Standing Out Authentically in a Crowded Online Music Scene

These days, it feels like everyone is online. Especially in music.

Millions of songs.

Millions of artists.

Endless noise.

Everyone says, "Post more. Stay consistent. Follow trends."

I think that’s terrible advice.

The real key to standing out?

Be yourself. Loudly. Proudly. Consistently.

Most artists online are blending in.

They chase the same TikTok trends.

They copy the same looks.

They hope the algorithm will notice them.

Here’s the hard truth:

If you sound and look like everyone else, you disappear.

The algorithm isn’t your problem.

Your lack of unique identity is.

When I work with musicians, I always ask one question:

"If someone saw your page for five seconds, would they remember you?"

If the answer is no, it’s time to rethink things.

Start with Who You Are, Not What’s Popular

You don't need to wear crazy outfits or make weird videos.

You don’t need to force a brand that feels fake.

You just need to show who you already are, but clearer.

The artists who win online aren’t always the loudest.

They’re the ones who are the most themselves.

The quirky folk singer.

The serious jazz musician.

The upbeat country duo who tell jokes between songs.

Their music and their image match naturally.

That’s what makes people stop scrolling.

It’s easier to build momentum when you’re not pretending.

People can tell when you’re trying too hard.

They can also tell when you’re genuine.

Genuine wins. Every time.

Don’t Chase Virality — Build Connection

It’s easy to chase that one viral moment.

But virality is like fireworks.

Bright for a second.

Then gone.

What you want is connection.

Not just views, but listeners who come back.

Fans who care.

Fans who share your music because it means something to them.

You build that by showing up honestly.

Talk about your process.

Talk about your struggles.

Talk about why you write what you write.

Give people a reason to care beyond the song itself.

Focus on Small, Real Wins

A lot of musicians get discouraged because they "only" get 200 views.

They forget — 200 people is a packed coffee shop.

That’s not failure.

That’s a room full of listeners.

The music world trains us to think bigger is better.

But big without connection is just noise.

Small, real wins add up.

One real fan is better than 100 random likes.

When you celebrate small wins, you stay motivated.

You stay grateful.

And you stay grounded in reality, not fantasy.

Show Your Face, Not Just Your Songs

Music is personal.

Listeners want to know the person behind the sound.

Post your songs, yes.

But also post your face.

Post your story.

Post your weird sense of humor.

Post what you care about.

It doesn’t have to be polished.

It doesn’t have to be scripted.

It just has to be you.

When people feel like they know you, they trust you.

When they trust you, they listen longer.

They buy merch.

They come to shows.

They tell friends.

You Don’t Need to Be Everywhere

Another myth: you have to be on every platform.

No, you don’t.

Pick one or two places you like.

Places that match your style.

Put your energy there.

If you hate Instagram, don’t force it.

If you love YouTube, lean into it.

If you’re funny, maybe TikTok is your spot.

Spreading yourself too thin burns you out fast.

Better to go deep on one or two platforms than be average everywhere.

Authentic Artists Are Built to Last

Trends change.

Algorithms change.

Platforms rise and fall.

But authenticity never goes out of style.

When you build your brand around your real self, you can weather any storm.

You’re not at the mercy of TikTok’s new rules or Instagram’s new layout.

You’re at the mercy of your own consistency.

The musicians who last are the ones who treat their careers like relationships.

Slow.

Steady.

Meaningful.

Final Thoughts

Standing out today doesn’t mean shouting louder.

It doesn’t mean posting 10 times a day.

It doesn’t mean dancing on TikTok if you don’t want to.

It means knowing exactly who you are — and sharing that clearly with the world.

It means trusting that your real fans will find you.

It means playing the long game, not the quick hit.

You don’t have to be for everyone.

You just have to be unforgettable to someone.

And the best way to be unforgettable?

Be unforgettable at being yourself.