YouTube is the largest streaming platform in the world. With over 2 billion monthly active users, its reach is truly unparalleled. Positioning yourself amongst giants is no easy feat, but setting up your Official Artist Channel is the first step to success.
When your music is first delivered to YouTube via your label or distributor, YouTube will automatically create a new channel when these releases are published. These channels are typically labelled as “Topic” channels and lack the customization and control that a normal channel provides. By upgrading to an Official Artist Channel, you can merge your auto-generated Topic channel with your primary channel, giving you more control over your content and subscribers.
Upgrading to an Official Artist Channel is great as it allows viewers to see your videos and your latest releases in one place, making promoting your music and growing your audience easier. Additionally, your channel will receive a special music icon next to its name, verifying it as your official artist channel. This is awesome, as the icon will help your channel stand out when interacting with your community through posts and comments. Your Official Artist Channel also unlocks new Analytics in your YouTube Studio, enabling you to monitor how your songs perform not just on your own videos but also on channels other than yours. YouTube does this by leveraging its Content ID system that detects and claims any video uploaded by a third party that contains your music. These insights are critical, as your distributor is most likely able to monetize a significant portion of those views and earn your share not just from your own uploads but also from videos from any channel across YouTube, including YouTube Shorts!
To claim your Official Artist Channel, follow the steps below:
The YouTube’s artist support team will review your request and respond within a few days. Note that your channel needs to be in good standing, have monetization enabled, and have at least 3 releases officially published via a distributor or label to be eligible for an Official Artist Channel.
In conclusion, upgrading to an Official Artist Channel on YouTube is crucial in establishing your presence on the platform. It offers greater control over your profile and content, access to new analytics, and a much better way to connect with your audience. Follow the steps outlined in this guide to claim your Official Artist Channel and take your music career to the next level.
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Understanding Music Publishing
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