Back to Blog
Industry News
Jan 23, 2026

YouTube for Artists - Complete Guide

By SongRocket

YouTube for Artists - Complete Guide

YouTube for Artists: Complete Guide

Posted by on

YouTube remains a powerful platform for music discovery—second only to streaming services. Here's how to optimize your presence and unlock the platform's full potential as an artist.

Setting Up Your Official Artist Channel


Claim your Official Artist Channel (OAC) through your distributor to access exclusive features that separate professional artists from casual uploaders.

OAC Features You Unlock:

Unified Channel

All uploads across multiple channels appear in one place

Artist Profile & Bio

Professional artist page with customizable bio and imagery

Music Shelf

Dedicated section displaying all your releases in one place

YouTube Music Integration

Seamless connection with YouTube Music app and playlists

Content Strategy for Artists


Diversify your content to maximize reach and engagement:

🎬

Music Videos

High-production visual content

📝

Lyric Videos

Cost-effective, high engagement

🎤

Live Performances

Showcase your talent raw

🎥

Behind-the-Scenes

Build personal connection

YouTube Shorts

Best for discovery—vertical clips, song snippets, and viral moments

Quick Tips

  • Post Shorts consistently—they're YouTube's fastest-growing format
  • Add Spotify links in descriptions to drive streaming
  • Use end screens to promote other videos
  • Optimize titles and tags with relevant keywords

Growing on YouTube? Don't Forget Spotify

Use SongRocket to pitch your music to playlist curators and grow across all platforms.

Start Your Campaign →
Share this article: