It is often noted that when it comes to choosing between streams and fans, artists have always faced a dilemma. Some artists choose to focus on streams because streams have stood as tangible proof that their songs have been listened to and liked by others. At least, this is what appears to be on the surface. Unlike, what it might lead us to believe, streams are not as important as they seem to be. Recent reports have shown consumers in the US spending more money on tickets to live shows and performances than on recorded music.
Here are some insights for favoring fans over just streams:
1/7.
Larger Scale often leads to Lesser Connection
Artists have often admitted that they do not feel the same connection with their audience when they perform on a larger scale as compared to when they are performing for a smaller audience. This connection is even further removed when the music streams online. Often the personal touch is removed from the music. Apart from the most streamed tracks that are tailor-made for streams, music often loses its intimate charm.
2/7.
Streams Are NOT Synonymous with Fans
Not every stream that a track has means that the listener is or will become a fan. Often bots and fake playlists that solely exist to rake up the streams-number lead the wrong group of listeners to the song. These listeners might not be into the genre of music that the song belongs to and creating a disparity, and they might end up disliking the song. This, therefore, does not gain an artist a loyal fan base or true fans.
3/7.
A Suspicious Disparity Occurs
If an artist solely focuses on increasing streams rather than building an actual fan base it causes a disparity between the streams and the socials. It might cause listeners to become suspicious and might decide to rate the musician badly. An insane number of streams without a proper fan-following might not bode well among listeners and have a negative effect instead. There are indeed legitimate ways to hike streams while also building a solid fan base that remains at par with each other.
4/7.
Context is The Primary Focus.
As the number of users has increased, so has the ability of streaming services to be able to access data. It has also enabled them to predict shows that are tailor-made to the taste and preferences of the users. Despite this preferential policy, streaming services still follow a one-size-fits-all rule. As a result of these, streaming services, especially video-streaming services, have reduced their content based on the most-streamed shows. This reduction of content, though not put much to practice in the music-streaming section, might soon find its way there as well, deciding to keep only the most popular or most-streamed tracks and discard the hidden gems.
5/7.
Music is always audience-based
Even though artists like to believe their music caters to the ears of every individual, it is never the case. Upon careful observation, one will realize that every artist produces music keeping a target audience in mind. Once artists realize who their target audience base is, they ought to engage better with their audience. They must find out what is going on in the minds of those who listen to their music and social media is an exceptional tool to achieve this goal. It would help artists create more relatable music and plan out their social media content, shows, and sponsorships better.
6/7.
Music is destined to be free for all
Streaming services that apply monetary charges for listening to music are soon becoming decrepit. Apps now allow users to share music without being charged anything. This means, the more organic fans an artist has, the better the chances of their music reaching a larger audience. Loyal fans and listeners who appreciate quality content will return to re-listen to the artists and spread the word, which can bring in a better ROI as compared to mere streams.
7/7.
A fan-centric growth is essential to brand building
A piece of music once produced needs proper marketing to reach the desired audience. Fan-centric marketing takes into account the interest, needs, and values of the audience and pitches the product to them accordingly. The growth of your musical career depends largely on how much you are willing to invest in your audience.
It is a clear choice when it comes to streams vs. fans. Fans are not merely a number on the screen but they are living breathing people who have loved and appreciated your art. It is these people who carry with them the power to help an artist take his creations to the highest levels. When an artist connects with their fans, they also become people the artist grows with and creates a bond and loyalty that transcends time.
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