Where to Promote Your Music for Maximum Exposure

How to use the table above: If you have zero budget, focus on the free platforms like TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, SoundCloud, and Bandcamp for organic growth. If you have some budget, consider Spotify’s paid promo features or small social media ad campaigns, and allocate a bit to SubmitHub for targeted outreach. A band might prioritize Bandcamp and Instagram, whereas an EDM producer might prioritize SoundCloud and TikTok – choose the mix that fits your style and audience. Ultimately, a presence on multiple platforms yields the best results.

Promoting your music can be one of the most challenging parts of building a music career​. With today’s mix of online music promotion channels and traditional methods, it’s hard to know the best place to promote music first. In reality, the best places to promote your music are a combination of online platforms and offline opportunities that together maximize your exposure. This guide will walk you through the best ways to promote your music – including both free and paid methods – so you can reach a wider audience. Whether you’re an independent musician, band, DJ, or music producer, these tips will help you find the best way to promote music in 2025 and beyond.

What’s the best way to promote my music? You might be asking yourself this question, searching for the best ways to promote my music in hopes of a quick answer. The truth is, there isn’t a single “magic” website or method. The best places to promote your music span multiple channels: from social media apps and streaming music promotion websites to live shows and local media. By leveraging a mix of these outlets, you’ll promote your music online to global listeners while also building a real-life fanbase through music band promotion tactics offline. Below, we break down actionable strategies for both online and offline music promotion, followed by a comparison table of top platforms.

Online Music Promotion: Best Places to Promote Your Music Online

In the digital age, online music promotion is crucial for maximum exposure. The internet offers countless platforms to share your sound, engage fans, and attract new listeners worldwide. Here are some of the best places to promote your music online, along with tips to make the most of each (including both free and paid methods):

Social Media Platforms for Music Promotion

Social media is often the first stop for promoting music online. It’s free to start, and the potential reach is enormous. Each platform has its strengths for musicians:

• TikTok: TikTok isn’t just for dances – it’s arguably the best music promotion tool for indie artists right now​. With over a billion users worldwide​, TikTok’s algorithm can show your song clips to thousands of new listeners who’ve never heard of you. Actionable Tip: Post short, catchy performance clips or behind-the-scenes moments. Use trending sounds/challenges related to your genre. One viral TikTok can spike your streams overnight by exposing you to a huge audience. (Cost: Free to post; paid ads optional for broader targeting.)

  
  

• Instagram: Instagram remains one of the best places to promote your music visually. Use Instagram Reels (short videos similar to TikToks) to reach new fans – the algorithm recommends Reels beyond just your followers. You can also engage your existing audience with Stories and posts. Actionable Tip: Share concert clips, studio snippets, and personal moments to build a connection. Cross-post your TikTok videos to Reels to save time. Many artists have had Reels go viral and drive listeners to their songs on streaming platforms. (Cost: Free; you can also run Instagram ads or boosted posts as a paid promotion to target specific music fans.)

  
  

• Facebook: Facebook is useful for event promotion and community-building, especially for bands. Create a Facebook Page for your music and use it to announce shows, releases, and merch. Facebook Events are great for promoting gigs and inviting local fans. Actionable Tip: Join music groups (e.g. genre-specific or local scene groups) and share your music there (when appropriate, without spamming). Note that Facebook’s organic reach is limited now, so consider using Facebook Ads to promote key posts or events to target audiences (a paid method). Even a small budget can help your music video or page reach thousands of potential fans via Facebook’s targeting.

  
  

• Twitter (X): Twitter (now called X) can help you network with other musicians and industry folks, and share quick updates or thoughts. While not primarily a music platform, a clever tweet or short clip can go viral. Actionable Tip: Use relevant hashtags (e.g. #NowPlaying, #IndieMusic) and engage in conversations with fans and influencers. Share links to your new tracks or YouTube videos. Twitter is free, but you can also run Twitter Ads for major releases if you have the budget.

  
  

• YouTube: YouTube is technically a social platform and a streaming platform, making it one of the best places to promote your music online. It’s the second-largest search engine in the world, and many people use it to discover new music. Actionable Tip: Create an official artist channel. Upload your music videos, lyric videos, or even simple album art videos for your songs (so your music is available on YouTube). Consistency helps – even informal videos like vlogs, live session recordings, or tutorials of you playing your song can attract viewers. Optimize titles/descriptions with relevant keywords (song title, genre, “official video,” etc.) so fans can find you. YouTube is free to use; you can invest in YouTube Ads (paid) to get your music video in front of viewers of similar artists for extra exposure.

