YouTube is more important for artists than ever

YouTube: The big stage for artists in a digital world

Over the last decade, the landscape has changed dramatically for artists. Galleries, museums and live performances were once the stages of choice to reach a wide audience. But the power of the digital has revolutionized this landscape.

One of all the digital platforms that are available today has particularly worked out: YouTube . On this occasion, we will shed light on the most important aspects why YouTube is more important than ever for artists and how you can exhaust the potential of this platform as a creative head.

The dominance of YouTube with visual content

YouTube was a pioneer in the area of ​​the video content long before Tikkok and Instagram and is still successfully asserting itself.

Your eyes may light up when you think about posting a video on YouTube and getting millions of clicks immediately. But reality is often more complex - and multifaceted like a well -painted picture. YouTube is the second largest search engine in the world , directly to Google. A fact that illustrates how powerful this platform really is. With over two billion a monthly users, YouTube offers artists a stage that is particularly predestined for artists.

YouTube represents an ideal (digital) stage for creative people. In January 2020, 93 % of the most sought -after videos were on music clips. There are numerous motives for artists (not only for musicians) to present themselves on this platform, but the essentials are that they act as a free streaming and marketing solution , which also provides a wide range of opportunities for monetization (we come back to this later).

Artists who are active on YouTube have the option of addressing target groups across all demographic borders. Because not only the millennials and generation z use this platform. People over 50 years also visit the YouTube start page at least once a month.

But how could YouTube play such a dominant role?

Simply put: visual culture dominates our daily life. We know from art history that pictures say more than a thousand words. This visual dominance is reflected in videos today, in which artists can present their works, processes and sources of inspiration, often in a way that is not possible through traditional media.

Accessibility and authenticity

One of the greatest strengths of YouTube is the ability to achieve a wide and various target group. You can present your works of art to a global audience, which would hardly be possible with traditional methods. In addition, the platform offers authenticity that is often sought in the art scene. Fans and followers can interact directly with them, leave comments and even share content that inspires them.

This direct connection is priceless. An example: The British artist David Hockney used YouTube to give a look behind the scenes of his painting technology. Such insights create a personal connection and strengthen the interest and appreciation of your work.

The algorithm as an ally

To successfully use YouTube, it is essential to understand the algorithm. The algorithm is a complex system that is designed to promote content based on relevance and user engagement. The more people watch, like, comment and share their videos, the higher they are displayed in the search results.

Sounds complicated? Not necessarily. Here are three quick tips on how you can use the algorithm to your advantage:

• Optimize your titles and descriptions: Use concise and descriptive titles that record the essence of your video. The description should also be clear and informative, ideally with relevant keywords.

• Create appealing thumbnails: A well -designed thumbnail can be clicked in between or go under in the sea of ​​the videos.

• Promote the exchange: ask your viewers to like, comment and share your videos. The more interactions your video gets, the better it will be rated.

How artists can use YouTube for themselves

We have seen us, you can hardly get around the video platform at your sheer size and range. But where are the specific advantages and possible uses for artists? We give an overview:

01 market works of art

A current survey shows that over 70 % of the people who regularly use YouTube are influenced by the content that they consume on this platform. As an artist, this offers you an excellent way to market your art through your videos.

If you want to advertise for certain works or collections, you should make sure that they are presented in at least one of your videos. In addition, you have the option of using videos to tell a story about a work of art. For example, you could produce a video that demonstrates how to get materials and how it is transformed into completed works of art.

If potential buyers experience art in action, you can better understand the creative creative process.

02 establish a connection to interested parties

For every artist who has ever organized an open studio or visited a preview on his own exhibition, knows that interaction (s) with potential buyers is the decisive difference when completing a sale.

Collectors and buyers appreciate to get to know the artist personally before purchasing a work. YouTube can support you in a virtual environment that gives you access to millions of spectators.

If you are unsure what you want to present on YouTube, consider one of these suggestions :

• Show the artist. Up the materials about yourself and your artistic activity.
• Design a work of art. Position a camera and record it in time-lapse or stop-motion.
• Document a visit to the studio or an exhibition in a gallery. Rate an exhibition or an artist. The search on YouTube is similar to researching in other areas of the Internet. If your video is about a new exhibition, it could possibly reach a larger audience.
• Share the story of your favorite work of art by explaining and explaining your inspiration how everything has come together. 
• Have an interview with an artist about his career, his artistic practice (or a conversation with you).
• Demonstrate your skills as an artist through demonstrations, a time -lapse of the creation of your work of art or a presentation of your tools and materials during the creative process.
• Alternatively, you can simply sit down and discuss your best advice for young artists or the art industry.

