24 Jan
 - 
Guide

How to Build Artist Communities on Discord, WhatsApp, and Instagram Broadcast

How to Build Artist Communities on Discord, WhatsApp, and Instagram Broadcast

Creating communities for your fans can help you connect and build relationships with them. Whether it's through Discord, WhatsApp, or Instagram Broadcast, these platforms offer unique ways to engage and interact with your audience, allowing you to cultivate a loyal fanbase. Let’s have a look at how you’d create a community on each platform:

For all, decide the primary purpose of your channel —whether it’s sharing exclusive updates, behind-the-scenes content, or fostering discussion on your interests. Determine the balance of leader-driven vs. fan-driven interactions.

Discord: Building an Interactive Hub

  1. Check it fits with your fanbase: Check if your target audience fits Discord’s demographic. According to Statista, 42% of Discord users are aged 25-34, with 22.2% aged 16-24. If your audience doesn't align, consider alternate platforms.
  2. Get Started: Download the Discord app, click the "+" icon, and choose between a template or creating a new server from scratch. Select “for a club or community.”
  3. Channel Setup: Add text and voice channels that align with your goals, allowing for focused discussions on various topics.
  4. Promote and Invite Members: Use public or exclusive invite links and share on your bios, Fanhub or direct with fans.
  5. Engage and Reward: Assign roles to top fans, like moderator or community manager, and offer them access to exclusive events such as Q&As or listening parties.

Check out Discord

WhatsApp: Direct and Personal Engagement

  1. Create a WhatsApp Community: Set up a group by clicking ‘Communities > New Community’ and invite members using a link or directly if you have their contact details.
  2. Establish Community Rules: Maintain a respectful environment by setting clear interaction guidelines.
  3. Regular Engagement: Post updates, share multimedia content, and interact frequently to maintain interest and activity within the group.
  4. Monetisation Strategies: You can use WhatsApp Business to create a catalog for merch, allowing fans to buy direct. Offer exclusive content or early-bird offers to enhance value for members.

Check out WhatsApp Communities

Instagram Broadcast: Expanding Your Reach

  1. Switch to a Creator Account: Ensure your IG account is set as a Creator Account to access the broadcast feature. Check its availability in your region.
  2. Update Your Instagram App: Verify that your Instagram app is updated to the latest version to access new features (if you don’t see the option to setup a Broadcast)
  3. Create a Broadcast Channel: Tap the Inbox icon in your feed’s top right, then tap the writing icon and ‘Create a broadcast channel’ to create a broadcast channel. Name your channel, choose the audience, set an expiration, and decide if it’s visible on your profile.
  4. Invite Members: Invite superfans using special links, adding the channel to your stories, or sharing messages to your story. This provides easy access for followers to join your channel.

Check out Instagram Broadcasts

Update your un:hurd Fan Hub

FanHub Community Page

Don’t forget to update your Community page on your FanHub with your invite links for your communities, making it really easy for fans to join.

Building communities on these platforms helps to deepen fan relationships and create a vibrant, interactive environment, with fans feeling closer than ever to you. Whether you're sharing exclusive content on Discord, engaging directly on WhatsApp, or broadcasting on Instagram, these strategies can strengthen your fanbase and elevate your music career.

Level Up Your Fan Community with Fave

With Fave, you can explore how to let your top fans become ambassadors! Fave is a home for your superfans to connect and lead fan-driven activities across platforms. With Fave, superfans share their activities and drive community loyalty to you as an artist, whilst you benefit from their passion, energy and fan-to-fan momentum.

  • Let your top fans become ambassadors and gain detailed insights into their behaviour.
  • Pro members can claim 20% off - just head to Fave via Partner Perks!

Explore Fave

Ready to build stronger connections with your fans?

Head back to the un:hurd app to explore more tools and resources for building your community and engaging with your audience.

Not an un:hurd user yet?

Join thousands of independent artists who are using un:hurd to streamline their music marketing and maximise their impact. Sign up today!