Why focus on social media? These platforms let you promote your music online for free to massive audiences. A single shareable clip can bring a wave of new listeners. Engage with commenters and build a community – social media buzz can translate into streams, follows, and fans. Remember to include links in your profiles/bios to your music (Spotify, website, etc.), making it easy for people who discover you to hear more.

Streaming Services & Music Websites

Uploading your songs to all major streaming services and music websites ensures that when people hear about you, they can easily find and play your music. It also opens opportunities to be discovered through algorithms and playlists. Key platforms include:

• Spotify (and other streaming apps): Spotify is the world’s largest streaming platform, with over 600+ million users globally​ (backlinko.com). It’s a crowded space, but crucial – many listeners find new artists through Spotify’s algorithmic playlists like Discover Weekly and radio stations. Actionable Tip: Get your music on Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer, etc. (using a distributor). Then claim your Spotify for Artists profile and submit your upcoming releases to Spotify’s editorial team via the playlist pitching tool. Landing on an official playlist or popular user playlist can explode your plays – “getting your music onto playlists can make all the difference in your career... and is a great way to promote music” (blog.groover.co). Even if you don’t hit an official playlist, encourage fans to add your songs to their personal playlists. Also, use Spotify’s new promotional tools: for example, Spotify Discovery Mode (which boosts your song in recommendations in exchange for a lower royalty rate) and Marquee (a paid in-app banner to announce new releases). (Cost: Free to have music on Spotify via basic distribution; Spotify promotions like Marquee are paid.)

  
  

• YouTube Music: As mentioned, having your tracks on YouTube (and thus YouTube Music) is important. Many users, especially in regions where YouTube is a primary music source, will discover you there. If you use a distributor, they often put your songs on YouTube Music automatically (creating “Art Track” videos). Actionable Tip: Organize your YouTube channel with playlists (e.g., an album playlist) and use eye-catching thumbnails. Engage with comments to encourage the algorithm. (Cost: Free.)

  
  

• SoundCloud: SoundCloud is a popular music promotion website, especially for emerging artists, electronic music producers, and DJs sharing remixes or demos. It has a dedicated community of listeners and fellow musicians. Actionable Tip: Upload your original tracks, demos, and even teasers on SoundCloud. Use tags generously (genre, mood, similar artists) so users searching can find your music. Engage with the community: follow artists you like, leave comments on tracks, join SoundCloud groups relevant to your genre, and consider enabling free downloads to encourage sharing. SoundCloud also allows messaging, so networking with other artists and curators can happen there. (Cost: Free for basic account; paid Pro accounts offer more upload hours and features.)

  
  

• Bandcamp: Bandcamp is one of the best platforms for promoting band music and selling it directly to fans. It’s a marketplace where fans can buy your music (digital or physical) and merch, but it’s also a discovery platform for music lovers who browse by genre. Actionable Tip: Set up a Bandcamp page with your releases. Write a compelling bio and track descriptions – Bandcamp listeners love to read about the music. Use tags for genre and mood. You can offer pay-what-you-want downloads, which often encourages supporters to pay more. Bandcamp also lets you message your followers directly when you release new music. (Cost: Free to set up; Bandcamp takes a small percentage of sales. All promotion on Bandcamp is organic, but they do special features like Bandcamp Daily editorial if you gain traction.)

  
  

• Other Niche Platforms: Depending on your style, there may be other sites worth using. For example, Audiomack (popular for hip-hop and Afrobeat communities), Mixcloud (for DJs to upload mixes and radio-style shows), or ReverbNation (which offers charts and opportunities for bands). These can supplement your presence, but the key ones above should come first.

Maximizing streaming exposure: Simply being on these platforms isn’t enough – you need to work to get listeners on them. Promote your streaming links on social media and your website. Encourage fans to follow you on Spotify and subscribe on YouTube, so they get notified of new releases. Also consider pitching your songs to independent playlist curators. Websites like SubmitHub (covered below) connect you with playlist owners and blog reviewers. The more playlists and libraries your song is added to, the more the algorithms will boost it to new listeners.

