Why Topic Pages = 0 Growth

Are you promoting your music on YouTube the wrong way? Many artists unknowingly use their topic pages to promote their music, missing out on a powerful tool that could seriously amplify their reach. In this episode, Harkos breaks down why topic pages are holding you back and how switching to an official artist channel can elevate your music career. From activating YouTube’s algorithm to enhancing your branding, this episode is packed with insights on building an engaged, loyal fan base.

Harkos, the host of Music Makin Cents podcast, dives deep into the benefits of official artist channels, including the ability to interact with fans, control branding, and harness YouTube's recommendation engine. By sharing his journey from running a podcast to creating the Apex Music System, Harkos explains how artists can sidestep outdated strategies and embrace a system built for real growth.

 

Previous Episodes Mentioned:

Crafting Your Unique Brand as an Independent Artist - https://youtu.be/hXxjOR99D2U

Resources

Connect with Harkos

:Website: www.musicmakincentspod.com

Submit your music for WTF Wednesday music reviews at www.musicmakincentspod.com

Need hands-free marketing? Visit www.apexmusicsystem.com

 

In this episode, you will learn:

• The major differences between topic pages and official artist channels on YouTube, and why the latter is crucial for growth.
• How YouTube’s algorithm works, and how you can tap into it by uploading short and long-form videos.
• Why building a brand through personalized banners, profile pictures, and interactive features is essential for attracting and retaining fans.
• The importance of short-form video content in today’s social media landscape and how it can capture new listeners.
• An introduction to the Apex Music System—a holistic approach for DIY musicians to find, connect with, and nurture real fans.

 

Key Moments:

• 00:00 - Why are artists using topic channels in the first place?
• 01:29 - What is a topic page, and how does it limit your growth?
• 02:25 - Why won’t a topic page activate YouTube’s algorithm?
• 09:53 - How can a community tab help you engage with fans?
• 15:42 - Why is short-form video key to activating YouTube’s algorithm?
• 25:34 - What’s the significance of brand identity on your artist page?
• 31:30 - What can official artist channels do that topic pages can’t?
• 34:27 - How does the Apex Music System build sustainable fan bases?