Exploring the Impact of Social Media on the Music Industry—From Music Consumption and Discovery to Health and Wellness—And Developing a More Sustainable Future

Christopher Wares

Abstract

Social media has ushered in transformative shifts in the music industry, reshaping artist-fan dynamics, music discovery, promotion, and the very role of artists and their teams as content creators. While platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube provide artists with unparalleled opportunities for reach and branding, they simultaneously impose pressures for continuous content generation and engagement. These digital demands, juxtaposed against the backdrop of traditional industry challenges, have heightened concerns around artists’ mental health, inducing stress, anxiety, and feelings of inadequacy. As the intertwining of a successful music career and active social media presence deepens, there’s an imperative to cultivate more sustainable practices. This article delves into the multifaceted impacts of social media on the music world, emphasizing its potential toll on artist well-being. Proposing both industry-wide and artist-focused solutions, this research advocates for a balanced approach that prioritizes artists’ mental health as the digital era advances.

Keywords: social media, music industry, music business, TikTok, Instagram, Reels, mental health, wellness, well-being, online presence, engagement, content creation, music discovery, music promotion, A&R, record labels, recording contracts, artist branding

Wares, Christopher, Amy Bryson Smith, and Mary Laurent Teague. “Exploring the Impact of Social Media on the Music Industry—From Music Consumption and Discovery to Health and Wellness—And Developing a More Sustainable Future." Journal of the Music and Entertainment Industry Educators Association 23, no. 1 (2023): 13-47. https://doi.org/10.25101/23.1.

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