A music platform with millions of users is helping artists monetise their online audience through a new B2B marketing tool.
Leaf.fm is the number one music platform in Latin America and creates bespoke playlists for users based on their data and seeks to connect them socially.
It now has more than two millions users on iOS, Android and the web and has now released Leaf Grow.
“It’s a next generation marketing tool which empowers the entire artist ecosystem to engage, grow and monetise premium quality audiences,” said Wesley Hartley, head of artist services and curation strategy.
“We have some high-profile clients and are driving some amazing results for them in terms of audience engagement and insights.”
The marketing campaigns delivered by the B2B platform are extremely targeted and, according to Leaf.fm, far cheaper for musicians to access than those offered by competitors.
One band seeking to improve ticket sales at a particular venue on a tour saw them jump 10-fold as a result of one campaign.
There are several developments in the offing, with fan engagement firmly at their heart.
“We have some exciting new product features which will completely change the face of Leaf, so keep your eyes peeled,” added Hartley.
Leaf.fm was founded by CEO Gilbert Corrales with Melvin Salas, Helga Alvarez and Daniel Salas. Costa Rican Corrales moved the business to Newcastle after winning the Northern Stars competition at Campus North, a shared digital workspace in the city.
Hartley said there are no plans to move the headquarters despite past overtures from Manchester and London.
“Certainly, [our future is in Newcastle],” he said. “We’ve just doubled the size of the team here in Newcastle and moved into a swanky new attic space, which will be our HQ for the at least the next two years.
“We still have a close connection with Campus North. We pop in for events and meetings, to see old friends and to help mentor the new teams passing through the Ignite programmes.”
Leaf.fm recently triumphed in the Big Chip Awards, which are run by independent trade association Manchester Digital and recognise excellence in digital and technology from the top of Scotland down to Derbyshire.
“The recognition was unexpected but well received. The night itself was great and had a really nice community spirit,” said Hartley.
“It’s always good to get that kind of exposure but we keep our feet on the ground.”