Catch up on our most popular music tips this year.

It’s almost a new DECADE!

First, where does the time go? Second, what kind of amazing things are you going to do with your music in the 2020s?!

Hopefully you’re gearing up to hit the ground running in the new year, but before we look too far ahead, let’s look back at our most popular articles this year. Then you’ll know you’re all caught up and ready to build the next phase of your music career on a firm foundation.

The DIY Musician Blog’s most popular articles of 2019

1. How to get your music on Instagram Stories

New social platforms like TikTok may be gaining ground, but Instagram was still king in 2019. This year there was a ton of interest in using Instagram to share and promote music. Artists were curious how to get their songs into Instagram Stories’ music catalog (answered in the blog article above), as well as…

2. How to get your lyrics on Instagram Stories automatically

Some other articles out there shared this news as if it were… easy, or truly automated. It’s not. Don’t get us wrong, it’s totally WORTH doing, but you have to take a few manual steps first before your lyrics automatically show up in Instagram Stories. The article above leads you through it step by step.

3. How to boost streams with a Spotify pre-save campaign

CD Baby gives you free access to Show.co, a suite of powerful music marketing tools that have been used by big artists like Maroon 5, Tove Lo, Oasis, and many more. One of the things you can do with Show.co is run a pre-save the next time you release an album or single on Spotify. Find out why and how to do that in the article above.

4. The ten best strategies for releasing a single in 2019

The past year continued to prove that prolific artists have an advantage over ones who are habituated to older release patterns. You can’t disappear for long periods of time anymore. Streaming platforms now reward musicians who put out more frequent releases. This article gives you some ideas on how to use singles more strategically.

5. Copyright your music: The 2019 guide

Copyright might sound like a dry topic, but it’s the basis for all your rights and royalties as a musician. It’s super important to understand. That’s why this article breaks it down for you, covering everything from what it even is, to the various forms of music copyrights, how to register your copyrights, and more.

6. Music publishing explained

Speaking of rights and royalties, the entire music business is built upon THE SONG. If you create original music, you should know how music publishing revenue is generated, collected, and paid (or not) to songwriters. Check out the above article for all the relevant details AND helpful infographics.

7. How to legally clear samples to copyrighted music

Want to use an existing recording in your track? You better know the legit way to do it. And no, you can’t use whatever you want without a license just because it’s a short sample. If it’s recognizable, you’re gonna be on the line for it unless you license the sample legally. This article tells you how.

8. How to instantly claim your Apple Music for Artists account

Want to customize your profile on one of the biggest music streaming platforms in the world? It’s easy — as long as you’re verified as an artist with Apple Music. This article provides you a quick way to claim your Apple Music for Artists account.

9. Here’s what every artists wants…

One way or another, fans are EARNED. Sometimes — oftentimes — that means you have to pay to reach them. This article talks about cost-effective ways to hit listeners with targeted banner messages on huge music sites like Pitchfork, Billboard, MTV, RollingStone, and more.

10. Five areas where musicians can get MORE by doing LESS

This one isn’t about laziness. It’s about streamlining. Want to focus your efforts and go a little bit further this coming year? This article will hopefully help you identify some areas where you’re going overboard for no apparent gain.

What was the best bit of advice you received in 2019?

As the year comes to a close, I want to say thanks again for being a part of this community of independent musicians. CD Baby always wants to hear from you and give you an opportunity to share your experiences with other artists. So on that note, what was the best thing you learned this year? How about something important you taught another musician? Let us know in the comments below.