Introduction:
Riley Green Reveals How a Missed Opportunity Taught Him the Power of Social Media
Many country fans might think that artists rooted in tradition—like Travis Tritt and Riley Green—would shy away from the fast-paced world of social media. But even the most down-home country singer has to adjust to the digital age.
Green recently shared a story that proves just how important an online presence can be, recalling a moment early in his career when a lack of followers cost him a dream gig. During an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, the “Different ’Round Here” singer said he once had a chance to open for Travis Tritt, only to lose the slot because his social media numbers were too small.
“At that time, I was still playing a lot of local shows and building a fan base the old-fashioned way,” Green explained. “A buddy of mine who worked with Sam Hunt told me about the opportunity and said he’d throw my name in. I was pumped—until he called back and said, ‘Man, they need somebody with more followers on Facebook.’”
Green admitted he barely had a Facebook page then and didn’t realize how much it mattered. “I was like, ‘What’s that got to do with anything?’” he recalled with a laugh. “But that’s when I learned that social media is part of the business.”
The setback turned into a valuable lesson. Green said his rise in country music was “pretty accidental,” but as labels began to notice his talent, he quickly got serious about the behind-the-scenes work—like building a strong digital presence—that helps transform a performer into a star.
Today, Riley Green is a chart-topping artist with millions of followers, proof that even the most traditional country singers can find success by embracing the modern tools of the trade.