Alright, you lyrical luminaries, let’s dive into this colourful confetti of a conversation: Why is it important for artists to upload their music lyrics online?
Spoiler alert: IT’S ESSENTIAL.
Let’s face it—most of us have been there, frantically Googling the lyrics to that earworm of a song we just can’t get out of our heads. Now, imagine this scenario, but make it about a sync agent who’s pitching your track to a music supervisor—someone with the golden key to sync licensing heaven. If I can’t find your lyrics online, you, my friend, might just miss out on a lucrative deal faster than you can say “royalty check.”
Sync licensing opportunities thrive on clarity. Directors, music supervisors, and licensing agents (yours truly) are hungry for the perfect track. We need to know more than just the melody; we need the emotional meat and potatoes. Lyrics provide the context that can turn a “maybe” into a “heck yes!”
Before I go any further, let’s make one thing crystal clear—posting your lyrics online is not just a good idea; it’s practically a necessity for any artist wanting a slice of that delicious sync licensing pie. If you’re an artist and you’re not posting your lyrics online, you’re essentially hiding your brilliant poetry under a rock. And not even a decorative rock—just a plain, old, forgettable one.
Let me break it down and get into the nitty-gritty:
When music supervisors are scouring their databases for the perfect song to match a scene, mood, or brand, they search by themes, emotions, or specific words. Imagine the horror of being the perfect match but being invisible because your lyrics are locked in a vault somewhere, protected by dragons. Not smart.
And if they have to search to find them, how on earth do you expect to resonate in the sync licensing world?
Now, let’s unravel some unique insights, shall we?
Lyrics are Your Brand’s DNA.
Lyrics are your voice. Literally. Lyrics tell your story, your ethos, your vibe. They encapsulate your message, your story, your essence. When supervisors can read your lyrics, they get an instant snapshot of your artistic identity. It saves time, eliminates ambiguity, and positions you as a professional. Consistently posting them helps in building your brand identity and showcases your unique voice in the crowded music industry. You wouldn’t go to a job interview without a resume, would you? Same principle.
And furthermore, it’s not just about accessibility; it’s about visibility. Think of your lyrics as the dazzling marquee lights outside a theatre, beckoning industry insiders to explore your sonic masterpiece, my friend.
And let’s talk about relatability. Lyrics are often the hook that turns a casual listener into a die-hard fan. They provide context, depth, and emotions that instrumental music alone might not convey. Posting your lyrics online allows fans to connect with your music on a deeper emotional level. And you know what they say—once a fan is hooked emotionally, they’re a fan for life.
However, merely posting lyrics is not enough. Nope. You’ve got to be strategic about it. Spread those words far and wide. Use platforms that are frequented by sync agents and music supervisors alike, such as MusixMatch, LyricFind or Genius. Posting lyrics on your 200-followers Instagram page alone is like putting a billboard in the desert—impressive effort, but who’s seeing it?
Additionally, you should be taking advantage of YouTube. When you post your music video, be sure to include the lyrics in the description. This actually helps with your YouTube rankings.
Add an extra layer of SEO magic to your lyrics. Think keywords, mood descriptors, and themes that match your song’s essence. It’s not just about sharing; it’s about being found.
Here’s a unique insight: Lyrics can also boost discoverability through SEO (Search Engine Optimization). Yes, my artist friends, you are now in the digital age where algorithms are as important as your audience. Posting lyrics online makes your music more discoverable on search engines. Studies show that up to 93% of online experiences begin with a search engine.
Google searches are the single largest source of sales on Bandcamp (surpassing even Facebook), and your fans aren’t just searching for the name of your band, or your latest track — they’re frequently searching for that one lyric snippet they remember.
A Nielsen Music 360 report revealed that 35% of music listeners look up song lyrics online. That’s more than a third of your potential audience! Do you really want to miss out on that chunk of admirers who could become your ardent fans?
From personal experience, I can tell you that nothing beats the thrill of hearing your song in the background of a hit TV show or a blockbuster movie (at least that’s what my artist have told me). But this magical moment won’t happen if your lyrics are playing hide-and-seek.
Here’s the bottom line: Posting your lyrics online isn’t just a good idea; it’s a career strategy. It’s about increasing your visibility, connecting with fans, and opening doors to lucrative sync licensing opportunities.
For all that is both sacred and holy in the world, PLEASE post those lyrics.
You’ll thank me later…
Cheers,
Pam
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Resources:
So here’s how to get your lyrics on Instagram Stories, Apple Music, Amazon Music & Alexa, Google/YouTube, Spotify, and more.
Making your lyrics available to fans, particularly on platforms where people listen the most, such as Spotify, is critical. To synchronize the text with the audio for your songs, you’ll need to sign up with MusixMatch, the world’s largest catalogue of song lyrics and translations.
Genius.com requires you to signup first. Once you’ve created an account and logged in, locate the “ADD A SONG” link at the top of the page to submit your lyrics. Letssingit.com and Lyricsmode.com also allow you to sign-up for an account, but you can submit lyrics without an account.
As you can see, it’s very important to have your lyrics online, and more worthy if you put them up yourself. That way, you have full control of the publications and you are 100% sure the lyrics are accurate.