How i used paid ads to outperform organic promo and boost my spotify streams and grow my fanbase

As an independent artist, I had released multiple singles with decent organic traction—posts, reels, stories—but they rarely translated into actual Spotify streams.

I knew my music resonated once people heard it, but reaching them through IG alone wasn’t working.

The creative

Project: Limewire Love Songs (LAST NYTE’s EP)

Ad 1: VHS Static Shot – £0.13 CPC

Ad 2: Aesthetic reel with quote overlay – 10.7% engagement rate

the goal

  • Grow Spotify listeners

  • Build genuine listeners who return

  • Spend less time fighting the algorithm

Running ads didn’t just boost my streams—it helped me find real fans. I wasn’t chasing the algorithm, I was finally reaching people who clicked, listened, and followed. And it cost less than a round of drinks.

Increase ig followers

  • +38% follower growth over the campaign window

  • Higher story views + post engagement across the board

the strategy

  • Created shortform vertical clips from the music video and performance footage

  • Wrote copy focused on emotional resonance and the story behind the song

  • Ran a traffic campaign targeting niche genre interests (hyperpop, emo rock, shoegaze)

  • Used link-in-bio with Spotify redirect tracking to monitor funnel

The results

  • +124% increase in Spotify monthly listeners

  • 2500+ streams in 2 weeks

  • Lower cost per stream than previous organic-only releases

  • Instagram reach doubled during campaign window

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