Why Showing Up on Social Media as a Musician Matters (Even If No One Seems to Notice)

Putting your music, art, or thoughts out there takes courage. Every time we post a song, a creative insight, or a personal revelation, we’re making our creative process visible and accessible. Yet, there are those disheartening moments when it feels like you’re creating in a void – where no one seems to notice, care, or react. How, then, do we keep showing up?

The Discomfort of Low Engagement: When Silence Feels Loud

Let's be honest: low engagement can feel like a punch. You share your music, perspectives, and creative process, putting so much effort into crafting something that feels meaningful, and then... silence. It's particularly challenging when, as a musician, you long for feedback and resonance to help fuel your art. This isn’t about wanting a popularity contest or “going viral” – it’s about feeling seen, valued, and like your art matters to others.

Some days, it feels like people are gaining huge followings for things that feel simple or effortless (like selfies with pets, nothing against them!), while you’re here pouring your soul into your work and wondering why it’s not reaching more people. Or worse, why people are unfollowing. This is where self-doubt and even imposter syndrome can creep in, making us question if we’re “doing it wrong” or if we’re “too much.”

As artists, we often worry about being “annoying” with our posts, our updates, and our efforts to make this journey transparent. It can feel like we’re marketing ourselves too much, or “selling out” just by showing up. For musicians, especially, it’s natural to long for feedback that shows us our work resonates, that it’s moving people, that we’re not just sending out art into the void. And while that feedback is incredibly valuable, it’s equally valuable to remember that showing up is part of the artistic journey.

SILENCE & CRICKETS

It can be really rough putting yourself out there, sharing your music, your perspective, your vulnerable self – and then… crickets. No one seems to respond, take notice, or even care.

The Value of Consistency: Showing Up for Your Own Growth

When I started committing to posting online, I quickly discovered the importance of creating for myself first. If you let engagement define your process, it’s easy to lose steam. But showing up online regularly allows you to document your growth, creating a visible record of your journey. Think of it like a creative journal: each post, song, or thought you share online adds a new “entry,” marking your progress. When you look back, you’ll see the incredible collection you’ve created, no matter how each individual post was received.

CONSISTENCY & VISIBILITY

I find it helpful to commit to showing up online, no matter what. I’m showing up and sharing my music, making it visible, for myself first. Looking at my Instagram or blog page is almost like seeing a creative journal – it shows me I’m putting in the work.

For example, it’s been helpful for me to think of each post as sending an email in an office setting: I don’t expect applause for every email I send at work, so why should I expect it for every post? It’s a task, a record, a piece of the bigger picture. When I view it this way, it feels less intimidating, less like I’m risking something, and more like I’m simply doing my job as an artist.

Over time, this consistent sharing helps me see the effort I’ve put into my creative journey. My page, in a way, becomes my digital record, allowing me to see my growth, resilience, and dedication. So remember: you’re building for yourself, too. And that’s not just okay – it’s a great reason to keep showing up.

Trust in Divine Timing: The Universe Has Its Own Schedule

One of the most helpful perspectives I’ve found is to trust that there’s a “right moment” for your art to be received and appreciated. Sometimes, the universe has its own timing, and things align exactly when they’re supposed to. This might sound abstract, but grounding yourself in this perspective can be liberating. It allows you to release some of the pressure to “make things happen,” trusting instead that your commitment and dedication will be met by the right people, at the right time.

DIVINE TIMING

I trust that the universe knows the right moment for me to be received fully in my music, my art, and my creative personality. It’s my job to trust that it will happen as long as I keep up my commitment to this path.

Practical Tips for Showing Up on Social Media When No One Seems to Notice

If you’re finding it hard to stay motivated with low engagement, here are some tips to keep your creativity flowing and your perspective grounded as you continue to share your work online.

1) SET A SCHEDULE AND STICK TO IT

Choose a manageable schedule for posting and commit to it. Whether it’s once a week or daily, consistency builds momentum. Over time, your followers will begin to expect your content, and you’ll establish a rhythm that helps you grow both personally and artistically.

2) PRACTICE NON-ATTACHMENT WITH EACH POST

Learning not to attach yourself to each post’s reception can make a world of difference. Think of each post as sending an email at work – it doesn’t have to be a major event every time. Your job is to keep showing up. The audience will find you when the timing is right.

