I still remember this one friend of mine from college—he had a second-hand guitar, a few scribbled lyrics in his notebook, and a voice that could give you goosebumps. Back then, if you wanted to “make it,” you went from café to café, begged for an open mic slot, and hoped the right person was in the audience. No ring lights, no reels, no viral hashtags. Just raw music and luck.

Fast forward to today and the question isn’t just “are you talented?” It’s—are you on Instagram? Do you post covers on YouTube? Have you tried going viral on TikTok? The world’s flipped. But do musicians really need social media to make it now, or is that just the pressure talking?

The Double-Edged Sword of Social Media

Here’s the thing: social media is powerful. It can take an unknown artist from zero to sold-out shows overnight. We’ve all seen it happen—one viral reel and suddenly the person you saw busking at the metro station is on a stage with a spotlight.

But it’s also exhausting. Algorithms change, audiences scroll fast, and the dopamine hit of likes can make or break your mood. I know musicians who spend more time editing their videos than actually practicing scales. That feels backwards, doesn’t it? The art gets trapped behind the screen, chasing numbers instead of emotions.

And you know what hurts most? A “like” doesn’t always equal real appreciation. It’s easy to double-tap and move on, but it’s much harder to sit in a room and really listen.

Do You Need Social Media to Sell Instruments or Learn Music?

Another reality: the online world isn’t just about followers—it’s about what we buy, how we learn, how we connect. Ads for music instruments online are everywhere. One minute you’re scrolling, and suddenly a keyboard is staring at you like, “Buy me.”

But here’s a thought. Do we really want to depend only on algorithm-driven shopping? Sites like Iktaraa give something more personal. Whether you’re looking to buy instruments, learn music from coaches, or even find a community, it’s all under one roof. And crucially, you don’t have to be “content-ready” to belong there.

Because let’s be real—sometimes you just want to jam without posting a clip. Sometimes you want a place to ask, “Hey, is this violin bow worth it?” without getting drowned out by trending sounds. That’s where communities like Iktaraa feel refreshing.

Stories That Prove Both Sides

Of course, we can’t ignore the success stories. Artists like Prateek Kuhad built huge followings partly because their music found its way onto platforms where people shared, reposted, and talked. YouTube is practically a launchpad for guitarists who start with covers and slowly move to originals.

But I’ve also seen the flip side. There’s this tabla teacher in Chennai—no Instagram, no YouTube channel, no fancy gear. Just a WhatsApp group for his students and endless patience. His waiting list? Six months long. He’s thriving purely through community and reputation.

So, what does that tell us? Maybe virality isn’t the only currency of success. Maybe consistency, authenticity, and offline connection still carry weight.

The Balance Musicians Crave

Honestly, the sweet spot is somewhere in between. Social media isn’t evil—it’s a tool. If you’re smart, you can use it without letting it consume you. Post your work, connect with fans, but don’t measure your worth in followers.

Think of it like practicing scales: useful, necessary, but not the music itself. Music lives in late-night jam sessions, in mistakes that turn into riffs, in that one kid who saves up to buy his first guitar because he heard you play.

And you know what? That’s why I keep coming back to spaces like Iktaraa. It reminds me that music is about connection more than exposure. Buying a sitar or a synthesizer isn’t about “engagement rate,” it’s about finding your sound.

Alternatives & Communities That Keep It Real

So, if you’re someone wondering, “Do I have to keep posting reels to matter?”—the answer is no. You can:

• Join forums or local jam sessions.
  
  

• Collaborate with artists offline.
  
  

• Explore communities like Iktaraa, where the focus is on music itself—gear, learning, mentorship—not just “content.”
  
  

Because sometimes what we need is not a new algorithm hack, but a human circle. A teacher who remembers your mistakes, a friend who hears your progress, a site where you can find exactly the gear you need without scrolling endlessly.

Final Note

So, do musicians need to be on social media to “make it” today? Maybe yes, maybe no. It helps, for sure. But it’s not the only path. The heart of music hasn’t changed—it’s still about connection, storytelling, and that rush of sound that feels bigger than you.

Social media might be the stage. But music? Music finds its way—whether in a small room, on an app, or in someone’s heart.

And if you’re looking for the right tools, the right teachers, or just a sense of belonging? Check Iktaraa. Because beyond algorithms and trends, there’s still a place where music breathes.