Releasing music without reviewing your data is like throwing darts with your eyes closed. Digital platforms give you access to key metrics that can help you understand what's working, what's not and how to fine-tune your strategy for the next release.
Here we explain what to look for, how to interpret it and how to use it to your advantage.
Where to see your metrics?
- Spotify for Artists
- Apple Music for Artists
- YouTube Studio
- TikTok Analytics (if you have a pro account)
- Statistics from Instagram and other networks
Your distributor can also provide dashboards with broader data: revenues, territories, platforms, performance per song, etc.
Key metrics you should monitor
1. Monthly listeners vs. total streams
- Listeners indicates actual scope
- Streams shows fidelity or repetition
2. Saves and playlists
- If people save your topic, you are generating connection.
- If you're into algorithmic playlists, you're on the right track.
3. Listening retention
- Do people listen to your song in its entirety or do they skip it after 30 seconds?
- Bad data here affects your visibility in algorithms.
4. Origin of the eavesdropping
- Do they come from your profile, from playlists, from networks?
- This tells you what is working in your external strategy.
5. Territories
- Where are you most listened to, and are there unexpected areas?
- This data can help you target promos, campaigns or even tours.
What to do with this information?
- Repeating what workedbut with improvements: if a song connected a lot in a certain format or network, explore why and apply what you learnt.
- Changing what didn't workIf a cover didn't generate clicks, if the teaser didn't get traction, try another approach.
- Planning with more senseDefine the best time and day to publish, how to structure your content in advance and where to reinforce the promotion.
- Better connect with your real audienceAdapt your networks and your discourse to the areas and audiences that are already listening to you.
Avoid these traps
- Don't get hung up on numbers. Data are tools, not judgements.
- Don't compare your curve with that of other artists. Each path is different.
- Don't just analyse in the heat of the moment: wait a week or two after the launch to get a real perspective.
Conclusion
The data is there to help you, not frustrate you. The better you understand your metrics, the more clarity you will have to build your next step. It's not about becoming an analyst, it's about being an informed artist who makes informed decisions.