Music Promotion Services, Blogs & Communities

Beyond your own social media and streaming profiles, look to third-party outlets that can expose your music to fresh ears. These include music blogs, radio shows, curators, and influencer channels. Here are some key avenues:

• Music Blogs & Websites: Getting featured on popular music blogs or online magazines can introduce your music to niche audiences who trust those outlets. Research blogs that cover your genre (from big ones to smaller niche sites). Actionable Tip: Send a polite, concise email to blog editors or writers with a link to your best track, a brief bio/EPK, and why you think it fits their audience. Personalize each request (bloggers can tell if it’s a copy-paste). A blog feature or review acts as independent validation and often includes a link to your music. Some blogs also have submission forms or specific “new music Friday” features—follow their guidelines. (Cost: Free, generally. Avoid any blog that asks for hefty payment just to listen; focus on genuine earned press.)

  
  

• SubmitHub (and similar platforms): SubmitHub is a highly popular website that connects artists with curators – including Spotify playlist owners, blog reviewers, YouTube channels, and even social media influencers. Many curators only accept submissions through SubmitHub, making it a crucial tool for DIY promotion​ (bandzoogle.com). Actionable Tip: On SubmitHub, you can submit your song to dozens of curators. You get a few free credits per day, but using Premium Credits (a small per-submission fee) will get your song heard faster and with guaranteed feedback. Target curators who cover your genre. Even one or two playlist adds or blog write-ups from these submissions can significantly boost your plays. (Cost: Free for limited submissions; ~$1-3 per submission with premium credits – a paid method, but relatively low cost for the potential reach.)

  
  

• Online Radio & Podcasts: Internet radio stations (like Pandora, if available for indie submissions, or genre-specific web radio) and podcasts can also help promote your music. For instance, some podcasts feature independent music or do artist interviews. Actionable Tip: Research online radio shows or mix shows in your genre and send them your track (many have submission emails). For podcasts, consider reaching out to those that spotlight emerging artists or local scenes – maybe you can be a guest to talk about your music and have your song played. (Cost: Free to submit; if you hire a radio plugger or PR agent to do this, that would be a paid route, but you can do a lot on your own.)

  
  

• Reddit and Music Forums: Communities like Reddit can drive a lot of plays if done right. Subreddits like r/ListenToThis, r/Music, or genre-specific subs allow promotion of new music (check each community’s rules). Actionable Tip: Become a genuine member of the community. Down the road, share your track with a bit of context (what inspired it, FFO “for fans of” similar artists, etc.). A well-received post can send a flood of listeners. Similarly, engage on music discussion boards or Discord servers where self-promotion is allowed in moderation. (Cost: Free.)

  
  

• Influencer Marketing: Consider reaching out to influencers or content creators (on TikTok, YouTube, Instagram) to feature your music. For example, a gaming YouTuber might use your song in the background of a video, or a TikToker might use your track in a dance or challenge. Actionable Tip: You can approach creators directly or use platforms like Playlist Push or Groover that facilitate paying for influencer and curator placements. Always vet that any paid promotion is with real, organic influencers (avoid “buying” fake streams or bots). (Cost: Free if organic collaboration; can be paid if using formal influencer marketing services or offering a usage fee.)

Your Official Website & Mailing List

Amidst all these third-party platforms, don’t forget your own website. It might not seem as flashy as TikTok or Spotify, but having an official website is crucial for a professional presence. It serves as the central hub for all your promotion efforts.

• Your Music Website: Create an artist/band website that includes your bio, music (embed your Spotify or SoundCloud player), videos, tour dates, merch store, and contact info. This is the one place online where you have total control. It’s also important for SEO – if someone Googles your artist name, you want your own site to be the top result, not just your social profiles​.

  
  

• Actionable Tip: You can build a simple site using platforms like Bandzoogle, WordPress, or Wix. Make sure to include links to all your social media and streaming pages. Keep it updated with news or a blog section (even posting your quarterly updates or thoughts can keep it fresh for visitors and search engines). (Cost: Varies – could be free on some platforms, but investing in a custom domain and decent design is recommended for professionalism.)

  
  

• Email Newsletter: Building an email list might sound old-school compared to TikTok, but it’s still one of the best ways to promote your music directly to fans. Social media algorithms can throttle who sees your posts, but if a fan gives you their email, you can reach them anytime.

