Why Artists Fail at Reddit Music Promotion: Don’t Get Banned from Music Subreddits

Promoting your music on Reddit can be a significant boost for indie musicians. Using the right kind of content, one viral Reddit post can literally 10x your streams, creating a level playing field when it comes to music marketing. It’s not just about getting your music out there; it’s about connecting with a community that genuinely cares about what you create.

We’ve been doing it for a while for our users, and I’ve picked up some tips that can really help you out. Here’s a basic, easy-to-follow guide for Reddit music promotion based on personal experience. This isn’t just theory; it’s what I’ve seen work in real life.

ANSWER THIS FIRST – Do You Actually Want to Learn About Reddit & Be a Valuable Member of a Subreddit?

Yes? Good news! You can build a fanbase using Reddit music promotion.

Tons of subreddits like independent music can offer a level playing field for all musicians. So, learn how to promote your new music to new fans and gather feedback from independent music lovers the right way. BUT don’t spam music subreddits like an asshole; it’ll fail and harm your email marketing efforts. This is not a typical social media platform—Reddit users have zero tolerance for music industry BS. If you take your music career seriously, share and discuss music you love, share other new artists, and show that you want to build relationships.

No? You Will NEVER Successfully Promote Music on Reddit…

The Reddit community is a great place for music marketing, but I’m warning you… DON’T even start looking for music promotion subreddits if you’re lazy and just want to post your new releases and then dip. You’ll be shouting into the void on the Reddit forum. Reddit offers a massive opportunity to get upvoted if your content is good, but they’re fairly serious and dedicated to music. So, for those who have zero post history and use communities on Reddit to share and promote their music by spamming Spotify and YouTube links, please save yourself the time—you’re looking in the wrong place. This kind of platform can sniff out tips and tricks from a mile away, especially in forums where users are very active.

Okay… with that out of the way, let’s cover specific music promotion on Reddit tips for patient musicians.

Step 1: Understanding Reddit (The Golden Rules)

Think of Reddit as a massive online community with rooms (called subreddits) for every topic you can think of. There are subreddits for different music genres, production tips, and fan discussions. Each Subreddit has a moderator or several moderators. First, you need to create an account. Choose a username that reflects your music persona. This is your first step in establishing your identity within the community.

But before moving on, you MUST understand what I call Reddit’s “Golden Rule”—value first, promotion second. This platform HATES shameless self-promotion more than other social media apps by far. You will not get far; in fact, you will get banned if you do not genuinely take the time to understand each subreddit and their nuances.

Step 2: Set Up Your Profile: Add Your Links (Spotify, Discord, etc.)

Alright, once you’ve got your account, it’s time to set up your profile to submit your music. Add a bio and make sure to link to your music and social media pages using any music smart link tool (this linkinbio is good & free) to help users to create connections. We’re here to help you maximize your exposure. That makes it easier for people to check out your stuff if they like your posts.

Your profile is your calling card. Make it count. A well-crafted profile can attract potential fans who are curious about your music.

Step 3: Find the Right Subreddits for Musicians

This is crucial in forums where users interact. You need to hang out where your potential fans are. Here are some must-join subreddits for Reddit music promotion: many subreddits cater to different genres and audiences.

• r/IndependentMusic: Perfect for indie artists. This subreddit is a haven for those who want to share their unique sounds and connect with like-minded musicians.
• r/Music: One of the most popular Reddit forums for sharing music and connecting with fellow music lovers. A huge, diverse community where you can find discussions on all kinds of music.
• r/WeAreTheMusicMakers: Great for connecting with other musicians through discussion topics. Here, you can share experiences and learn from others.
• r/NewMusic: A place to showcase your new releases. This subreddit is all about discovering fresh sounds.
• r/PromoteYourMusic: Ideal for those looking to submit your music. Specifically for self-promotion and email marketing, but remember to engage genuinely.

Finding the right subreddits is like finding the right stage to perform on, where reddit users can easily discover your music. You want to be where your audience is, not just any random corner of the internet.

Step 4: Engage with Other Independent Musicians

Now that you’ve joined some subreddits, don’t just drop your links and disappear. Dive into conversations, comment on posts, and support other independent musicians. The more genuine you are, the better response you’ll get. Think of it like making friends.

Engagement is key for getting discovered by a larger audience. When you take the time to interact with others, you build a rapport that can lead to more people checking out your music. It’s not just about you; it’s about creating a community.

Step 5: Post Your Music the RIGHT Way to Build a Fanbase

When you’re ready to share your music, timing and presentation are key. Post during peak times when more reddit users are online to maximize your reach. Your posts should be interesting and not just “Listen to my latest track!” Give some background, tell a story, or share something personal about the creation process.

As mentioned, redditors are REAL music lovers, and they will upvote good music from independent artists. On the flip side, ignore proper “reddiquette” and start spamming your new album, and any rational member of the community will downvote the heck out of you, or worse—moderators are sure to give you an instant BAN.

Think of your posts as mini-performances. You want to captivate your audience, not just throw your music at them.

Step 6: Use Reddit’s Basic Tools BEFORE Being Fancy.

Before you start thinking about advanced strategies, make sure you’re using Reddit’s basic tools effectively to engage with the community and get discovered. Familiarize yourself with how to upvote, downvote, and comment, as these actions are crucial for getting discovered. These tools are your best friends in the Reddit community.

Engage with posts that resonate with you. Upvote content you genuinely enjoy, and leave thoughtful comments. This not only helps you build a presence but also shows that you’re an active member of the community, which is essential for reddit users to share music effectively.

Step 7: Be Patient and Consistent

Building a fanbase on Reddit takes time. You won’t see overnight success, and that’s okay. The key is to be patient and consistent. Keep posting, keep engaging, and keep sharing your music on various social media platforms.

Remember, every interaction is a chance to connect with someone who might become a fan. Don’t get discouraged if your first few posts don’t get the traction you hoped for. Keep refining your approach and learning from the community.

Step 8: Analyze Your Results

After you’ve been active for a while, take a step back and analyze your results. What types of posts got the most engagement? Which subreddits worked best for you? Use this information to refine your strategy moving forward.

Learning from your experiences is crucial. The more you understand what resonates with your audience, the better you can tailor your content to meet their interests.

Step 9: Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment

Finally, don’t be afraid to experiment. Try different types of content, from music videos to behind-the-scenes looks at your creative process. See what works best for you and your audience.

Reddit is a dynamic platform, and what works today might not work tomorrow. Stay flexible and open to new ideas, especially when interacting with discord servers.

Conclusion: Embrace the Journey

In conclusion, promoting your music on Reddit can be a rewarding experience if you approach it with the right mindset. Remember to value the community, engage genuinely, and be patient.

The journey of building a fanbase is not just about the destination; it’s about the connections you make along the way. Embrace the process, learn from your experiences, and most importantly, keep creating music that you love.

By following these steps, you can navigate the world of Reddit music promotion effectively. It’s not just about getting your music heard; it’s about becoming a part of a community that appreciates and supports independent artists. So, get out there, share your passion, and watch your fanbase grow!

Reddit has some basic features you can use to enhance your music promotion efforts:

• Free: Polls and AMAs: You can run polls to gather valuable feedback from your audience or host an AMA (Ask Me Anything) session to interact directly with your fans. This is a great way to build a connection and understand what your listeners want.
• Paid: Reddit Ads for submitting your music can be a great way to reach more users to create a following.: If you have a bit of a budget to work with, consider using Reddit Ads. This allows you to target specific subreddits that align with your music genre, helping you get your music in front of a larger audience who is likely to appreciate it.

PS: Review & Adjust Your Reddit Music Marketing Strategy

It’s essential to keep an eye on how your posts are performing. Regularly check the comments and upvotes to see what resonates best with your audience when sharing your music. If you notice that something isn’t gaining much traction, don’t hesitate to tweak your approach. You might want to change the timing of your posts or adjust your titles and descriptions to make them more appealing.

To be honest, that’s really it; you’re looking for ways to engage with the community. These straightforward steps should help you maximize your efforts in Reddit music promotion, giving your music a chance to be discovered and possibly even go viral on the front page of Reddit.

It’s all about being genuine, engaging with the community in Reddit forums, and continuously refining your approach based on feedback. Remember, the more you connect with others, the more likely they are to support your music journey and share it on their social media platforms. Good luck, and I truly hope to see your music blowing up on Reddit soon! Embrace the process, and let your passion shine through.