Planning to drop a new album? Paid ads can be one of the most effective ways to cut through the noise and get your music heard, but not all streaming platforms or ad channels deliver the same value for artists. Here’s a breakdown of the best platforms to advertise on, so you can maximize your budget and reach the right listeners.
1. Spotify
Spotify remains the go-to platform for album promotion. Their Marquee campaigns send notifications directly to listeners who have engaged with your music or similar artists, helping you reignite existing fans or attract new ones. Newer tools like Showcase allow you to target fresh listeners in specific countries. With Spotify’s massive global user base, even a small ad spend can lead to meaningful results.
Best for: Boosting streams, re-engaging your fanbase, and landing algorithmic playlist placements.
2. YouTube / YouTube Music
YouTube is still the world’s largest platform for music discovery. With video ads, you can showcase your latest single, music video, or album teaser directly to music fans. The platform’s powerful targeting tools let you reach audiences by interests, genre preferences, or even fans of artists similar to you.
Best for: Driving views on your music videos, reaching new listeners, and building hype with visuals.
3. Instagram & Facebook (Meta Ads)
Despite algorithm changes, Instagram and Facebook remain essential for artists who want to build buzz and connect with fans. Meta Ads let you run campaigns that drive pre-saves, send traffic to your album on streaming platforms, or grow your mailing list. Advanced targeting means you can pinpoint potential listeners by age, location, and musical tastes.
Best for: Pre-release hype, building your social following, and direct-to-fan engagement.
4. TikTok Ads
TikTok’s influence on music can’t be overstated, a viral TikTok can launch a song into the charts. By running TikTok Ads or Spark Ads (which boost existing organic videos, including fan-made ones), you can get your track in front of users who are most likely to engage. TikTok’s algorithm thrives on catchy hooks and short clips, making it perfect for teasing your new album.
Best for: Viral potential, reaching Gen Z, and spreading your track through creative challenges.
5. Apple Music / Shazam (via Apple Search Ads)
While often overlooked, Apple Search Ads can place your album front and center in the Apple Music app or on Shazam. This can be particularly effective for artists whose genre appeals to Apple’s premium, mainstream listeners.
Best for: Pop, R&B, singer-songwriters, or any genre with wide commercial appeal.
Platforms to Skip:
Not every streaming platform offers meaningful advertising options for indie artists. For example:
Tidal doesn’t provide a self-serve ad platform for artists.
Amazon Music has limited ad options unless you’re a major label working directly with Amazon’s DSP team.
Pro Tip: Use Smart Links
No matter where you run ads, always use a smart link service like Feature.fm, ToneDen, or Linkfire. These services consolidate your streaming links and give you valuable analytics on which platforms drive the most clicks and streams — so you know where to reinvest your budget for the best ROI.
In summary: Spotify, YouTube, Instagram/Facebook, TikTok, and Apple Music offer the best bang for your buck when advertising a new album. By focusing your campaign on these platforms and tracking your results, you can give your release the best chance to succeed.
The post The Best Platforms to Run Ads for Your New Album Release appeared first on ROCK THE PIGEON.