Best Social Media Strategies for New Artists in 2025

Struggling to Get Your Art Noticed? You’re Not Alone.

It’s 2025, and social media algorithms change faster than we can paint a sketch. You pour your heart into your art, post consistently, and still—crickets. The likes barely trickle in, views are stuck in the double digits, and you're left wondering: What am I doing wrong?

You’re not alone. Thousands of talented artists are struggling to gain traction online, not because their art isn't good, but because they haven’t learned to work with the platforms, not against them.

This guide breaks down the best social media strategies for new artists in 2025 using powerful SEO tactics that can actually drive visibility, fans, and sales. If you’re looking to increase your fanbase, get more views on your art, or finally make money with your art online, this is your roadmap.

1. Pick One Platform to Master First

Spreading yourself across Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Twitter sounds great in theory—but it drains your time and energy. Focus on the platform that best fits your art style:

• TikTok: Great for speedpaints, behind-the-scenes, and casual storytelling

• Instagram: Ideal for polished portfolio pieces, reels, carousels, and fan interactions

• YouTube Shorts: Perfect for time-lapse content and building bingeable archives

By mastering one platform first, you can build an engaged audience without burnout. Then, once you have momentum, you can repurpose content onto other platforms.

2. Optimize Your Profile for Sales and Engagement

Think of your social media bio as your homepage. It needs to communicate:

• Who you are (e.g., "Fantasy Character Artist")

• What you offer (e.g., "Open for commissions | Shop prints below")

• Where to go next (e.g., Linktree, Koji, or direct shop link)

Highlight your best work in pinned posts or story highlights. Include pricing, process info, and client testimonials if available. First impressions matter.

3. Create Content That Viewers Actually Want

A mistake struggling artists make is only posting finished pieces. In 2025, viewers crave storytelling, authenticity, and quick insights. Rotate these content types weekly:

1. Process Videos: Time-lapses, sketchbook flips, or step-by-step breakdowns

2. Finished Pieces: Show off your style, explain your inspiration

3. Educational/Value Content: Tips, art memes, redrawing old art, art challenges

4. Emotional Hooks: Tell stories tied to your art ("I made this after my dog passed away")

Mixing these formats makes your art feel alive—and draws people in beyond aesthetics.

4. Use Hashtags Strategically

Hashtags still work, but only when used smartly. Use 10–15 hashtags per post:

• Broad Tags: #digitalart, #illustration, #artistsoninstagram

• Niche Tags: #blackanimeartists, #furryartcommunity, #ocartdaily

• Trend/Challenge Tags: #drawthisinyourstyle, #artchallenge2025

Avoid spammy or overused tags that get shadowbanned. Research your favorite small creators to see what tags are working.

5. Engage Like a Real Human, Not a Brand

Algorithms favor engagement. But more importantly, so do humans. Here's how to build genuine community:

• Comment thoughtfully on artists with similar followings

• Reply to every comment on your own posts

• Start conversations in your captions (e.g., "What should I draw next?")

• DM smaller creators to collab or support—not to beg for shoutouts

People remember artists who make them feel seen.

6. Monetize Smartly (Even Without a Big Following)

You don't need 10K followers to earn your first dollar. Here are low-barrier options:

• Commissions: Use pinned posts to list offerings and prices

• Prints and Downloads: Use Ko-fi, Gumroad, or Payhip for free storefronts

• Digital Products: Wallpapers, coloring pages, brush packs, zines

Add a strong call-to-action in your bio and captions: "DM me to order" or "Link in bio to shop prints."

7. Time Your Posts to Maximize Visibility

The right content posted at the wrong time can still flop. Use your platform's analytics or free tools (e.g., Later, Metricool) to find your best times. As a rule of thumb:

• TikTok: Evenings (6–8 PM local time)

• Instagram: Reels around lunchtime (11 AM–1 PM) or evening (7–9 PM)

• YouTube Shorts: Morning (9–11 AM) to catch the work/school crowd

Pair these posts with pre- and post-engagement: Like and comment before and after you post to activate the algorithm.

8. Batch & Schedule Your Content to Stay Consistent

Posting every day is overwhelming, especially when you’re not seeing results. Instead, batch your content:

• Dedicate 1 day per week to film, edit, or schedule posts

• Use tools like Buffer, Hootsuite, or Creator Studio

• Prepare backups for low-energy days (simple sketches, throwbacks, art memes)

Consistency beats perfection.

9. Add Captions That Tell a Story

People scroll fast. They stop for emotion. Instead of bland captions ("My latest piece"), try:

• "I almost gave up on this halfway through..."

• "This piece is based on my first OC from 2010."

• "Drawn while I was processing a breakup."

Adding humanity makes your content shareable and memorable.

10. Track What Works and Tweak Often

Don’t just keep posting and hoping. Measure your success:

• What content got shared the most?

• What format (video, carousel, reel) performed best?

• Which days got the most reach?

Platforms change fast. Adapt fast. Use what works, ditch what doesn’t.

Final Thoughts: You're Not Invisible—You're Undiscovered

If you're struggling to grow your fanbase, you're not alone. The truth is: your art might already be good enough. It's your strategy that needs refinement.

In 2025, the artists who win aren't just the most talented—they're the most resilient, authentic, and strategic. They test. They tweak. They keep showing up.

So, if you're tired of hearing silence when you post, try something new. Implement two or three of these strategies this week. Bookmark this post. And don’t stop until your art reaches the people it was meant for.

BONUS: 10 Quick Fixes to Get More Views on Your Art (Checklist for Struggling Artists)

1. Pick One Main Platform to Focus On: Avoid spreading yourself too thin. Choose one platform that best matches your style (e.g., Instagram for clean visuals, TikTok for casual behind-the-scenes).

2. Refresh Your Bio with Clear Keywords + CTA: Add what you do (e.g., "Character Artist"), and a clear call-to-action like "DM for commissions" or "Shop my prints below."

3. Post at Consistent Times: Use your platform’s insights to find when your audience is most active. Consistency helps build familiarity.

4. Use 10–15 Niche-Targeted Hashtags: Avoid generic hashtags (#art, #drawing). Go specific: #digitalportraitartist, #ocartistsoninstagram, etc.

5. Use Trending Sounds with Relevant Visuals: On TikTok and Reels, trending sounds can give you algorithm boosts. Pair them with time-lapses or satisfying painting clips.

6. Engage Before & After You Post: Spend 10–15 minutes commenting, liking, and replying to others’ posts. Algorithms reward engagement.

7. Pin or Highlight Your Best Work: Showcase your strongest pieces and pricing guides as pinned posts or story highlights.

8. Batch Create Content Once a Week: Plan and shoot several pieces of content in one session to avoid daily stress.

9. Tell Micro-Stories About Each Art Piece: Write captions that share inspiration, process, or funny backstories. People connect to emotion more than perfect art.

10. Don’t Quit—Tweak: If something isn’t working after 2–3 weeks, adjust your posting time, content format, or engagement strategy before giving up.

    
    

Want more guidance? Share this blog with a fellow artist or save it as your go-to growth checklist for the year!