2020 threw us all for a loop; the music industry was hit especially hard by the pandemic. As we continue to adjust to the world’s new normal, artists have needed to come up with a solution to the typical concert experience. Singers ranging from Miley Cyrus to The Goo Goo Dolls are sharing their talents with the online community. So how can you host your own online concert? Here are some tips to get you started!
Figure out the technology in advance.
Decide what program you’re going to use ahead of time and plan what device you’ll use. Some platforms that are great for livestreaming are Facebook Live, Youtube Live, Tiktok live, and Instagram Live. Another option is a Zoom call that could easily be monetized by selling access to the link. This Zoom meeting may lead to a more intimate setting for fans.
Monetize
You may want to make money from your event. A Zoom event would be an easy way to sell tickets. Send the link out only to ticket buyers a little before the event is to take place to protect the call from any guests entering without paying.
If you opt for one of the other livestream options, decide what platform you’ll use for money, like Venmo or Paypal, and be clear whether you are selling the tickets or using it as a virtual tip jar.
Promote
Don’t forget to promote! Just like an in-person concert, your fans need to know when the online performance is taking place, how to access the video, how much the tickets will cost or the recommended tip amount, who is performing, and what you will be doing.
All of these can be posted across social media accounts such as Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, and more. Using a specific image or poster for promotion can provide unity across accounts, as well as give fans a point of reference for the event.
If you want to get the most out of social media, we recommend including a reason for your fans to post about the event such as a giveaway!
Time Zones
When deciding when to hold the event, make sure to think about where the majority of your fans are located. Using social media and Spotify analytics is a great way to find out where your fans are from and what times they are most active online.
Some artists hold Virtual World Tours, which allows them to connect with fans across many different time zones. By calling out a specific name, such as Paris, London, or New York, a feeling of closeness is created for fans from the specific cities.
Engage
There are many ways to connect and engage fans during an online event. Question and answer sessions, answering comments, and calling out names of viewers is a great way to make your fans feel as though they are seen. Thanking fans for coming during and after the performance is another way to show your appreciation!
Lastly, we suggest sharing fans and other musicians content! Fans get excited to be noticed, and other musicians are grateful for the support and may return the favor.
We hope these tips help you get started with your online events, and let us know if you use these ideas! We’d love to see them in action.