How do I identify my target audience as a songwriter?

What Is a Target Audience?

Your target audience is the specific group of people most likely to:

• Connect with your lyrics
• Follow your content
• Stream or share your songs
• Collaborate with you (e.g., artists, producers)
• Support your career

If you try to market to everyone, you’ll resonate with no one. Focus = power.

 3 Types of Audiences for Songwriters

1. Fans of your themes or vibe
• People who love sad ballads, hype anthems, love songs, etc.
• They might follow your writing process or repost lyrics
2. Collaborators
• Artists, producers, topliners, beatmakers looking for lyrics or songs
• They might use or license your work
3. Industry Gatekeepers
• Music supervisors, publishers, A&Rs
• They want high-quality, pitch-ready songs in the right mood or genre

 Ask Yourself These Questions:

• What genres do I write in?
• What topics or emotions do I write about most?
• What artists would my songs fit with?
• Who is already responding to my lyrics or demos?
• What mood does my music create?

 Build a Listener Profile

Think about the ideal listener or artist for your songs.

 Where to Find Your Audience

• TikTok/Instagram: Use hashtags that describe your vibe (#emoacoustic, #sadgirlpop, #hiphophooks)
• YouTube: Post “type songs” (e.g., “like Olivia Rodrigo” or “for sync in drama series”)
• Reddit/Discord: Join songwriting, sync licensing, or indie artist communities
• DM Strategy: Reach out to artists who post open verses or say they’re “looking for songs”

 Test and Refine

• Post different kinds of content and track who engages
• Use polls or comments to ask what people want more of
• Check your analytics to see who’s interacting and from where

Over time, you’ll spot patterns—and that helps you market smarter.

 Takeaway:

Your target audience is the group of people who get what you do—and want more of it. Once you know who they are, you can market your songs with clarity and confidence.