FL Studio launches full-featured web browser version in public beta at fl.studio. YouTube introduces A/B testing for titles and thumbnails based on watch time metrics. Bandcamp announces 8 fee-free Fridays for 2026 starting February 6, where artists keep 100% of sales.

Universal Audio extends free plugin offer with code HOLIDAYFREEBIE through December 31. Instagram launches Story resharing and Early Access Reels for follower engagement. Bain & Company study shows 56% discover music via playlists, 43% through social media.

YouTube launches collaboration feature allowing up to 5 creators per video with individual subscribe buttons. Artists advised to leverage Spotify Wrapped data for booking leverage. Hosting intimate listening parties with 30 top fans builds grassroots marketing teams.

Music publicists reject bios starting with 'Born and raised in,' demanding 400-500 words focused on current sound and wins. Sonica platform launches a Spotify alternative offering artists 100% sales revenue and 4GB free storage. Kickstarter crowdfunding requires 60-day soft launch for success.

Universal Audio offers free premium plugin with code BFPICK1FREE through December 1. Instagram admits native editing tools boost reach over CapCut for Reels. Amuse distributor adds YouTube data to advance calculations, reaching $10M in indie artist payouts.

Vinyl test pressings can sell for $50-100 as limited collectibles for superfans. Holiday merch strategies outperform streaming revenue while Spotify Wrapped deadline passed November 21. XLN Audio offers genuinely free drum samples with no email gate required.

Music merchandise bundles outperform single album sales with one $40 bundle equaling 12,000 Spotify streams. LANDR study reveals 87% of artists use AI tools in their workflow. Artists warned to add AI protection clauses to prevent unauthorized deepfake usage.

Family Alliance in Music offers $25K grants for artist parents covering fertility and childcare costs, deadline December 1. Sweetwater gives away free Arturia Analog Intro plugin. NPR Tiny Desk performances boost artist streams by 12% average per Luminate data.

Tidal launches $1M contest offering 10 independent artists $100K each through Upload Headliners program. Catalog sync platform connects indies with premium placements while NewJeans contract dispute highlights legal risks for unsigned artists.