How to Use YouTube Ads to Promote Music Videos
YouTube advertising is a simple and successful way for independent artists to promote their videos. With over 2 billion active monthly users, the platform is still the second-largest search engine and the top site to watch music videos. We’ve helped artists gain a lot of exposure on YouTube and we want to tell you exactly how we did it.
For example, the YouTube campaign that Blossom ran for the band Bullet to the Heart was a huge success. With a goal of 20,000 views, we not only met our goal, but also went above and beyond that by triggering YouTube's algorithm and getting another 20,000 views on the video. By leveraging our expertise, Blossom was able to create a buzz around the band's music and drive engagement from a wide audience. And more importantly, Bullet to the Heart was able to gain significant exposure and expand their fan base, laying a great foundation for future success.
Here are the most important steps in creating and running a successful YouTube campaign for your video:
Step 1: Create a Killer Music Video
The first step to running a successful YouTube ad campaign is to have a captivating music video that will grab viewers' attention. The first 10 seconds are crucial. Does your video have titles and credits? This may work for well known musicians, but many people discovering new music don't have the patience to watch opening credits on music videos from artists they don’t recognize.
High quality production can be important if it is “on brand” for you, but in many cases the most successful videos come in at a reasonable production price. The goal is to create something that truly connects with your fans so that you have a video that both you and they really enjoy.
Step 2: Know Your Target Audience
You need to understand exactly who your potential fans are and what they like to have a successful campaign. YouTube advertising uses demographics, interests, geography, and behavior to help musicians target their ideal audience. For example, if your audience happens to be 18-34 year-old indie-pop music fans, YouTube ads give you the ability to show your video to the people most likely to be interested in your music.
3: Choose Your Budget
Next, set a YouTube ad budget. Artists can select a daily or lifetime ad campaign budget, but it must match the campaign's goals.
Step 4: Choose an Ad Format
YouTube offers skippable, non-skippable, bumper, and discovery advertising. In-stream commercials can be skipped after five seconds, but non-skippable ads cannot. Discovery and bumper advertising appear on YouTube's homepage, search results, and related videos. Artists can choose whatever ad format aligns with their goals.
Step 5: Track and Adjust Ad Campaign
After the ad campaign starts, you should continue to monitor and optimize. This often includes updating audience targeting, adjusting bids, and testing new or additional placements. Optimizing the budget as the campaign runs is the key to getting the most qualified views and engagement at the lowest cost.
With a great music video and a laser targeted campaign, Blossom can help you reach the right people at the right time to grow your fan base. Contact us to find out how an expert music marketing agency can help you achieve your artistic goals.