3) FOCUS ON THE JOURNEY, NOT JUST THE OUTCOME

Social media can be like a public diary of your growth, documenting every milestone along the way. This creates a record of resilience, showing the path of progress and persistence that got you here. It’s not about each individual post’s reception but about the journey they represent.

SOCIAL MEDIA IS MY CREATIVE COLLAGE

Seeing my efforts online, post by post, is almost like filling an entire creative journal.

4) CREATE FOR YOU FIRST, THEN FOR THE AUDIENCE

When you make your art, share it for yourself first. Remind yourself that each piece matters to you, and that’s enough. If others resonate, it’s a bonus, but what matters is that your work reflects your soul and purpose. Staying grounded in your “why” helps you keep showing up authentically.

5) EMBRACE THE "IMPERFECT" POSTS

Not every post needs to be a polished masterpiece. Show the real, imperfect, messy moments too. Sharing “imperfections” can make the experience more authentic and enjoyable for both you and your audience. Social media doesn’t have to be about perfection (neither does your music, by the way) – showing up human can connect you with others on a deeper level. (If you are struggling with perfectionism in on your musical journey, maybe you’d like to check out this free guide I created…)

6) VALUE YOUR PROGRESS OVER FOLLOWER COUNT

Growth in the creative world is rarely linear, and follower counts are not the ultimate measure of success. Instead, focus on your progress and the growth of your music, lyrics, or skill set. These personal gains are worth infinitely more than any amount of likes, shares, or followers.

7) LIMIT SOCIAL MEDIA TIME TO PROTECT YOUR ENERGY

Scrolling through social media can sometimes be discouraging, especially if others’ apparent success creates feelings of comparison. Try setting boundaries around your social media time, and focus on creating instead. This protects your energy and helps keep your creative focus intact.

Remember the Right Audience Will Find You

It’s tempting to think we need everyone’s attention or approval, but your music isn’t meant for everyone. The truth is, not everyone will resonate with you or your music, and that’s perfectly okay. What matters most is creating for the people who do connect with your work on a deep level. Over time, the right audience – the ones who genuinely appreciate your music, style, and perspective – will find you. So, instead of worrying about universal appeal, focus on showing up for those who already value and support you…

YOUR BIGGEST FANS HAVE ALREADY FOUND YOU

What matters most is creating for the people who do connect with your work on a deep level.

Appreciate the Ones Who Show Up for You

… because amidst the challenges of low engagement, it’s easy to overlook the value of those who do show up and support you. However small the numbers, those who react, comment, or send you a supportive message deserve your gratitude! ♥️ These are the people who truly see you, who resonate with your creative journey and take the time to let you know. Being more grateful for your biggest fans and supporters deepens your connection with them and reminds you of why you started in the first place. They may be few, but they’re the ones who genuinely understand and believe in what you’re creating. Cherish that.

You Never Know Who’s Listening Quietly

And remember, you may be impacting lives even without visible feedback. Just because people don’t react openly doesn’t mean they’re not paying attention or feeling moved by your work. Some might feel too shy to comment, or maybe they’re processing something deeply personal as they listen to your music or read your words. You never know who’s sitting quietly in the back, feeling inspired, healed, or seen. Trust that your music is reaching further than you may realize – sometimes the silence holds a profound impact that words could never capture.

YOU ALREADY ARE INSPIRING OTHERS

Trust that your music is reaching further than you may realize.

Final Thoughts: Showing Up for Yourself

Posting your music or art online isn’t about trying to “go viral.” It’s about staying consistent, documenting your growth, and validating your creative process. Even if no one responds, each post marks a step forward, a testament to your courage and resilience. Keep creating, keep sharing, and remember: you’re showing up for yourself first. If others resonate with your work, that’s simply a bonus.

So if today feels quiet, trust the process, trust your art, and know you’re exactly where you need to be.

P.S. If you’re looking for more encouragement, sign up for my newsletter to receive insights, creative prompts, and inspiration aligned with your creative journey.

P.P.S. Don’t forget to check out my free guide, The Creative Musician’s Guide to Embracing Imperfection, for support on overcoming self-doubt and enjoying the process. It’s there to help you through the days when you feel like you’re “not enough” as a musician or artist.