Uncut Gems – Scouting Artists On YouTube

Are you tired of scouting for talent the old-fashioned way? Well, have no fear – YouTube is here! That’s right, the mammoth video-sharing platform is a goldmine for discovering fresh, new talent.  So, let’s dive into how you can use YouTube to scout the next big thing!

First things first, you need to know how to search effectively. Don’t just type in “singers” or “bands” and expect to find the next Ed Sheeran or Billie Eilish. Instead, try narrowing down your search by genre, location, or keywords that describe the sound you’re looking for. This way, you’re more likely to find the talent you’re seeking.

Once you’ve found some promising artists, it’s time to do some digging. Check out their channels and see how they present themselves. Do they have high-quality videos? Do they engage with their fans in the comments section? Are they actively promoting themselves on social media? These are all important factors to consider when scouting for talent on YouTube.

Another useful tool on YouTube is of course the “related videos” section. This section can help you discover similar artists to the ones you’re already interested in. So, if you find an artist you like, take a look at the related videos and see if there are any other promising artists that catch your eye.

Covers VS. Originals –

Now, let’s talk about the power of covers. Covers are a fantastic way for artists to showcase their skills and put their own spin on popular songs. Many up-and-coming artists use covers to gain exposure and build a following on YouTube. So, don’t dismiss covers as just copycat versions of popular songs. They can offer a unique glimpse into an artist’s style and potential.

But, don’t just focus on covers. Original songs are where an artist’s true potential shines. So, make sure you’re also searching for original music on YouTube. Many independent artists release their music on YouTube before it’s available on other platforms, so you might be one of the first to discover a new hit. Another key way to use YouTube to scout talent is to check out live performances. Many artists post live performance videos on their channels or on other channels, like NPR’s Tiny Desk Concerts or Sofar Sounds. These videos can give you a better idea of an artist’s stage presence, vocal ability, and overall talent.

Engagement –

When you find an artist you like, don’t be afraid to engage with them. Leave a comment on their video, follow them on social media, and share their music with your friends and followers. This not only helps the artist gain exposure, but it also shows that you’re invested in their success. Plus, building a relationship with an artist early on can lead to future collaborations and a strong partnership.

YouTube ultimately may not be the best place to reach out to artists or to analyze their career data but as a time saving tool to get a good feel of their live shows, or to hear music before its released on streaming platforms, it’s an invaluable tool. For many artists, YouTube, alongside more community driven streaming sites such as SoundCloud, is the first place their music will get exposure, so it offers a huge chance for your label to find some uncut gems at the very early stages of a long career!

If you’ve found this relevant and helpful, visit Instrumental to see how we can help you further grow your label!