In the midst of 2023, social media seems to have faced its fair share of criticism and skepticism.

From concerns about smartphone addiction to questions about algorithmic influence on our preferences, worries about data privacy, it's safe to say that the state of social media has been far from ideal.

As we navigate through these turbulent digital waters, it's easy to find plenty of reasons to harbor a certain level of disdain for social platforms. I get it; I'm right there with you. There's a part of me that genuinely dislikes social media for all the same reasons. It can be a time-consuming nuisance, and trust in those tech giants can be hard to come by. Many of us would prefer to focus on our artistic endeavors, eschewing the digital noise that can often leave us feeling disconnected and misunderstood.

Perhaps you've tweeted into the void, wondering if anyone out there is even listening. Maybe you've felt the algorithm's cold shoulder, seemingly ignoring your efforts. If any of this resonates with you, then you're not alone – you're like me.

But here's the twist: despite our shared distaste for certain aspects of social media, I firmly believe it can serve as a potent tool for us in the music industry, especially as indie record labels. I'm here to tell you why you should embrace social media as a record label, regardless of your personal feelings or aspirations of becoming an influencer. We won't delve into content specifics in this discussion – we've covered that in our course and other episodes. Instead, I'll present you with four compelling reasons why you should actively engage with social media, no matter which platforms, frequencies, or content styles you prefer. So, let's explore these four key benefits that await those willing to harness the power of social media.