Here are two successful examples:

Regardless of which topic you want to talk about, ideally design an appealing background for your videos by presenting other works of already completed works of art for sale that arouse the interest of potential buyers.

03 establish yourself as a brand

We advise you to start your logo or profile photo/avatar/bandlogo/etc. at the end of your videos. To blend and briefly present yourself and the name of your art company/project (if available).

This helps that as an artist and her brand, she remains anchored in the memory of the audience. 

04 Organic visibility on the network

Numerous popular social media platforms have reduced the organic reach of contributions over time (most recently also Instagram). This made it difficult for users that their content is perceived by members of their target group.

YouTube is an exception. On YouTube, their content has the chance to be discovered by a variety of people in an organic way. YouTube is not only the largest platform for sharing videos, but also the second largest search engine worldwide (we have already mentioned that).

Therefore, many users are looking for videos on YouTube on a wide variety of topics, which opens up excellent possibilities for organic growth for content buyers. Other platforms do not offer artists the same organic visibility as YouTube.

05 Cooperations with other artists

An excellent way for an artist to make his works accessible to a wider audience is cooperation with other artists or content creators. Such partnerships are very popular on YouTube.

Cooperation with other content manufacturers, regardless of whether they are also an artist or not, can significantly increase the visibility of their work. Numerous artists tend to join in with like-minded people, but sometimes the cooperation with non-artists proves to be more advantageous.

Because even non-artists appreciate their works and can help to present them to a new audience. Therefore, do not hesitate to work with non-artists as an artist. Otherwise you could miss valuable opportunities.

06 additional sources of income

Through the ability to produce video content and have it discovered naturally, you have the chance to reach a large number of people on YouTube. If you succeed in addressing many spectators, the opportunity to generate additional income also opens up.

An important reason for the great popularity of YouTube is the opportunity to help content manufacturers to monetize their works. Artists can also take advantage of this advantage. People often have the wrong idea of ​​monetization on YouTube. Google Adsense is not the only way to make money on this platform - especially for artists.

As a creative creator, you can use YouTube to win potential buyers and thus sell their art and achieve income. In addition, you have access to cooperations with brands and companies, which can also increase your income. Artists generate income in a similar way to dancers often do.

In addition to the options mentioned, there are other ways to generate income:

• Super chats and great stickers: Fans can give money during the livestreams to highlight their news.
• Memberships: offer exclusive content, material or courses for paying members.
• Merchandising: Use platforms such as tea jump that enable direct integration with YouTube to sell your own products.

Build 07 fan base

And last but not least, YouTube is a great platform to build a steadily growing and loyal fan base. This has become a real game channel, especially for musicians. But visual artists have also written great success stories here.

Your start on YouTube: First steps, Best Practices & important tips

01 Set up your channel

If you start all over again, the first step is to create YouTube channel Make sure that your channel is designed so that it reflects her artistic identity. Use an appealing banner for your channel and choose a clear, high -quality profile picture - ideally your logo or a professional photo of yourself.

Don't forget the section "About" of your channel. Here you have the opportunity to share your artistic journey, your genre, your sources of inspiration and further information that you want to get to your fans.

If you are unsure where to start, take a look at the YouTube sites of your favorite artists or musicians. Pay attention to what kind of their channels like and think about how you can incorporate similar aspects into your own design. Analyze your branding, the structure of your videos and the way you interact with your audience. Let yourself be inspired by your success and adapt this for your own unique style.

In addition, you should consider registering for an official “artist channel” on YouTube ( YouTube for Artists ). In addition to the name of your channel, a small “note” icon is displayed, which signals to the viewers that they appear as an artist.

Advantages of an official artist channel:

• Centralized music hub : All your titles in one place can increase calls and subscriptions.
• Tailor -made channel design : Present videos, adapt areas and present content to address fans.
• Artist profile : Control the representation of your brand on YouTube and connected Google platforms.
• Improved fan engagement : Use tools such as community contributions to interact more personally with fans.
• Aufstiging artists in the spotlight : Increase your chance of putting the spotlight in the YouTube trend segment and thus increasing the visibility.
• Interchangeable analyzes : access data to capture fandemographies, videoometrics and more.

Analytics for Artists enables a deep understanding of the performance of your content on YouTube. This includes:

• Evaluation of songdarbits in various video formats
• Statistics of their own channels and others who present their music
• Real-time insights over the YouTube Studio app

Here is a guide to creating an official artist channel from T-BORE:

02 high quality content is the a and end

There is no easy way. In order to stand out from others, it is essential for artists who use YouTube, essential, continuously offered content of high quality in order to expand their viewers.