  
  

• Actionable Tip: Offer something on your website or at shows to encourage sign-ups (e.g., “Join my mailing list for a free song download or early access to my next single”). Send out updates when you have a new release, tour, or exclusive content. Keep emails personable and not too frequent. Over time, this list becomes a powerful tool to drive engagement (like first-week streams or ticket sales) from your core supporters. (Cost: Free up to certain subscriber count on services like Mailchimp; paid tiers as your list grows.)

  
  

• EPK (Electronic Press Kit): An EPK is a digital press kit, often a page on your website or a PDF, that contains your bio, high-quality photos, music links, press quotes, and contact info. When reaching out to blogs, venues, or labels, having an EPK link makes you look professional. Actionable Tip: Create a section on your site like “Press Kit” where all this information is neatly presented. This can help you get better responses when you pitch for opportunities. (Cost: Just your time to compile.)

Your website and mailing list are foundational. They might not by themselves bring huge exposure like a viral video can, but they convert casual visitors into lasting fans by providing more depth about you and ensuring those fans hear about everything you do.

Offline Music Promotion: Traditional Strategies to Promote Your Music

While online promotion gets most of the buzz today, offline music promotion still matters – a lot. Playing live and building local relationships can create genuine connections that translate to long-term support. In fact, some say you could spend a fortune on ads and still not beat the impact of good old word-of-mouth: “You could buy all the targeted social ads in the world and still not get the same return as a glowing review from a good friend.”​That personal touch and real-world presence can turn casual listeners into die-hard fans. Here are the top offline ways to promote your music for maximum exposure:

• Live Performances & Tours: Nothing can replace live music. An amazing live set will leave a bigger impression on someone than any algorithmic playlist ever could​. So get out and play! Book gigs at local venues, bars, clubs, and coffee shops – anywhere your target audience hangs out. For bands (music band promotion 101), consider joining local battle-of-the-bands competitions or festivals. For DJs and producers, perform at club nights or host your own events. Actionable Tip: Treat every show, even a tiny open mic, as an opportunity to earn new fans. Have a sign-up sheet for your mailing list at the merch table, or display a QR code that links to your Linktree or latest song. Mingle with the audience after your set – a personal handshake or chat can make someone a fan for life. If you impress a venue owner or promoter, it could lead to bigger show opportunities or support slots for touring acts. (Cost: Playing live can range from free/open mics (no cost, sometimes no pay) to tours (which require budget for travel). Often you might get paid for gigs, but early on, consider any gig also as a marketing investment in your exposure.)

  
  

• Local Radio & College Stations: Don’t underestimate radio, especially local and college radio. Many of these stations love spotlighting hometown talent or niche genres. A single radio spin can introduce you to hundreds of new listeners who may never find you on Spotify. Actionable Tip: Identify local radio shows (FM, AM, or online) that feature emerging music. Send them your song (clean versions if language is an issue) along with a short introduction. College stations in particular often have programs dedicated to new indie music – reach out to the student DJs or music directors. If your music gets added to rotation, promote it on your socials (“Tune in to 90.7 FM tonight to hear my new single!”) to build hype. (Cost: Free to submit. If you hire a radio plugger to do a broader campaign, that’s paid, but focus on DIY for local stations first.)

  
  

• Print Media & Press Releases: Getting a mention in a local newspaper, regional magazine, or community newsletter can reach audiences who might not be on the cutting edge of streaming apps. It also lends credibility. Actionable Tip: Craft a simple press release for major events (new album release, big hometown show, charity event you’re playing) and send it to local media outlets. Even a small column inch or event listing can help. Local journalists often look for human-interest angles – what’s interesting about your story? Highlight that, not just “Artist releases new song.” (Cost: Free to send out; just research the right contacts. Avoid paying for generic press release distribution services for small-scale news – personal emails work better for local press.)

  
  

• Networking & Community Involvement: *“Networking” isn’t just a LinkedIn buzzword – in music, it means genuinely getting to know people in your scene. Attend other artists’ shows, go to jam nights, or join local music meetups. By supporting others, you’ll naturally find support for your own music. Actionable Tip: Always have something to give – a business card, a sticker with your band’s name, or even just your Instagram handle to swap. The more you integrate into your local music community, the more word-of-mouth will spread about you. Collaborate with fellow artists (perhaps co-host a show or feature on each other’s tracks). Collaboration expands your audience to your collaborator’s fans too. And remember the earlier quote: people trust recommendations from friends more than any ad. So make friends in the scene, and let the positive word-of-mouth grow. (Cost: Free, other than maybe the price of a drink at a gig or small merch freebies.)

