How to Get Your Music Heard
A Practical Guide for Independent Artists
There’s never been an easier time to release music – and never been a harder time to get people to actually hear it. Platforms are crowded. Algorithms are unpredictable. And every week, over 100,000 new tracks go live on Spotify alone. As an independent artist, it can feel like you’re shouting into the void while labels and viral creators dominate the feed.
But here’s the truth: great music still finds its audience – if it’s paired with a clear plan. No one’s coming to save you with a golden co-sign or a lucky playlist spot. Instead, you need to stack small wins: a fan here, a share there, a comment that turns into a follow. Over time, those wins add up – but only if you’re strategic about where you show up and how you present yourself.
This guide is built to help you do exactly that. Whether you’re promoting your first single or your tenth release, these are the foundational steps that move the needle. We’ll cover how to make your profiles sticky, how to use platforms without burning out, how to run ads even with a small budget, and how to turn attention into real growth.
Because your music deserves to be heard – and with the right approach, it will be.
So let’s get started. Here are the five core strategies every independent artist should know if they want to cut through the noise and get their music heard – for real.
Make Sure Your Foundation Is Solid
Before you promote anything, your music and branding should be ready to hold attention. That means:
| Great production (yes, even if it’s DIY – quality matters) | Cover art that looks good at thumbnail size | Your artist profiles (Spotify, Apple, YouTube, Instagram) are up to date | A clear identity: what do you sound like, and why should anyone care? |
People will check you out. Make sure what they find is worth staying for.
Use Free Channels – But Use Them Right
Free promotion works, but not all methods are created equal. The key is using each platform in the way it’s designed:
Free promotion absolutely works – if you use each platform the way it’s meant to be used. On TikTok or Instagram Reels, aim for 10–15 second clips that show the hook of your song with strong visuals or text overlays. YouTube Shorts is great for behind-the-scenes footage, stripped-down versions, or quick storytelling clips. Reddit is still underused by musicians – drop your link in feedback threads, not as spam, and genuinely comment on others. And on Instagram, go beyond grid posts: use Stories, Highlights, and Lives to build actual connection.
These platforms reward originality and regularity – not perfection or polish.
You don’t need to be viral – just present.
Get on the Right Playlists
Playlists are still one of the best ways to get your music heard – if you pitch smart.
| Spotify for Artists (official editorial submission) | SubmitHub (free & paid playlist pitching) | Moonstrive Media (for SEO-based playlists that brings organic traffic) |
Focus on playlists that match your genre and vibe. Ten right fits are better than 100 random ones.
Want a long-term approach? We help artists rank inside playlists people search for – not just listen to. Learn more at 👉 Moonstrive Media.
Run Targeted Ads (Even on a Small Budget)
Paid ads are often misunderstood – and misused. You don’t need a $1,000 budget or a label deal to run effective campaigns. You just need to be intentional. Start with:
Running ads doesn’t require a massive budget – it just requires focus. You can start with Meta Ads on Instagram or Facebook to target people who already love your genre. YouTube Ads let you appear right before music videos or artist interviews, capturing fans when they’re in listening mode. And if you pair your ads with a smart link – one that includes Spotify, Apple, YouTube, and more – every click turns into a chance for real discovery. The key is sending traffic to something meaningful.
Every click is a chance to build a real fan. Just make sure your ad points somewhere meaningful.
Want help? Here’s how we 👉 run Meta Ads to promote Apple Music
Thinking about Spotify Ads? Read 👉 Is Spotify Advertising Worth It?
Build an Ecosystem – Not Just a Follower Count
Don’t chase numbers. Build relationships. A fan who joins your email list, shares your track, or comes to your live is worth 100 passive plays.
| Create a simple freebie to grow your email list | Offer behind-the-scenes or unreleased content | Respond to every DM or comment |
People follow artists – not links. Be a human being, not a marketing funnel.
Final Thoughts
Getting heard as an artist takes time – but the right strategy can speed it up. Focus on building something real: great music, a clear brand, and a way to meet people where they are. Do what you can for free. Invest when you’re ready. Stay consistent either way. Ready to grow your audience?
We’ll build and run your campaign, target the right audience, and send listeners directly to your Platforms. You don’t need to set up ad accounts, test creatives, or guess who to target.
Let us handle the ads – you focus on the music.
