Bands in Indonesia still prefer giving out “free download” links rather than streaming links for promotion. That method could be effective before the digital era. Promotion is supposed to end in a purchase. But most of these promotional activities never actually lead to a sale.
Streaming is different. Without having to buy anything, people can listen to your band’s music. And when they listen via streaming, you get paid by music services like Spotify or YouTube.
A recent example is American metal band Slipknot. They released two promotional singles exclusively via streaming — not as free downloads. On Spotify, both tracks have already racked up over 3 million streams. And on their official YouTube channel, the two music videos have been viewed 12 million times.
Personally, the more independent bands shift from “free download” links to streaming links, the better it is for the commercial indie music scene.
Note: To get your music onto streaming platforms, Musikator can help your band.