By MUBUTV Staff

How Vevo Picks The Next Superstar (And What It Means For Your Music Career)

If you’ve ever uploaded a music video and wondered how Vevo picks the next superstar (and what it means for your music career), you’re not alone. Maybe you’ve even asked yourself, “Do I need a major label to get noticed?” Or, “Will all my work get buried if I’m indie?” Turns out, the process of breaking through—getting your music videos seen by the world—has more to do with a combo of data, human instinct, and the power of unique visuals than you might imagine.

Let’s break down what actually happens behind the scenes at one of music’s biggest video platforms, why Vevo cares about more than just numbers, and how you can move from being “just another upload” to the artists everyone is talking about.

You ready? Let’s dive in.

You don’t need to be a superstar (yet).
But you do need a story.

And Vevo wants to help you tell it.

KEY TAKEAWAYS: How Vevo Picks The Next Superstar (And What It Means For Your Music Career)

• It’s Not Just About Views: Vevo looks at heart, story, and hustle, not just streaming numbers.
• Editorial Boosts Matter: Getting added to a Vevo playlist can change everything—but it’s competitive.
• Visuals Win Fans: Performance videos and stripped-down sessions connect with audiences in new ways.
• Global Audiences are Growing: Countries outside the US—like those in Latin America and Africa—are shaping music’s future in a big way.
• Long-Term Relationships: Vevo wants to help artists grow, not just go viral and disappear.

The Vevo Difference: More Than Just YouTube

First things first—what even is Vevo? According to Jordan Glickson, VP of Music and Talent at Vevo, it’s more than a YouTube channel. When you upload through Vevo (usually by a third-party distributor), your video isn’t just thrown into a sea of uploads; it’s checked for quality, programmed by real music experts, and has a shot at ending up on special playlists seen by fans around the world.

Going through Vevo also allows for higher monetization (that’s more money per view compared to standard YouTube uploads). And guess what? Vevo isn’t just on YouTube—they run 24/7 music video channels on platforms like Roku and Samsung TV Plus, so your work can be played to new fans you’d never normally reach.

Competing for the Spotlight: Data Meets Human Instinct

So, how does Vevo pick the next superstar (and what it means for your music career)? It turns out that data—like streaming numbers, growth trends, or even upcoming tour plans—matters. But it’s not everything. Jordan Glickson explains, “Our taste in the music, our human instinct, is the first thing we pay attention to.” The Vevo team literally debates, argues, and sometimes even champions artists before there’s any hard data at all!

Programs like Discover and Artist to Watch are super competitive. Out of more than 500 submissions each year, only about 20 artists get chosen. The winning formula? Unique visuals, great music, and a sense of real momentum—whether from a major label marketing push or a killer DIY rollout.

From Indie to International: Why Visuals Matter Now More Than Ever

Remember: fans don’t just want great songs—they want to connect with you, the artist. That’s why Vevo’s original series (like live sessions or extended play features) have become fan favorites. A stripped-down version of your song or a jaw-dropping live take can hook listeners, turn them into lifelong fans, and even spark viral moments. Take Gracie Abrams, whose Vevo session version of “I Love You, I’m Sorry” exploded on TikTok and demanded a release on other platforms. It’s proof that performances can be career-defining.

The Global Stage: Going Beyond the “Big Five”

Here’s where it gets really cool. In the middle of the article, when you ask how Vevo picks the next superstar (and what it means for your music career), the answer might surprise you: the world is now your stage. Consumption of music videos is booming in Latin America and Africa, with artists like Karol G dominating Vevo’s global charts. US artists are seeing their audiences grow in totally new places—and genres like country and Afrobeat are crossing borders like never before.

So, if you’re uploading music videos, don’t just think big—think global.

What Makes a Video Stand Out From the Crowd?

Trends come and go, but what makes your video special? Jordan Glickson says the secret is authenticity. Don’t just follow the latest trend or fill your video with cliches—make something that’s truly you. Your fans (and curators like the Vevo team) can tell when you mean it. A video that shows your personality, your story, and your style will always have a better shot at cutting through all the noise.

Vevo’s Advice For Artists: Keep Going & Think Visual

Today’s music business isn’t about overnight success. Most “suddenly huge” artists were working for years before anyone realized it. Vevo’s advice, straight from Jordan Glickson: keep uploading music, don’t get discouraged by low numbers at first, and focus on killer visuals that really show the world who you are.

Try to team up with up-and-coming directors, keep experimenting, and look to get on programs like Discover or Artists to Watch. Most importantly, don’t worry if you’re not with a major label—Vevo loves indies and is always scouting for refreshing new voices.

If you want to know how to connect, start with Vevo’s artist hub at vevo.com/artist, or ask questions through your distributor.

TIMESTAMPED OVERVIEW

• 00:00 What Vevo is and why it matters
• 06:20 How Discover and Artists to Watch programs work
• 18:36 Data vs. instinct in curation
• 30:29 Explosive growth in Latin America and Africa
• 35:11 How performance videos boost careers
• 42:21 What makes a killer music video

🎙️Want more? Listen to the full episode to hear how Vevo picks the next superstar (and what it means for your music career), including inspiring stories and real strategies for getting your video seen. No “overnight” success required. Just real connections, smarter visuals, and a little bit of your own magic.

VALUABLE RESOURCES

• Vevo for Artists: https://vevo.com/artist
• Free Music Biz Guides: MUBUTV Guides
• Podcast Show Notes: MUBUTV Official Website

LINKS TO CONNECT

• Vevo YouTube: YouTube.com/Vevo
• Vevo on Instagram/TikTok: @vevo