Prog/post-metal project - YouTube algorithm is working, everything else is dead. What to double down on?
A while back I posted here asking about releasing a debut metal record as an unknown act (that thread). The advice I got pushed me to go fully independent - no label shopping, no waiting, just release and build. So that's what I did.
Running a two-piece prog/post-metal project ("betweener", based in Kraków). Two singles out now, debut album planned for late 2026. Full DIY - writing, production, mixing, visuals, promo.
Here's where things stand after the second single (5 days since release):
YouTube:
- 123 views, 6.8 hours watch time, 66% audience retention
- Traffic sources: ~32% from Browse features + Suggested videos (algorithm-driven), ~23% external, ~27% channel pages
- 189% more views and 336% more watch time vs previous 28 days
- 29 subscribers
Spotify:
- 13 streams, 8 listeners, 2 saves, 0 playlist adds
- Basically just friends and people I drove there myself
Other streaming platforms (Apple Music, Deezer, etc.):
- Scattered single-digit plays, all from friends :D
Bandcamp:
- Dead unless I send traffic directly
Instagram ads:
- Ran a small campaign targeting a few European countries, but at this volume the data is basically noise - impossible to draw any real conclusions about what's working
So YouTube is the only platform showing organic discovery. The algorithm is picking it up, retention is solid, but the numbers are still tiny.
My questions:
- For a niche heavy genre like this - is it worth investing energy into Spotify/playlist strategy at this stage, or should I go all-in on YouTube until there's a bigger base?
- What's actually worked for you in getting micro-bloggers/curators to cover new, unknown projects in heavy music?
- Any experience with YouTube Shorts as a funnel for full-length tracks in metal/heavy genres?
Appreciate any real-world experience from this sub - it helped me commit to the DIY path in the first place.
