2023 Social media trends indie musicians should know

In with the new year comes new social media trends! Don’t get left behind, the world is constantly evolving with us right along with it. To make sure you’re up to date with what’s new, here are some up and coming social media trends you definitely don’t want to ignore in 2023…

by Randi Zimmerman of Symphonic Blog

Less Google Search & More Social Media Keyword Search

According to Business Insider, almost half of GenZ use TikTok and Instagram for search purposes over Google. Seeing someone’s personal take on an experience or product has become more desirable than solely trusting what the brand has to say for themselves via a Google search. That being said, using proper keywords and SEO best practices in your content is essential for discoverability.

If you’re currently in the process of planning your Instagram or TikTok social strategy for the year, it’s a good idea to create a list of popular keywords that also pertain to your upcoming shows, albums, products, or whatever else you have in store this year. Then, you can stick to these keywords as you post throughout the year to ensure not only a further reach, but more meaningful engagement.

Exclusive Content

There are tons of platforms out there that let you offer exclusive content and benefits to your most engaged followers at a monthly fee. These subscribers not only get exclusive content, but also the opportunity to connect with you on a deeper level through a plethora of unique features like personal shout outs, exclusive merch, early access to ticket sales, DMs, giveaways and more.

Consider trying out things like Subscribers on Instagram, fan subscriptions on Facebook, Patreon, or even offers on your website. Income made from subscription based services like these is a great way to rack up some extra money on a consistent basis as an artist, and the fans are all about it.

TikTok & Short-Form Content are #1

Did you know that back in 2021 there was a moment where TikTok was the most visited website on the internet over Google? Although they don’t currently hold that title anymore, it still says a lot about the popularity it had back then and continues to have over the years. In the same vein of people using TikTok as a search engine, people have also taken to the short-form content format so much so that almost every other platform wasted no time hopping on that train, like Instagram with their Reels feature, Facebook with Stories and more.

With this trend in mind, it doesn’t hurt to implement more short-form content into your social media strategy if you haven’t already. In addition, those of you who are STILL die hard TikTok haters… I recommend you get over it. It is an undeniably useful platform for those looking to break through and get noticed by thousands, if not millions of people ready with open arms. What have you got to lose?

Original / Intentional Content

Although so many platforms have already rushed to copy-cat each other’s features, what they hadn’t realized at the time was the importance of their differences for users. Now, we understand clearly that we all use different platforms for different things. Some people use TikTok for music and DIY tips while frequenting Instagram for fashion/keeping up with influencers and Twitter solely for news and humor. Each platform works better for different things. Finally, we all agree on this.

With this realization in mind, there’s a rise in unique, original content reserved for each platform. (Unlike previously where you’d see recycled TikTok videos into Reels, elsewhere, and vice versa.) This year, be specific with what you want to share on each platform. What works on one may not work on the other. The days of posting the same thing on every platform hoping for equal results is coming to an end.

In the meantime, keep these best practices in mind:

• Check your analytics to see which posts/videos are working and which aren’t. Use this information to adjust your strategy moving forward.
• Use hashtags wisely, not randomly. Be specific to your content. 
• If you want to stay up to date, follow people who have similar content to yours. They may be doing better than you due to one simple difference. Take note. 

Secrecy Is Out, Transparency Is In

These days, what really sells are deep relationships between the fan and the artist. One on one interaction through DMs, exclusive content for a dedicated few, user-generated content, all these are open lines of nearly direct communication. This connection is a deeper one that is hard to break. Fans are way more likely to support someone who cares for and supports you right back.

At the end of the day, music marketing is becoming more intimate, authentic, and more personal than ever. No more impenetrable disconnect between the masses and the artist. Social media has brought us all closer than ever, with no signs of slowing down soon.