Post-Release
Promote Your Music after Release Day with a Multi-Format Release Plan
Artist Example:
Laufey - “Madwoman” Music Video Roll Out
8+ Pre-Release Teaser Shorts
2026.04.01 - 2026.04.11
Official Video Trailer
2026.04.10
‘Madwoman’ OMV Premiere
2026.04.13
“Stay Mad” Lip Sync Short
2026.04.16
OMV Behind- The-Scenes
2026.04.22
In the first week following its release over 80% of the views on the “Madwoman” behind the scenes video were from returning viewers to Laufey’s channel*.
Post-Release Strategy Checklist
Build your strategy from left to right: start with the essentials, then add on next-level steps as your release strategies grow.
Getting Started
Beginner
All artists start here
Engagement
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VISUAL STORYTELLING - Continue uploading supporting visuals at a consistent cadence
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SHORTS - Continue promoting your release
Promotion
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COMMENTS - Pin, heart or reply to fan comments
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FAN ENGAGEMENT - Like or comment on fan UGC and posts
Preparation
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CONCERT TICKETS - Keep BandsinTown up to date
Stepping it Up
Intermediate
Add these steps if you’re ready for the next level
Engagement
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SHORTS - Tag your music video or other content as a related video
Promotion
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PLAYLISTS - Feature Fan Shorts on your artist channel
Preparation
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COLLABORATIONS - Invite featured artists to maximize audience
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ANALYTICS FOR ARTISTS - Assess content performance and audience
Superstar
Advanced
Add these steps if you’re looking to maximize exposure on YouTube
Engagement
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SHORTS - Remix fan Shorts or reply to comments with Shorts
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FAN ENGAGEMENT - Make an exclusive video for your top fans to thank them for their support
Promotion
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SHORTS - Participate in any emerging trends with your music
*Internal YT Data, April 22-28, 2026
Keep Your Release Top-of-Mind After Release Day
Don’t think of release week as the finish line for promoting your music. Many songs gain momentum post-release, with many trending weeks to years after release day. Continue to find ways to build hype and continue introducing your music to new audiences.
THE GOAL
Create visual narratives and additional fan experiences to keep your audience interested in your music.
Shorts
Continue uploading Shorts at a regular cadence. Repeat formats to build familiarity with your fans and inspire them to create their own.
Creative Inspiration: See what formats are working for other artists to create your own ideas that suit you and your fans.
TINI
Lip Sync
Show yourself having fun, vibing to your music without a formal performance.
TINI jumped on a trend around her song “Universidad” where fans lip sync along.
PINKPANTHERESS
Collabs
Collaborate with other artists or creators to expand your Reach.
PinkPantheress candidly made fun of how Beabadoobee and her dance were so unsynced.
RAYE
Alternative Version
Add new flare to your song to fit your content ideas with new variations, like sped up, slowed down, or mash ups.
RAYE showed herself having fun dancing and reacting to a fan-made alt. lyric of her song.
SABRINA CARPENTER
Performance/BTS
Take fans behind the scenes content from live appearances to make them feel like they’re part of the action.
Sabrina Carpenter brought fans behind the scenes for a stage tour before her NYC show.
CHARLI XCX
Make it Relatable
Add text for fans to connect your song with a relatable moment. Lean into trending phrases like “POV:” or “That moment when...”
Charli XCX told fans her POV and inspo behind the song.
ROYEL OTIS
Covers
Bring renewed interest to your song or put your own twist by covering other artist’s song to reach new audience.
Royal Otis showed fans a live cover of “white flag” by Dido.
Level Up with Shorts
Tease Your Release with a Preview
If you see a trend starting to take off with your music, give it your “stamp of approval” and make your own version.
Feature Fan Shorts on OACs
Spotlight fanmade Shorts using your music on your OAC to reward fans for their support and inspire others to create
HOW: On a Fan Short, Tap Three Button Menu > Save To Playlist > Fan Shorts
Engage with or Remix Fan Shorts
Remix fan Shorts with Green Screen, Cut, Collab to acknowledge fans’ support in amplifying your release. You can also like or comment to show fans you’re tuned in.
Long-Form Video
Continue uploading visual storytelling videos every few weeks to continue building a world around your music.
Find new ways for fans to visualize and experience your music.
VIDEO INSPO
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Olivia Dean
Man I Need (Live) Performance Video
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PinkPantheress
“Stateside ft. Zara Larsson” Remix Music Video
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Gareth. T
“navy” Lyric Video
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JENNIE
2025 MMA Vlog Behind-the-Scenes
Link to Youtube Video (visible only when JS is disabled)
PinkPantheress
“Stateside (demo version)” Demo/Unreleased Version
Link to Youtube Video (visible only when JS is disabled)
TAEYANG
Travel Vlog Lifestyle Content
Analytics for Artists
Measure Ongoing Success
Dig into YouTube’s Analytics for Artists to evaluate what posting cadence and type of content work best for your audience as it continues to grow.
SOME HELPFUL METRICS TO START LOOKING AT ARE:
Unique Viewers
To see the full audience your music reaches on YouTube
New Viewers
Those who watched your channel for the first time
Returning Viewers
To understand which of your songs, videos or Shorts keep fans coming back for more
Shorts Published and Video Engagement
To see which of your songs inspire your fans to create, comment and share
Fans
Those who consistently engage with your OAC
Top Fans
Those who engage the most with your OAC
Video and Song Views
To understand how your fans watch and listen
Top Geographies
Countries that contribute the most views on your channel
Pro tip
Start to do more of what fans are engaging with most. If you haven’t seen anything stand out, keep experimenting and testing new content.
Post-Release on Your Channel
Fan Engagement
Build fan loyalty by staying in conversation with them and acknowledging their support.
- Pin, Heart and Reply to fan comments and posts
— Use the Community tab in YouTube Studio to stay up-to-date with fan comments - Send an exclusive video to your top fans
— HOW: When uploading a video, set visibility to Top Fans
Channel Optimization
- Update your channel banner with any upcoming tours, music videos, etc. related to your release.
- Feature any fan content in a playlist on your channel.
- Update your store with new merch. Learn more about shopping here.
Post-Release on Other Channels
Your music’s visual storytelling isn’t limited to the content you upload, but also includes content from other channels.
Fan Pages
Identify your top fan channels and fan pages on YouTube; these are likely your most leaned in fans. Showing them your appreciation and engaging with them can deepen your fan community.
TAKE IT A STEP FURTHER: Collaborate with fan channels to amplify your new release. This can spark even more engagement among your fan community
Tastemaker & Curator Channels
From interviews to visualizers to performances, continue to collaborate with music tastemakers and curator channels to have your new release featured to reach a wider audience.
