To make the most of every release, applying the right strategies at every stage of the release cycle is essential. Here’s our expert advice for optimizing an artist's channel:

◆ Pre-Release:

Set up the channel to immediately impact new visitors by highlighting popular content and creating new playlists if necessary. Update the banner, video descriptions, and welcome video to keep fans engaged and excited about the artist's following big announcement. Schedule the video premiere and build anticipation with teasers, short videos, and live streams.

Finally, YouTube Shorts can be used to engage with fans and connect through behind-the-scenes content.

◆ Release Day:

Kick off the music video premiere with a countdown to build excitement. Premieres give fans something to look forward to, and they help drive initial views, which can boost long-term visibility. Activate the live chat during the Premiere so fans can interact with each other and the artist. With Live Redirect, you can stream live before the Premiere and automatically direct fans to the video when the stream ends. Promote the event on social media and through the Community tab to broaden your reach.

◆ Post-Release:

If the artist is on tour, capture tour diaries and original content to keep fans engaged. Upload lyric videos, visualizers, and behind-the-scenes footage. Jump on current trends or start new ones with the artist’s music, and check the Sounds page to see all the Shorts featuring their release. Create playlists to showcase fan-generated content and encourage the community to contribute more. Interact with fans by commenting, liking, and sharing their Shorts. DIY videos, dance trends, Q&As, and behind-the-scenes moments are all high-performing content types.

Implementing these strategies can boost engagement and visibility for an artist at every stage of the release cycle.