If you have noticed, more and more famous and up-and-coming artists are live streaming on various platforms—Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and even YouTube. This shows that live streaming has become one of the trends these days.
However, is that all there is, or is there something more to it than many people know? Some platforms allow viewers to send gifts/stars, which the live streamer can convert to cash, allowing them to earn money while live streaming.
However, not all music artists are interested in monetization. Some just genuinely want to share their craft. Nonetheless, we've researched and determined the best live-streaming platforms for musicians in 2024.
But before that, music artists who want to venture into live streaming need reliable internet providers because a stable internet connection is the foundation for a smooth and uninterrupted live stream. Here are the top live-streaming platforms for musicians this 2024.
Instagram Live
According to Statisa's projection, Instagram users will reach 1.4 billion this year, which means that at least a portion of this number, at least, will be exposed to your music even if they aren't following you yet.
And if you already have a massive social media following, that's much better because when you livestream, all your followers will see it and possibly watch you live. This increases your online presence and potentially boosts your following even more, even though the digital music space is already crowded.
Instagram is known for quality photos and videos, so your Instagram followers will not appreciate it if your live stream is constantly laggy and pixelated due to a slow internet connection. So, invest in reputable wireless providers for smooth live-stream sessions.
Facebook Live
If you are considering monetization, Facebook is one of the best platforms for growing your following. When live streaming on Facebook, you can receive stars from your viewers, which you can convert into real money. Right now, the conversion is 1 star = $0.01. While it might seem low to many, imagine the stars you'll receive if you have a thousand or a million viewers.
Not all accounts can receive stars, so you will need to exert an effort to grow your followers first. According to Meta’s policy, you must have at least 500 followers for at least 30 days. When you’re eligible, you must agree to Meta’s terms and conditions regarding monetization.
YouTube Live
YouTube has always been regarded as the streaming giant, even before Netflix became popular. Like other platforms, you can use YouTube Live to host mini-online concerts or simply interact with your fans. The best thing about YouTube is that when you optimize your page and post quality videos regularly, you can also monetize your YouTube account. However, before enjoying these perks, you must qualify for the YouTube Partner Program. Here are the important guidelines to remember:
You'll need to reach 1,000 subscribers and accumulate 4,000 hours of valid public watch time on your videos over the past year.
You must have at least 1,000 subscribers and 10 million valid public views on your Shorts videos within the last 90 days.
Before pursuing this path, ensure you’ve looked into the best internet providers like DISH Network Internet in your area and subscribed to at least one to avoid delays and disconnects while live streaming.
TikTok
TikTok is one of the most rewarding streaming platforms out there for musicians as of writing. The virality factor is high, and the right song or performance can explode your reach overnight. Even if you don’t have a lot of followers, many people can still watch you live.
Moreover, the interactive TikTok gifting option encourages people to send more gifts to live streamers. These gifts can also be converted to real money, ranging from $0.01 to over $500.
Wrapping Up
Thanks to the constant development of social media platform developers, music artists can now share their music online without going through complex procedures and waiting for someone to discover it. They can take the matter into their own hands and build their career from scratch.
If you’re a musician who’s still waiting to go viral, don’t worry. You’ll get there in no time. Good luck!