Just about every smart music marketing strategy revolves around building a solid visual presence on social media. Creating your own content is excellent. And if you’re good at it, creating original content is a fantastic way to connect with your audience. But reposting content on social media from another account can increase your reach and grow your following. Bonus if the post is originally from an influencer who resonates with your followers. Triple that if the original influencer interacts with the post on your page in a positive way.
In this article, you’ll learn the best ways to repost content and basic etiquette about sharing user-generated content to social media platforms.
The Etiquette of Reposting Content on Social Media
The rules of reposting content on social media from one account to another can be a bit fuzzy, and it seems like they’re constantly shifting. However, there are some basic rules of etiquette you should follow consistently to avoid future internet squabble.
Copyright
First, posters should always assume the original poster owns the rights to any content on their page. Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter enable users to basically retain copyright to what they post regarding other users. However, those terms allow the platform itself to use posted content without paying royalties. For users, this means that reposters must get permission from original content creators to use that content in any way. Here are three best practices for obtaining approval for reposting content on social media:
- Ask the user if you can repost in a DM
- Comment with your intention on the original post (e.g., This is awesome! Sharing!)
- Send an email to ask for permission to repost
Co-Creation
If you’ve collaborated on a project with other influencers you both own copyright. This means you can both use the resulting content in any way you see fit, including reposting content on social media. However, always clearly outline specific terms of an agreement or collaboration in a written, signed document before beginning any project.
How To Nail Reposting Content on Social Media
- Consistency is key. If you don’t have a brand image already, it’s time to create one. Then, stick to your brand image at all times. Colors, style, genre, language, font, etc., should be consistent. Basically, all your posts should look like they belong on the same page.
- Embrace your community. If you work with non-profits, arts programs, or anything community-centric, support them by reposting relevant content. This includes upcoming events, ways to help out, and anything else fans may find useful.
- Acknowledge fans and followers. Fans will be stoked to see their videos and pics from your live performances and events reposted on your music page. And, they will feel seen and appreciated when you comment, like, and share their post.
- Give props to sponsors. If a brand, radio station, community group, or any other business entity sponsors your art in any way, shout them out by reposting content on social media that supports their brand identity and/or promotes upcoming merchandise or events.
In closing, while music artists should definitely create as much custom content as possible, reposting content on social media can boost your visibility as an artist and help you connect with fans, sponsors, and your community on a personal level. After all, music is all about connection.