Of course, this also includes your works of art or pieces of music, but you should also consider making your content more varied. Hinter-and-scened videos, recording sessions, backgrounds for image design, tutorials for music production and vlogs about their life as a musician/artist can make their channel more interesting and understandable.

Remember: people feel attracted to people, not just to work. "

Use the initial phase on YouTube to experiment with various content formats. Test vlogs, lyric videos, cover versions, time-lapse videos, cutting together, fun videos, interviews or everything you can think of. Yes, this will be a journey full of experiments and mistakes, but through this process you will find out which content is well received by your audience.

As soon as this is clear to you, you can concentrate on producing more of what inspires your viewers.

03  Interact with your audience

Engagement on YouTube is not a one -sided affair. Do not only publish videos; Make sure to actively communicate with your viewers. If you react to the comments on your content, create articles for the community, organize live chats or even carry out question-and-answer sessions.

This form of interaction promotes a feeling of community and loyalty to your audience and increases the likelihood that the audience will remain loyal to them and recommend their works. If you are interested in expanding your audience as an artist, you should never ignore this aspect.

04 Cooperations with other artists

Cooperation is a powerful tool on YouTube with which you can expand your fan base as an artist. By working with other artists, musicians or producers, you have the opportunity to reach their audience and vice versa.

Regardless of whether it is a musical cooperation, a shout-out, interview or a guest appearance, this tactic can increase your visibility and bring you closer to new potential fans. Always strive to promote fair exchange.

Therefore, do not simply contact other YouTubers and request free advertising. Instead, you should try to offer added value first - ideally at the same height or even beyond.

05 The technical page - use SEO

Search engine optimization (SEO) is not limited exclusively to websites; She also plays an important role for YouTube. Conduct a thorough research for relevant key terms that are connected to your genre, your titles or general art topics.

Tie these keywords into the titles, descriptions and tags of your videos. A well -designed title and a concise description can mean that your videos are displayed both in the search results of YouTube and in related content, which increases your visibility for potential supporters.

For those who are not yet familiar with the concept: SEO or search engine optimization is a method to improve the findability of a website in the results of search engines. When it comes to YouTube, SEO includes the targeted use of certain key words in their video titles, descriptions and tags that users are likely to enter when they are looking for content that resemble theirs.

Effective SEO can cause your videos to appear more often in the search results, which in turn leads to a higher number of calls and potential fans. Ironically, you will find countless tutorials on YouTube yourself that explain to you how you can implement SEO on the platform. It doesn't take long to familiarize yourself with the subtleties and use the algorithm to expand your audience as an artist.

06 Monetarize your YouTube channel

Before we deal with the specific aspects of monetizing your channel on YouTube, we would like to highlight the importance of this step. As an artist, musician and/or producer, it is not only enriching to generate income with their talent, but also often essential for the continuation of their artistic career.

In a perfect world, passion would cover the bills, but reality requires pragmatic approaches to ensure that their creative work remains profitable.

Now let's look at the options for monetization on YouTube. If you meet the requirements of YouTube, you can join the YouTube partner program , which allows you income from advertisements in your videos.

Depending on how many calls you generate monthly, this can either be a significant sum or only a small amount. Regardless of whether YouTube pays you a lot or little, you can use your channel in a targeted manner to move your viewers to acquire your art, pieces of music, merchandise or admission tickets for your appearances or to provide you with support in any other way.

Requirements for participation in the YouTube partner program

In order to achieve revenue with your YouTube channel, you must meet certain criteria. Only when you meet these requirements is it possible for you to take part in the YouTube partner program (YPP) and benefit from various monetization options:

1. At least 1,000 subscribers: This represents the basic number you need to qualify for the partner program. Without this minimum number of followers, you cannot activate monetization.
2. 4,000 hours of playback time within the last 12 months: In addition to the number of subscribers, playback time is a decisive aspect. Their content must be viewed sufficiently to generate income. Alternatively, however, you can also reach 10 million views on YouTube shorts within 90 days of playback time.
3. No violations of the YouTube guidelines: Your channel must not have any injuries to the YouTube community guidelines or copyright violations. Otherwise, access to the program can be denied to you.
4. Active Google Adsense account: To receive payments from YouTube, you need an active Adsense account with which you can generate advertising revenue.

