
1. Make Content Beyond the Song
Your music is the heart of your channel, but it can’t be the only thing. Upload lyric videos, behind-the-scenes footage, gear breakdowns, songwriting sessions, tour vlogs, or even commentary on other music. The more entry points people have, the better.
2. Optimize Every Video Title, Description, and Thumbnail
Don’t treat these like afterthoughts.
- Use clear titles: include your name and song name.
- Write a full description with links, tags, credits, and context.
- Create an eye-catching thumbnail that reflects your aesthetic.
3. Start with Shorts
YouTube Shorts are still one of the fastest ways to reach new audiences. Post 15–60 second clips:
- Hooky chorus moments
- Performance teases
- Quick behind-the-scenes thoughts
- Meme-ish takes on your songs
Use trending sounds sparingly — but always link back to your longform video.
4. Upload Consistently, But Don’t Burn Out
You don’t need to post daily, but weekly or bi-weekly uploads show YouTube (and fans) that you’re active.
Batch-record multiple pieces of content at once so you’re not scrambling. Use scheduled publishing to stay ahead.
5. Interact with Your Community
Reply to every comment. Ask questions in your videos. Pin top comments. Host livestreams. The algorithm loves engagement, and fans want to feel seen. Your first 100 subscribers are your most important.
6. Collaborate with Other Artists and Creators
Even if it’s just co-writing a song or guesting on a livestream, collaborations give you access to another artist’s audience. Collab with visual artists, animators, vloggers, or producers — not just musicians.
7. Build Playlists and Use the Channel Layout Smartly
Curate your own videos into playlists (e.g., “Official Videos,” “Acoustic Versions,” “Shorts”) and also make playlists that include other artists you admire. It makes your channel look like a home, not just a dropbox.
8. Link Out from Other Platforms
Use Instagram, TikTok, your website, and Bandcamp to send people to your YouTube channel. Every video should have embedded links in newsletters, bios, and press releases. Use a simple link tree or dedicated page to house everything.
9. Study Your Analytics (but don’t obsess)
Watch-time and click-through rate are more important than raw views. Focus on:
- What thumbnails get clicked
- When viewers drop off
- Which videos lead to more subscribers
Use this info to shape future content, not to chase trends.
10. Be Yourself. Actually.
People don’t subscribe to channels — they subscribe to people. Show your weirdness. Your creative process. Your real face. That’s what makes people stay.
Final Word:
Organic YouTube growth is a slow burn, but it’s also sustainable. The subscribers you gain from real content, real voice, and consistent effort will stick with you — not just through a single video, but across albums, side projects, and whatever else you release into the world.
So hit record, tell your story, and share what only you can make.
