Your ONErpm guide to building a stronger YouTube presence and connecting with fans through strategy, content, and consistency.
At ONErpm, we stress the importance of maintaining a professional, consistent, and fully optimized YouTube channel. If you're looking to improve your YouTube presence and deepen your connection with fans, these tips are for you. Think of your channel as a broadcasting hub—one that should be regularly updated, programmed with intention, and fully compliant with YouTube's content policies.
Step 1: Follow Content Guidelines
To avoid demonetization or content removal, ensure your videos follow YouTube's rules. Avoid uploading any content involving:
- Nudity or sexually suggestive visuals
- Profanity or inappropriate language
- Drug-related content (even recreational)
- Graphic violence
- Hate speech or discriminatory language
- Tobacco or firearm promotion
- Incendiary or demeaning messaging
Step 2: Optimize for Discovery
Now that your content is safe and compliant, focus on optimization to boost visibility:
✔️ Tags
Use relevant keywords in your tags—artist names, track titles, and genre-specific terms work well. Don't forget to include “lyrics” or “official music video” if applicable.
✔️ End Screens & Cards
Use end screens to direct viewers to other content, like videos, playlists, or your subscribe button. Just make sure not to interrupt the viewing experience—time them for the very end of the video.
✔️ Thumbnails
Thumbnails are your first impression. Use eye-catching, high-quality visuals with consistent branding to grab attention and increase click-through rates.
Step 3: Make Your Channel Visually Cohesive
Your YouTube profile should reflect your artist brand across every detail:
- Keep headers, channel descriptions, and social media links updated
- Use a consistent visual identity across video artwork and covers
- Create and organize playlists by theme, genre, or mood—these help increase session time and support cross-promotion
Step 4: Engage Your Audience
The more interaction you generate, the more YouTube will favor your channel in recommendations. Use these tools strategically:
✔️ Community Posts
Share polls, teasers, new releases, and photos to keep fans engaged—even between uploads.
✔️ YouTube Stories
Mobile-only but highly effective, stories help maintain daily engagement and visibility on the platform.
✔️ YouTube Premiere
Build buzz around a new release by scheduling a premiere. Followers will get a 30-minute heads-up and an automatic notification when it starts.
✔️ YouTube Live
Livestreams remain one of the best tools for fan engagement. They work well for Q&As, acoustic sets, virtual concerts, and release celebrations.
Step 5: Understand the Platform's Ecosystem
YouTube is more than just a video platform—it's a powerful music ecosystem.
- Top Charts are driven by algorithms based on engagement, watch time, and user behavior. Your ranking updates in real time.
- Official Artist Channels (OACs) unify all your content—music videos, albums, and live sessions—into one verified profile. These channels also feed into YouTube Music, offering fans a seamless way to stream both audio and video.
Once your channel becomes an OAC, sections like Albums and Music Videos are automatically generated. These can't be manually edited and are updated directly by YouTube.
By maintaining a professional and consistent YouTube presence, artists can strengthen their brand, boost monetization, and expand their global audience. Stay active, stay authentic—and let ONErpm help guide your growth.
Looking for more? Check out all of our artist resources here.