Monetarization options on YouTube

As soon as you have met the necessary conditions, various options are available to generate income on YouTube. most common forms of monetization are listed below :

• Advertisements : The most common source of income is advertisements that are either shown in front of or during your videos. The proceeds depend on the number of calls, the target group and the type of advertisements.
• Channel memberships : From a certain number of subscribers, you can offer sewer memberships. Your supporters have the option of paying a monthly fee to receive access to exclusive content or advantages.
• Super chat and great stickers : During livestreams, spectators have the opportunity to donate money to highlight their news or stickers. This function is particularly popular with live broadcasts.
• Merchandise sales : If you have set up a loyal fan base, you can also drive your own products or merchandise articles directly over your channel.
• Affiliate marketing : Many YouTubers use affiliate links to recommend products and earn a commission during the corresponding sales.
• Sponsorings : A large number of videos of large channels are now being sponsored. Many companies use influencer marketing to increase their success, especially in niche target groups.

A classification: How much money can you earn with 1,000 subscribers?

It is a widespread misconception that you can achieve high income immediately by reaching 1,000 subscribers. In fact, the proceeds depend on various aspects:

• Calls per video : The number of subscribers is not the sole decisive aspect. The more calls your videos generate, the higher your advertising revenue.
• Niche of the channel : Certain niches, such as technology, finance or education, tend to have higher CPM (cost per mille), which means that they earn more per 1,000 calls.
• Target group : Spectators from certain countries or age groups are more valuable for advertisers, which can be reflected in higher income.

A rough estimate : With 1,000 subscribers and regular calls, you could earn between 50 and 200 euros per month about advertising revenues. However, it is important to note that most YouTubers diversify their income and are not exclusively dependent on advertising revenue.

Build YouTube channel faster: buy subscribers?

An essential factor for success on YouTube is the continuous growth of your channel. However, building a large followers can take a lot of time, especially if you start all over again. Here, buying subscribers could be a way to make faster progress.

Platforms like Followerson offer the opportunity buy real YouTube subscribers and thus accelerate the growth of their channel.

Why could the purchase of subscribers be advantageous?

• Faster growth : the more subscribers you have, the sooner new viewers become aware of your channel. This creates trust and increases the likelihood that your channel of YouTube will be recommended.
• Better monetization opportunities : As soon as you have reached the brand of 1,000 subscribers, you can start monetization immediately and generate faster income.
• Strengthening social credibility : A high number of subscribers signals potential followers that their channel is popular, which can lead to organic growth.

In this way you can reach the first 1,000 subscribers organically

If you prefer to grow organically, various strategies are available to increase your number of subscribers:

• Regular content: Consistency plays a crucial role. Put videos continuously to captivate your audience and acquire additional subscribers. For this you can also create an editorial plan by determining which topics and videos you would like to present in advance.
• Optimization of the video titles and descriptions: Use key words that appeal to potential spectators. Make sure that your video titles are both appealing and concisely formulated. Simply consider what the audience would search for on Google to find the content of your video as an answer.
• Cooperation with other YouTubers: Cooperation with other content creators can help you to address their followers and to win new subscribers.
• Call-to-Action (CTA): Enjoy your viewers to subscribe to your channel or leave a comment. You can easily ask your viewers about your opinion on the subject. Many forget this important step.
• Share on social networks: Use your other platforms such as Instagram , Facebook, Tiktok or Twitter to advertise your videos and win additional subscribers.

07  Understand your fans: YouTube analytics

As soon as you start to reach an audience on YouTube, it is important to find out which content is best received by your viewers and optimize your upload strategy in order to keep their interest in the long term.

There are various excellent tools available with which you can analyze your success. YouTube provides youtube analytics with which you can find out where your fans are, which demographic features you have, when you consume videos and what interests you.

The newly introduced YouTube Analytics for Artists , the aspects such as the "overall range" (the audience of their official channel plus the audience of other YouTubers who use their music) helps them to better understand the performance of their videos produced. With these new tools, YouTube gives you the opportunity to promote your growth by understanding which factors influence this growth.

Success stories of artists on YouTube and their methods

Numerous artists have not only gained awareness through the platform, but also found innovative ways to monetize their art and bind their fans. In this section we take a look at some successful artists on YouTube and their methods.

Let yourself be inspired and learn from these pioneers in the digital art world.

Peter Draws - redefined the art of drawing

Peter Deligdisch, known as Peter Draws , is an American artist who specializes abstract drawings His videos, in which he shows his drawing process, made him a sensation, and today he counts hundreds of thousands of subscribers.

What makes him so successful?

• ASMR and long-shaped content: Peter uses a special method to bind his viewers. His videos often have a calming effect and use elements of ASMR (Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response). This calm and meditative presentation of his work attracts many spectators.
• Live drawing and interaction: Peter frequently carries out live drawings in which he interacts directly with his viewers. This promotes a community of fans who feel connected and involved.
• Merchandising: Peter uses his platform to sell exclusive works of art, books and merchandise articles. This has given him an additional source of income that goes beyond the advertising revenue.

