How To Release Music With No Money In 2023

You’ve finished producing your music, but now you’re at a standstill because there is a little problem: money! How do you release music with no money??

Releasing music with no money requires time and dedication. For the tracks to gain listeners, you need to ask friends and family to share your music.

Honing your social media skills and meeting new people will also help you gain a following. Make your first release count by optimizing as many free resources as possible.

Finishing an album or EP is both exhilarating and satisfying, but what good is it if you can’t share your great songs with others? Thankfully, you don’t have to break the bank or sell your soul to share your music.

This article will teach you how to release music with no money in the bank.

So, let’s get started!

How to Release Music With No Money

Gone are the days when you needed to shell out tons of dollars to recording studios and marketing firms to get your songs heard by future fans.

This new digital era places all that control into your capable hands. It can still be a struggle to gain listeners without money, but you must know how to release the music properly.

The first thing to note is that your release strategy will differ from the norm when you don’t have money- and that’s okay.

Doing things differently will not make you less successful, but it might mean you have to work harder.

Remember six things when thinking about your no-money-spent music release strategy.

Utilize your family and friends
Hone in your social media content-creating skills

Wait to release music on Spotify
Meet new people
Reach out to music blogs

Make your first release count

Utilize Your Family and Friends

Share your music with friends and family.

The people closest to you are very important to gain a faithful following.

Your social sphere might feel limited initially, but all it takes to earn a little more momentum is for a few relatives and friends to share your music with their friends and relatives.

This step gets overlooked when musicians start. Some feel that their friends and family are too limited in reach for a big impact. This thought is not true.

With a first release, you want to create as much buzz as possible.

Getting those closest to you to boost your likes, comments, and shares is a great start.

You never know their reach, so start sharing with those people as soon as possible.

Create Meaningful Content on Social Media

Creating a content strategy for social media is important.

You want to show prospective listeners who you are and your desire to continue making music.

Here are three steps you should take to get serious about your social media footprint:

Write down a list of ideas for things to post.

Set up a calendar for when you want to post. Be consistent weekly.
Start creating content.

For example, you can post live videos of performances and behind-the-scenes content.

One important thing to remember is that social media is not all about you. Leave your ego at the door.

Pretending to be a big-time star can be a massive turn-off to prospective listeners.

Being real, however, can help you gain more momentum.

If you aren’t sure where to start with creating content, look at what artists similar to you have shared, especially those that inspire you. Reach out to those artists, too- social media connections and collaborations are a great way to increase your fan base.

Don’t Immediately Release on Spotify

While Spotify has a large pool of listeners, it also costs money and usually involves a digital distributor like Tunecore.

Despite popular belief, you can still gain new listeners on other platforms. Instead of Spotify, start using both Soundcloud and Youtube, which are free.

Meet New People

While most view the music industry as cutthroat, with every man for themselves, music is also a community business.

You need to network and make meaningful connections if you’re going to get new people to hear your songs.

If you’re going to a club, music festival, or bar to increase your following, be intentional about getting to know people.

Genuine relationships lead to many things, such as more listeners and potential connections with people who can help you.

Reach Out to Music Blogs

When you know the audience you are trying to reach- which should be something you consider when working on your music- you can use that to your advantage.

There are tons of music blogs on the internet looking to help diehard music fans connect with up-and-coming new musicians on the scene.

Search the web and find some blogs that resonate with your style.

Blogs get many recommendations and requests, so be short and concise in your text when reaching out.

That means a short bio about yourself and your music with some of your best tracks attached.

Be as concise as possible! The shorter your message, the more likely they will engage with it!

Make Your First Release Count

Your first release is your introduction to the music world. It’s your way of telling everyone who you are.

You never get another chance at a first release so make it count. Utilize all the tools above and squeeze them for what they’re worth.

The more momentum you gain, the more you increase your following.

Utilizing search engine optimization and keywords on your social media content will also help you set your first music release up to gain more listeners.

Final Thoughts

Releasing music without money might sound impossible, but you have all the tools you need right at your fingertips.

Your first steps should be to get support from your friends and family and create a dedicated social media plan.

Using alternatives to Spotify, such as YouTube and Soundcloud, will save you money while exposing you to more listeners.

Remember to make your first release count by making genuine connections and utilizing all the tools available.

Did you find these tips helpful? Let us know in the comments below.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best platforms to release music for free?

There are several platforms that allow you to release your music for free. Some popular options include SoundCloud, Bandcamp, and YouTube. Additionally, independent artists can use distribution services like Routenote to release their music on major streaming platforms without upfront costs.

How can I promote my music effectively on a low budget?

Promoting your music on a low budget can involve a combination of online and offline strategies. Utilizing social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter is a cost-effective way to reach your target audience. Engaging in cross-promotion with other artists, participating in online communities, and networking within the industry can help you create a buzz around your music. Additionally, submitting your tracks to music blogs, playlists, and radio stations can help you gain exposure with minimal financial investment.

What are some strategies for a successful first-time music release?

A successful first-time music release requires careful planning and execution. Before you launch your music, make sure you have polished it with the right mixing and mastering. Creating an electronic press kit (EPK), providing a release schedule, and promoting your music before the launch can help build anticipation for your release. Be proactive in reaching out to relevant influencers, bloggers, and playlist curators to share your music and gain exposure.

How can independent artists increase their visibility without PR?

Without a dedicated PR team, independent artists can still increase their visibility by building a strong online presence. Constantly updating social media profiles, engaging with fans, and joining online music communities can help in establishing your identity and growing your fan base. Collaborating with other artists, networking within the industry, and attending industry events can provide valuable connections and opportunities as well.

Is it possible to publish songs without the help of distributors?

Yes, it is possible to publish songs without the help of traditional distributors. Platforms like SoundCloud, Bandcamp, and YouTube allow independent artists to release their music without intermediaries. However, using a distribution service can help you reach wider audiences by putting your music on major streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music.

What are some tips for getting your music noticed on YouTube?

To get your music noticed on YouTube, focus on creating engaging and high-quality content that showcases your talent. Optimize your videos with relevant keywords and descriptions to improve searchability. Interact with viewers by responding to comments and encouraging them to share the content. Collaborating with other artists and cross-promoting your content can also help attract new viewers. Finally, submitting your videos to music channels and playlists can further increase exposure and drive traffic to your channel.