Social Media Etiquette: Mistakes That Music Artists Make - In today’s digital landscape, social media is one of the most powerful tools for music artists. It’s the primary way to connect with fans, build a brand, and even attract industry attention. However, despite its potential, many artists make crucial mistakes that can hinder their growth. In A&R, I’ve seen it all—from avoidable blunders to career-defining missteps. Let’s break down some of the most common social media mistakes artists make and how to avoid them.

By Cody Lieberman @ M23 Media Agency / February 24, 2025

1. Inconsistent Posting

One of the biggest mistakes artists make is failing to maintain a consistent posting schedule. Fans follow you because they want to stay updated, but if you disappear for weeks or months at a time, you risk losing that massive engagement you have been working so hard to build. On the flip side, over posting can also overwhelm your audience. The key is finding a balance—regular updates without spamming. Use scheduling tools like Later or Hootsuite to plan content in advance and keep your feed active and buzzing.

2. Poor Quality Content

Your social media is an extension of your brand, so posting blurry photos, poorly edited videos, or low-quality music snippets can hurt your image. Professionalism matters, even on informal platforms. Invest in good lighting, a decent camera, or even hire a content creator to ensure your visuals align with your artistry.

3. Ignoring Fan Engagement

Many artists treat social media as a one-way street—posting content without engaging with their audience. Fans love when artists acknowledge them, whether it’s liking comments, responding to messages, or even reposting fan content. Building a loyal fanbase requires interaction. Ignoring comments and messages can make fans feel unappreciated, leading to less engagement over time. However, you also must not forget to not over-communicate. Over-communication can seem disingenuous, spammy, and low-quality. Followers watch your every move, and some can be critical. Try responding to impactful comments and keep it short, simple, and supportive.

4. Posting Controversial or Offensive Content

Social media can amplify voices, but it can also quickly turn into a PR nightmare. Posting offensive, insensitive, or overly controversial content can alienate fans and damage your career. While it’s important to be authentic, it’s equally crucial to be mindful of what you share. Think before you post, and if you’re unsure whether something might be misinterpreted, it’s better to hold back.

5. Over-Promoting Without Personality

Your followers don’t want to see a constant stream of “Stream my new single” or “Buy my merch” posts. While promotion is important, it shouldn’t be the only thing on your feed. Social media should showcase your personality, creative process, and behind-the-scenes moments. Find ways to integrate promotional content naturally by storytelling or engaging your audience. You should speaking to your audience not at your audience. It is intimidating to switch your camera on and speak but you have to practice this just like your have your band practices.

6. Not Utilizing All Platform Features

Every social media platform offers unique features that can boost engagement. Many artists stick to just posting on their main feed and neglect tools like Stories, Reels, TikTok trends, or X Spaces. These features often have higher visibility due to platform algorithms favoring them. Experiment with different formats to keep your content fresh and engaging.

7. Failing to Leverage Analytics

Most platforms provide analytics tools that offer insights into what content resonates with your audience. Ignoring these metrics means missing opportunities to optimize your social media strategy. Pay attention to engagement rates, best posting times, and audience demographics to refine your approach and maximize reach. There are a plethora of paid/free programs that can help you quickly see these analytics.

8. Not Having a Strategy

Posting randomly without a clear strategy can make your social media presence feel disorganized. Define your brand voice, establish content pillars (e.g., music updates, personal stories, live performance clips), and set clear goals for your social media presence. Having a roadmap will help maintain consistency and keep your brand identity strong.

9. Ignoring Collaboration Opportunities

Social media thrives on collaboration. Failing to network with other artists, producers, or influencers can limit your reach. Engage with industry peers, participate in challenges, or collaborate on content to expand your audience and gain new followers organically.

10. Deleting Negative Comments Instead of Addressing Them

Criticism is inevitable, but how you handle it speaks volumes! Deleting negative comments without addressing concerns can make you seem defensive or inauthentic, and trust me people watch or screenshot those moments to us later. Instead, respond professionally, clarify misunderstandings, or even take constructive criticism into account. Fans appreciate transparency and humility. Again, not everything has to responded to immediately. Large artist teams implement gate keeping protocols as apart of a crisis management plan which hopefully never have to be implemented. Be real, be you and lastly just be accountable if needed. Sit on making that quick response. Don’t listen to that sinking feeling or you will surely make a critical mistake.

I Will Leave You with This…

Social media is an essential part of the artist’s career, but it requires thoughtfulness, consistency, and engagement. Avoiding these common mistakes can help build a loyal fanbase, strengthen your brand, and open doors to new opportunities. Stay authentic, keep learning, and remember—your online presence is just as important as your music.