Staying relevant when you’re a celebrity is directly linked to how well you treat your fans, their thoughts about you, and the size of your fandom. Think about it: fans buy your merch, they watch your shows, they support your dreams, and they always demand more. Some fandoms can be intense, and when the time comes, they step up to defend, love, and honor their favorite artist(s). Beliebers, Little Monsters, and the Bey Hive are some of the most notable fandoms, belonging to Justin Bieber, Lady Gaga, and Beyoncé; these artists have been able to rise to the top, and stay there. How? It’s just a little bit of marketing 101: fostering your community. You do this by staying up-to-date on current trends so that you can provide great content for people on different platforms.
So far, in 2020, we’ve seen it all: Australian bushfires, viral Tik Toks, and as of late, a global pandemic. So what are other artists around the world doing to entertain their fans, engage with their supporters, and promote themselves during a world-wide quarantine? Live streaming. No matter where you are, a simple wifi connection is all you need to connect with your fan base through live streaming.
Why Live Stream?
A few artists have already jumped on the trend and provided their viewers and listeners throughout the world with mini concert series via live streams. In the face of a pandemic, little things like this really help make the person feel like they’re there. DJ’s are playing sets on IG live, Broadway stars are singing ballads via Zoom, and chefs are teaching us new kitchen hacks by utilizing the ability to stream in real time, online.
So if you think we’re suggesting that you clear some space in your living or bedroom area and perform a tiny home concert in your PJ’s, then you are absolutely right. As a society, we like to condemn others for being on social media too much, or talk about how technology has made things worse for us; but in reality, social media and digital TV are secretly the greatest gifts for artists and musicians these days. Just take a look at Tik Tok—a video-sharing platform that’s skyrocketed in popularity within the past year, that allows users to make ten to 60 second videos about anything.
But the real winner here is the live stream option. Every platform offers the ability to livestream, and with good reason, too! Live streaming allows artists and celebrities with thousands and millions of followers to engage and connect with their fans in real time. Performing online, in the comfort of your own home, not only benefits your fans (because they get a live mini concert of their favorite artist—you), but it benefits you as an artist as well. Though the question still remains: how does livestreaming make getting exposure that much easier?
Here’s how:
How Do I Live Stream?
Technology advancements are great, but sometimes… they get a little tricky. Before you begin posting online (and live, too), make sure you get all the necessary equipment for your stream. Now, “equipment” can be a phone, yourself, and your raw talent; it can also be professional recording equipment, a few instruments, a mic, and a band. However you do it, make sure it’s done your way and for the experience of the fans that are watching.
A few things to keep in mind before live streaming:
- Quality over quantity. No matter how many times you live stream, if the quality of your videos suck, no one is coming back. To think about it, who would want to watch a live performance with bad connection, scratchy audio, and delayed video that’s so grainy it looks a scene out of Minecraft.
- Choosing the proper platforms are key in making sure you expose your talents to the right audience, at the right time, and on the right place. Popular platforms include Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, and Tik Tok.
- Always try to think outside the box. Being innovative about the way you display your talents, and incorporating themes and concepts into the performances, really helps the audience feel connected with who you are as an artist, allowing them to see, hear and experience the story you have to tell (through performance art—of any kind).
- A rule of thumb: perform your hits, make a popular meal, dance to chart-toppers; whatever it is, by giving the fans what they want (by engaging with them or listening to feedback), you’re creating fan retention, meaning they will keep coming back for more.
- Timing is everything, as cliché as that sounds. Which is why it’s important to note when would be the best time for a live stream. The goal here is to capture as many people who are currently on the app to watch your live stream. No matter how great the content may be, if no one is watching it, then you’re essentially playing for an empty room. To avoid this, keep track of your followers’ highest engagement times and days.
So what are you waiting for? We’ll get the popcorn ready, we can’t wait to see what musical adventure you’ll take us on, next.