The Art Assignment - Education meets entertainment

The Art Assignment is a popular YouTube channel that was launched by art critic Sarah Urist Green and her husband, the well-known author John Green. The channel offers a variety of content, from art orders to discussions about art history and contemporary artists.

Recipes of success:

• Educational content: The Art Assignment understood to present educational content entertaining. Each video offers a mixture of artistic instructions and historical context, which both informed and inspired the viewers.
• Cooperation with artists: The channel often works with contemporary artists to create original art orders that the audience can try out at home. This interactive element has created a committed community.
• Crowdfunding: The Art Assignment uses platforms such as Patreon to receive additional support from fans. These means help finance the production of high -quality content.

Jazza - creativity in different media

Josiah Brooks , better known as Jazza , is an Australian artist, whose YouTube channel covers a variety of creative projects, from drawings and animations to art challenges and tutorials.

Recipes of success:

• Diverse content: Jazza offers a wide range of content, which has helped him attract a large audience. His art challenges, in which he uses unusual materials or techniques, are particularly popular and promote creativity and enjoyment of experimentation.
• Engagement with the community: Jazza outdoors the full commitment potential by regularly organizing competitions and challenges in which his viewers can submit their own works of art. This strengthens the bond with the community and stimulates the creativity of the fans.
• Online courses and books: Jazza extends its sources of income through the sale of online art courses and books. These products offer deeper insights and learning options and perfectly complement its YouTube content.

Proco - anatomy and art made easy

Stan Prokopenko , better known as Proko , is an artist and art teacher who specializes in anatomical drawing and the representation of the human body. Its channel offers high -quality tutorials and courses that are aimed at both beginners and advanced artists.

Recipes of success:

• Detailed tutorials: Proko's videos are known for their high quality and detailed instructions. He explains complex concepts in an understandable way and often uses humorous elements to facilitate the learning process.
• Free and paid content: While many of its tutorials are available free of charge on YouTube, Proco also offers more comprehensive courses and additional materials on its website. This combination enables him to achieve a large reach and to generate income at the same time.
• Community feedback: Proko regularly uses the feedback from his community to improve its content and treat new topics. This shows his viewers that their opinion and needs are taken seriously.

Baumgartner restoration - the art of restoration

Julian Baumgartner , an expert in art restoration, has won a large followers through his YouTube channel Baumgartner Restoration. His videos document the meticulous and fascinating work of the restoration of classic paintings.

Recipes of success:

• Unique insight: Baumgartner's videos offer a rare look behind the scenes of the art restoration. The viewers see the entire process, from analyzing the damage to the preservation to the final restoration.
• Temporary motion and time-lapse techniques: In order to disassemble the many hours of work into consumable pieces, Baumgartner uses time-lapse videos that reduce the long restoration process to an understandable minimum.
• Patreon support: Baumgartner uses Patreon to find supporters who enable him to produce high-quality content. In return, the supporters receive exclusive insights and bonus material.

The success stories of these artists show that there are many ways on YouTube to present their art and at the same time to benefit financially from it. Use this knowledge and let your creativity run free - videos that share your art and history could be the beginning of something great.

Artistic freedom and visual story

One of the most beautiful things on YouTube is the freedom it offers. They are not restricted by the narrow barriers of a gallery or a curator. Instead, you can tell your story in your own way.

Use this freedom to realize your artistic vision. Tell the stories behind your works, document your creative process and share inspiring moments from your everyday life.

The future of art on YouTube

The use of YouTube for artists is not a short -lived trend. With progressive technology and growing internet use, this platform will continue to play a central role in the art scene.

Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) are on the rise and already an integral part of YouTube. These technologies offer new opportunities to experience and share art in a completely new way.

Imagine you could lead your viewers through a virtual gallery in which you can see your works in 3D.

Final thoughts

YouTube is more than just a platform for cat videos and vlogs. For artists, it offers a powerful tool to present their works, reach a global audience and even create various monetization options. It is a stage on which her art is not only seen, but also valued and understood.

Take advantage of this opportunity and let your creativity bloom online!

Joachim Rodriguez y Romero

Owner and managing director of Kunstplaza. Publicist, editor and passionate blogger in the field of art, design and creativity since 2011. Successful conclusion in web design as part of a university degree (2008). Further development of creativity techniques through courses in free drawing, expression painting and theatre/acting. Profound knowledge of the art market through many years of journalistic research and numerous collaborations with actors/institutions from art and culture.

www.kunstplaza.de/