  
  

• Flyers, Posters & Merch as Promo: Old-school promotion tools still work, especially for promoting a band’s live shows or new releases in a specific area. Printing flyers or posters for an upcoming gig and pinning them on community boards (cafes, music stores, campuses) can draw local interest. Actionable Tip: Make sure your poster has a clear call-to-action – if it’s for a show, include date, venue, ticket info. If it’s for an album release, include a QR code or short URL where people can listen. Merch can also promote for you: for example, create merch with QR codes linking to your music (T-shirts, stickers, or cards) and give them out or sell at cost​. When fans wear your shirt or stick your sticker somewhere, your name gets seen by others (free advertising!). (Cost: Printing posters/flyers is relatively cheap; stickers and basic merch can be done in small batches. Allocate a small budget here if you can – even $50 in flyers can go a long way if you distribute them strategically.)

  
  

• Host Your Own Events: Consider hosting a listening party or an album release show. For instance, a listening party event where you invite fans and friends to experience the new record can create buzz (and content for your socials)​. You could also organize a small tour with fellow local bands – each of you bring your hometown fans, and everyone gains new listeners as you swap audiences. House concerts are another intimate way to build a devoted following (and often earn some money in donations/merch while at it). (Cost: Could be free if done at someone’s home or a friendly venue; or you might rent a small space – offset by charging a low ticket price.)

  
  

In all offline promotion, be sure to connect your online and offline efforts. Mention your social media @handle or website from the stage, put your Spotify links on flyers, and share live photos/videos online tagging the venue and attendees. This creates a feedback loop: online fans will come to live shows, and people who discover you live will follow you online to stay updated.

Conclusion: A Multi-Channel Approach for Maximum Exposure

When it comes to promoting your music for maximum exposure, diversity is key. There is no single “best website to promote music” that will launch you to stardom overnight. Instead, the best way to promote your music is to leverage a multi-channel approach: engage fans on social media, get your tracks on streaming music promotion websites, reach out to curators and press, and hit the stage in the real world. Each avenue reinforces the other – a viral online hit can draw a crowd to your show, and an amazing show can drive new followers online.

Prioritize practical consistency over hype. Post content regularly, release music consistently (even singles between big projects to stay on listeners’ radars), and interact with your community of fans authentically. Use analytics (social insights, Spotify for Artists data) to learn what’s working and focus on the platforms that yield the best response for you. If one platform isn’t gaining traction, try a different strategy or another platform – for example, some artists explode on TikTok even if they struggled on Instagram, or vice versa.

Mix free and paid promotion strategically. Start with all the free methods at your disposal: social posts, reaching out to blogs, networking, etc., which might cost you only time. Then, if you have a budget, amplify what’s already working (boost a high-performing post, or invest in a targeted ad for a city you’re touring in). Even a modest budget, used wisely, can accelerate your growth. Just be wary of anyone offering “10,000 likes for $10” – if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is (and fake followers/plays won’t help you in the long run).

Finally, remember the music itself is the foundation. All the promotion in the world won’t stick if the songs don’t connect with people. So while you apply these promotion tips, keep honing your craft and putting out your best work. Great music + smart promotion is a powerful combo. Stay persistent, adapt to new platforms as they emerge, and keep pushing your art both online and offline. With dedication and a well-rounded approach, you’ll steadily grow your fanbase and achieve the maximum exposure your music deserves.

Keep rocking, and good luck promoting your music!

Resources

[1] Caleb J. Murphy, “6 Best Music Promotion Sites for Bands and Artists,” Bandzoogle Blog, updated April 11, 2024.
[2] “TikTok Statistics You Need to Know in 2025,” Backlinko, March 8, 2025. (TikTok has 1.12 billion monthly active users worldwide)
[3] L’Équipe Groover, “The Best Way to Promote Your Music in 2025,” Groover Blog, January 14, 2025. (Importance of playlists and social media for indie artists)
[4] LANDR Blog, “6 Reasons Why Offline Music Promotion Will Always Win,” November 2018. (Benefits of real-life fan engagement and word-of-mouth)
[5] “Spotify User Stats (Updated June 2024),” Backlinko, 2024. (Spotify at 675 million monthly active users worldwide)