Spotify may be the king of streaming, but for musicians, relying solely on the platform is like trying to survive on ramen noodles. And really, that’s unfortunately close metaphorically. Multiple musicians like Doyle from the Misfits, Charlie Benante from Anthrax, and others have come out against the platform, citing that it’s a necessary evil within the music industry. Thom Yorke of Radiohead once said, “I feel like we need to fight the Spotify thing as musicians. I feel that, in some ways, what’s happening in the mainstream is the last desperate fart of a dying corpse… Just because something’s happening on the internet doesn’t mean it’s good.”
Sure, Spotify connects artists to fans globally, but with streaming royalties hovering around $0.003 to $0.005 per stream, most artists aren’t buying mansions off their monthly payouts. Spotify is critical for visibility, but musicians must expand their presence beyond a single platform to build lasting careers, grow their audiences, and take back control of their art and earnings. Here’s why diversification is no longer a good idea; it’s a hard reality. Musicians have to think like content creators, use the cadre of marketing tools at their fingertips, and think way beyond the streaming world.
Streaming Royalties Just Ain’t Enough
Spotify and Apple Music have reshaped how people consume music, but they have yet to do musicians much favor in the income department. According to a 2023 report from Music Business Worldwide, artists need over 250,000 streams just to earn $1,000.
These numbers are brutal for independent musicians or more minor acts. Relying on Spotify alone to pay the bills is like wringing water from a stone. Even for those with decent followings, most revenue goes to record labels, publishers, or distributors before artists see their slice.
Diversifying revenue streams — through platforms like Bandcamp, YouTube, Patreon, and social media monetization — allows musicians to get creative with how they connect with fans and make money. For example:
- Bandcamp allows a musician to sell music, merch, and vinyl directly to fans while keeping a generous cut. (Hey, it’s a new age; consider offering exclusive music lessons. If Metallica can do a master class, it’s fair game in the music industry.)
- YouTube combines ad revenue with audience-building for long-term artist growth.
- Patreon provides subscription-based support for fans who want exclusive content beyond digital marketing, sneak peeks, and behind-the-scenes access.
The goal? Move beyond pennies-per-stream payouts and start building an income that reflects the time and energy you put into your music.
Algorithm Dependency Is Dangerous
Spotify’s algorithm can feel like the fairy godmother of success — get on the right playlist, and you’re golden. But the second you stop playing by its rules, the magic fades. This algorithmic dependence puts artists in a lame position: your success relies on forces outside your control.
What happens if the algorithm changes? What if you stop landing on “Discover Weekly” or “Release Radar”? Suddenly, your streams drop, and so does your income. Diversifying your platforms creates more stability and control over your audience reach. Relying on one online platform will only cripple your career as an aspiring musician. Indie musicians have to find the edge where they can get it.
For instance:
- You can build a library of YouTube music videos, tutorials, or vlogs that live forever and generate views long after release.
- Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Twitch allow you to connect with fans directly, independent of streaming metrics.
- Your email list is the ultimate insurance policy — even if algorithms ghost you, you still own your audience’s contact information.
The smartest artists treat Spotify like one piece of the puzzle, not the whole board.
Direct Fan Relationships Are the Future
Streaming platforms are great for passive listening but create a middleman between musicians and fans. If you’re not actively connecting with your audience outside Spotify, you leave a lot on the table — loyalty, engagement, and income.
Direct-to-fan platforms like Bandcamp and Patreon let listeners support you without anyone taking a massive cut. These platforms are where superfans live — the ones willing to spend money on digital downloads, vinyl, exclusive merch, or private livestreams.
You can also interact with fans on a more personal level on social media or through your website. Share behind-the-scenes videos, sneak peeks of new tracks, or ask for input on upcoming projects. Creating a connection turns casual listeners into lifelong fans who want to support you, not just your music.
Artists like Amanda Palmer have built careers around this model, using Patreon to fund albums, tours, and projects directly through fan contributions. No labels or strings are attached — just the artist and their audience.
Creative Control Lives Outside Streaming
Platforms like Spotify are built for mass consumption. They thrive on singles, not entire albums, and encourage short-term trends over long-term artistry. Artists who want to experiment, tell stories, or create immersive experiences need to look beyond streaming giants; Spotify is just another online tool for getting their tunes out to music lovers.
For example:
- Use YouTube to share creative, narrative-driven music videos or even a documentary about your journey.
- Host a Twitch stream to play new songs live, engage in Q&As, and show your creative process.
- Release special projects, like full-length concept albums or live recordings, on platforms like Bandcamp or your website, where the streaming model does not confine you.
This freedom allows you to make the art you want — without being limited to what performs best on the charts.
Diversification Builds Longevity
The most successful musicians don’t rely on one income stream or platform — they build ecosystems. Diversifying across platforms means protecting yourself from algorithmic whiplash and setting yourself up for long-term success.
Here’s what a diversified strategy might look like:
- Spotify/Apple Music: Reach new listeners through streaming.
- YouTube: Create videos that engage fans and generate ad revenue.
- TikTok/Instagram: Grow your audience with short-form, shareable content.
- Patreon: Monetize loyal fans through subscriptions and exclusive perks.
- Bandcamp: Sell music, vinyl, and merch directly.
- Email List: Own your fan connections for the long haul.
By spreading your efforts across platforms, you’re building a foundation that isn’t vulnerable to one algorithm, platform policy, or sudden change.
Spotify might get your music into the world, but it should be part of your strategy. Diversifying across platforms puts you back in control — of your art, audience, and income. Think of Spotify as your gateway, but make sure your empire has many doors.
Greta Van Fleet broke into mainstream consciousness around 2017, largely thanks to streaming platforms like Spotify and YouTube. Their hit single “Highway Tune“ gained massive traction on Spotify, earning spots on key playlists and racking up millions of streams. This early exposure helped them reach a global audience almost overnight and positioned them as modern torchbearers of rock and roll. But Greta Van Fleet’s story isn’t everyone’s.
The musicians who thrive in the modern industry are the ones who think bigger, own their platforms, and build sustainable careers. So get out there, explore other avenues, and take charge.
Your music and future deserve more than 0.003 cents a stream.
And once you hit the big time and need help with that barrage of DMs, Manychat’s got you.
