When someone discovers your track through a Spotify playlist, radio, or a recommendation from a friend, the first thing they’ll … Continue reading
How to promote your music on social media
Social media is one of the most effective channels for promoting music and reaching new audiences. Across platforms, you can turn listeners into fans by weaving your narrative through videos, … Continue reading
100 Spotify Pre-Saves: A Step-by-Step Guide for Independent Artists
Got a release coming up and wondering how it’ll perform? Spotify pre-saves are a great way to lock in some streams on day one. With a pre-save campaign, fans can … Continue reading
How to build a fan funnel and grow your fanbase strategically
Between promoting releases, playing shows, and keeping up with social media, your marketing can start to feel like a scattered mix of tactics and one-off campaigns. It can be difficult … Continue reading
What you should know about Spotify’s new AI protections
At CD Baby, we recognize both the potential and the risks AI brings to independent artists. That’s why we’re working with Spotify to block AI-driven abuse while supporting its responsible, … Continue reading
Tips to improve your email marketing for independent musicians
Why does email marketing matter for artists? Email marketing gives you a direct line to your fans on your own schedule and your own terms. While social media is great … Continue reading
How to reach 1,000 streams on Spotify
How to get 1,000 streams on Spotify Reaching your first 1,000 streams on Spotify might feel small compared to viral hits, but it’s a significant milestone. First, at 1,000 streams, … Continue reading
How to get started on YouTube for musicians
Why should musicians use YouTube? YouTube is a top platform for music discovery— 70% of Americans aged 12 and up use it to find new music. With over 2 billion … Continue reading
Spotify Playlist Best Practices: How to safely promote your music through playlisting
There are over 8 billion Spotify playlists and each one offers a gateway to new listeners. From personal mixes, to algorithm-driven feeds, to editorially curated showcases, playlists shape how today’s … Continue reading
How to boost your merch sales: online and in-person
Merchandise is a primary revenue stream for independent musicians. Recent studies show fans in 2025 are buying more than ever, averaging 2.1 items per purchase and $64 pre-tax on merchandise. … Continue reading
Guide to Artist Branding for 2025
Creating and maintaining an artist brand is different for every independent artist. It’s part of the joy (and challenge) of being independent — that you don’t have a team guiding … Continue reading