30 ideas for short-form content for music producers, songwriters, and mix engineers

It’s true but it sucks that the easiest way to get yourself out there and to do self-promo is short-form content. The thing is, as music producers and generally music creatives, we’re doing a lot of other aspects of our job, whether it’s mixing, creating the music, or songwriting. So coming up with new and fresh ideas for content can be really mentally taxing. Today I want to offer 30 ideas that you can use for short-form content for music producers and mixers so that you can showcase your work, get out there, and maybe pick up some new clients or collaborators.

1. A unique production trick – I’ve done this with some of my content where I’ve shown how I use a plugin or how I’ve done something unique in production. For example, using the LFO plugin in Ableton to attach it to the end of an EQ to create movement across sound beds or pads. It’s just a quick tip that I screen-captured and shared with the community on various platforms.
2. Show something interesting you did on a client’s song – For instance, I turned the back of a ukulele hit into a snare for an ambient cinematic pop track. Showcasing your unique creative process can be a great way to inspire others.
3. Show before and after of working with you. Share the original demo and then the final version of a song to showcase the transformation.
4. A weekly release showcase – Highlight three songs you worked on that dropped recently. Let the tracks play, mention your contributions, and tag the artists involved.
5. Sample a short-form video into a song – This can be fun and creative, like remixing a viral video into a new track.
6. Fully produce out an acapella – Take an artist’s acapella track and create your own version of the song.
7. Share how a hobby impacts your work – Get personal and share how things you love outside of music, like anime or basketball, influence your creativity.
8. Share your successes – Celebrate wins like landing a Spotify playlist, a radio show, or a sync deal.
9. Share free plugins – Create a series showcasing great free plugins that people may not know about.
10. Share free samples – Share your own free sample pack or recommend others that are useful.
11. Share a clip from a podcast you were on – Podcasts are popular, and sharing insights from one you were featured in can be great content.
12. Clip a YouTube video you were in – Whether it’s your own video or someone else’s, clip out a segment for short-form content.
13. Tell a story about your most successful project – Share the behind-the-scenes of a project that performed well.
14. Share something you learned from someone else – Whether it’s from a podcast, a conversation, or a video, talk about valuable lessons you’ve picked up.
15. Mimic playing one of your songs – This is a simple way to showcase your music in a visually engaging way.
16. Collaborate with other producers or singers – Work on collaborative content to amplify reach and creativity.
17. Q&A via replies – Answer questions from your audience in follow-up posts.
18. Q&A via DMs – Screenshot and respond to questions from your direct messages.
19. Talk about records that influenced you – Share the music that shaped your style and sound.
20. Do a studio tour – Show your workspace and the gear you use.
21. A day in the life – Share a glimpse into your daily routine as a music producer or mixer.
22. “Come to a session” – Document a specific songwriting or recording session.
23. Share your favorite production memes – Everyone loves memes!
24. Talk about an interesting conversation – Share impactful insights from chats with other creatives.
25. Share the three plugins you used most this month – Showcase tools that have been game-changers for you recently.
26. Talk about a plugin or software you want to try – Discuss why you’re intrigued and get feedback from your audience.
27. Share an unpopular or controversial take – Spark conversations and engage your audience with your opinions.
28. Add value to others’ content via stitching or remixing – Share your perspective on another creator’s content.
29. Open verse challenge – Share a track with space for collaborators to add their verses.
30. Share your favorite music from media – Whether it’s from a film, TV show, or game, talk about music that inspires you.

That’s 30 ideas for short-form content for music producers, songwriters, and mix engineers. Apply these, get creative, and try them out in different ways. See you in the next blogpost!