How to Fix This: Steps to Build Your Own YouTube Presence
Now that you understand why relying on Topic channels is holding you back, here’s what you can do to take control of your YouTube career:
1. Claim & Merge Your Official Artist Channel (OAC)
YouTube allows artists to merge their Topic channel with their personal artist channel, creating an Official Artist Channel (OAC). This unlocks full control over your YouTube presence.
To do this:
Contact your distributor (DistroKid, TuneCore, etc.) or YouTube support.
Request a channel upgrade to merge the Topic channel into your official channel.
Ensure your artist channel is properly set up before the merge.
To do this:
Contact your distributor (DistroKid, TuneCore, etc.) or YouTube support.
Request a channel upgrade to merge the Topic channel into your official channel.
Ensure your artist channel is properly set up before the merge.
2. Re-Upload Your Music with Engaging Visuals
Instead of relying on the auto-generated Topic uploads, create your own engaging content:
Upload official music videos for each release.
Create lyric videos or simple visual loops for album tracks.
Use YouTube Premieres to build excitement before a new release.
This increases watch time, engagement, and retention—key factors that help your videos get recommended to more viewers.
Upload official music videos for each release.
Create lyric videos or simple visual loops for album tracks.
Use YouTube Premieres to build excitement before a new release.
This increases watch time, engagement, and retention—key factors that help your videos get recommended to more viewers.
3. Use YouTube Shorts & Livestreams to Boost Engagement
The YouTube algorithm loves engagement—and two of the best ways to increase it are Shorts and Livestreams.
Post Shorts: Use 15–60 second clips to promote your latest releases, show behind-the-scenes moments, or share fun challenges.
Go Live: Host Q&A sessions, acoustic performances, or release parties. Livestreaming helps build deeper fan connections while increasing watch time on your channel.
Post Shorts: Use 15–60 second clips to promote your latest releases, show behind-the-scenes moments, or share fun challenges.
Go Live: Host Q&A sessions, acoustic performances, or release parties. Livestreaming helps build deeper fan connections while increasing watch time on your channel.
4. Optimize for Growth & Monetization
Once you have control over your channel, focus on growth and income:
- Use SEO-friendly titles & descriptions to increase search visibility.
- Create playlists to keep viewers engaged with multiple videos.
- Enable monetization through YouTube’s Partner Program, memberships, and Super Chats.
- Engage in comments & community posts to keep fans active on your channel.
5. Promote Your YouTube Channel Everywhere
Your YouTube channel is only as strong as the promotion behind it.
Link your YouTube channel in all social media bios.
Cross-promote new YouTube videos on Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and Facebook.
Embed your videos on your website, blog, and newsletters.
Send out an email blast to your fanbase every time you upload new content.
Link your YouTube channel in all social media bios.
Cross-promote new YouTube videos on Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and Facebook.
Embed your videos on your website, blog, and newsletters.
Send out an email blast to your fanbase every time you upload new content.
The Long-Term Benefits of Owning Your YouTube Presence
By taking control of your YouTube channel instead of relying on Topic uploads, you:
Own your audience and build direct relationships with fans.
Increase visibility and train the algorithm to recommend your content.
Unlock new revenue streams through YouTube’s monetization features.
Strengthen your brand with an official, customized channel.
YouTube is one of the most powerful tools for musicians today—but only if you use it correctly. By following these steps, you’ll turn your YouTube channel into a long-term asset that helps grow your career.
Own your audience and build direct relationships with fans.
Increase visibility and train the algorithm to recommend your content.
Unlock new revenue streams through YouTube’s monetization features.
Strengthen your brand with an official, customized channel.
YouTube is one of the most powerful tools for musicians today—but only if you use it correctly. By following these steps, you’ll turn your YouTube channel into a long-term asset that helps grow your career.
Final Thoughts: Stop Letting YouTube’s Topic Channel Hold You Back
If you’re still relying on Topic uploads alone, you’re missing out on growth, engagement, and income opportunities. The best time to take control of your YouTube presence is right now.
Action Steps for Artists:
Claim your Official Artist Channel (OAC) today.
Start uploading your own music videos, lyric videos, and Shorts.
Engage with fans through comments, community posts, and livestreams.
Optimize your content for YouTube search and monetization.
Your music deserves the best platform possible—so don’t leave it in the hands of an impersonal Topic channel. Take control of your career and start building your own YouTube empire today.
Action Steps for Artists:
Claim your Official Artist Channel (OAC) today.
Start uploading your own music videos, lyric videos, and Shorts.
Engage with fans through comments, community posts, and livestreams.
Optimize your content for YouTube search and monetization.
Your music deserves the best platform possible—so don’t leave it in the hands of an impersonal Topic channel. Take control of your career and start building your own YouTube empire today.
Need Help?
If you’re unsure how to get started, or having issues with getting your Official Artist Channel approved; is all this a little too much? Reach out for professional guidance on YouTube growth strategies and music marketing. Let’s make sure your YouTube presence works for you—not against you.