For aspiring musicians aiming to carve out their niche in the music scene, overlooking TikTok in their promotional endeavours would be a missed opportunity. Initially perceived as an app catering to teens showcasing lip syncing and dance routines TikTok has swiftly evolved into a vehicle for discovering new music.

The trajectory of TikTok’s ascension has been nothing of spectacular. Introduced in 2016 by ByteDance, a tech conglomerates this platform for bite videos only gained widespread traction a couple of years later. However, once it hit its stride it captured the imagination of audiences. By the close of 2018 TikTok had clinched the title of the worlds downloaded app—an accolade it continues to uphold.

Fast to 2023 and TikTok proudly flaunts a monthly user base exceeding 1 billion individuals worldwide—an astounding figure that eclipses the reach of established platforms, like Instagram, Twitter and even YouTube.

It’s truly remarkable how much engagement the platform receives. Users are frequently accessing the app throughout the day spending an average of 95 minutes browsing through a flow of 15 60 videos.

So why is TikTok such a game changer, for artists? It all boils down to how content discovery functions on the platform. Unlike social media platforms where your postsre mainly visible to your current followers TikToks robust algorithm presents videos to users based on their interests and viewing patterns. This means that even if you have no followers initially your music stands a chance of going viral and reaching thousands or even millions of potential fans.

The TikTok algorithm

The TikTok algorithm  continually assesses user behavior to showcase the intriguing content. Factors like video views, shares, comments and overall user engagement all influence the algorithms decision on which videos to promote widely. Music has emerged as one of the drivers of engagement on the platform.

In fact music has become so essential, to the experience that the app has introduced its music library and features focused on music within its interface.

People, on TikTok have the option to search for and include known songs in their videos or even come up with sounds” that others can then incorporate into their own content. It’s fascinating how a song gaining traction on TikTok can significantly boost its popularity leading to increased streams, downloads and even chart rankings for the artist.

The impact of TikTok on music careers is undeniable. We’ve witnessed instances where a song or artist suddenly becomes a sensation on the platform propelling them to newfound stardom. A prime example is Lil Nas X and his breakout hit “Old Town Road.” The song took off on TikTok back in 2019 with users creating a plethora of videos set to its beats. This viral success translated into chart achievements as “Old Town Road” dominated the Billboard Hot 100 for a 19 weeks.

Another illustration of TikToks influence is PinkPantheress, an up-and-coming singer songwriter from the UK who has experienced success through the platform. Her dreamy lo fi bedroom pop tunes have captivated audiences on garnering millions of views and streams for tracks like “Pain”. Just, for Me.” PinkPantheress attributes much of her ascent to fame to TikTok highlighting how the platform enabled her to cultivate a fan base from square one.

Experienced artists, including standing ones have managed to revitalize their careers by embracing the influence of TikTok. Consider Kate Bush for instance whose 1985 hit “Running Up That Hill” saw a resurgence in 2022 after it was prominently featured in the Netflix series Stranger Things. The track gained popularity, on TikTok as users created imaginative videos set to the tune. As a result the song soared to the top of music charts worldwide introducing Bushs music to a wave of listeners.

So how can emerging artists effectively utilize TikTok to showcase their music? Here are some essential pointers;

TikTok Music Promotion

Getting your music on a TikTok account with millions of followers can boost your music exposure. So one of the goals should be to place your music on big and influential TikTok creators.
There are a few ways you can do that. Before you start sending your music, make sure your song is catchy, and suitable for TikTok. Create the right snippet music edit and get it on TIkTok.
Read more on how to get your music on TikTok.
Next, you can contact the TikToker yourself and ask them to add your music to their next video, this takes time and patience, you can also contact agencies, but every time there’s an agent, the price goes up.

Alternatively, you can submit your music to TikTok content creators using a TikTok music promotion plan, by One Submit.
They allow artists to submit music to TikTok influencers with up to 5 million followers, which can generate a huge number of streams to your music.

Develop Captivating and Genuine Content

The key, to thriving on TikTok lies in crafting content that’s captivating, genuine and resonates directly with your intended audience. Gone are the days when simply posting music videos or static album covers would suffice for going viral. TikTok users crave relatable content that seamlessly fits into the platform’s vibe.

This entails feeling at ease in front of the camera and revealing your personality. Show glimpses behind the scenes share snippets of your process or even film yourself dancing and mouthing along to your tracks. The natural and authentic the content appears the more appealing it will be.

People, on TikTok are more interested in realness than overly produced content.

Engage with Popular Sounds and Challenges

A way to showcase your music to an audience on TikTok is by joining trending sounds and challenges. Stay updated on the songs and audio clips featured on the “Discover” page and then craft your own videos using those sounds. This boosts the likelihood of your content being picked up by the algorithm and noticed by users.

You can also add a touch by initiating your TikTok challenge or trend centered around your music. Encourage your supporters to duet, stitch or remix your tracks in innovative ways. The user generated content you spark, the merrier.

Collaborate with Fellow Content Creators

Expanding your presence on TikTok involves teaming up with creators, in your field. Reach out to influencers, fellow musicians or random users with followings to explore potential collaborations. This blend of audiences can serve as a potent means to introduce your music to groups of users.

You have a range of options, such, as creating a video having another creator feature your song in their videos or simply engaging with their content. The key is to connect with creators whose audiences align with the listeners you want to reach.

Take advantage of TikToks music features that cater to artists. You can upload your sounds promote songs and even have your music featured in TikToks playlists.

Explore the music tools and analytics to you as an artist. Understanding your songs performance metrics using TikToks advertising platform to promote your music and getting your tracks included in playlists can make an impact for independent artists.

Overall TikTok has become a platform for discovering music and holds immense potential, for independent artists seeking wider exposure. It offers an opportunity to connect with audiences and elevate careers like what Muni Long experienced.The R&B singer songwriter had been working hard in the music industry for years trying to make a breakthrough. However, in 2021 her song “Hrs and Hrs” went viral on TikTok with users producing videos using the track. The song eventually reached the Top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts propelling Muni Long into stardom.

Another example is Jax, a rising pop artist whose popularity soared due, to her presence on TikTok. Jaxs unique and personality driven videos have garnered her millions of followers, and her music has resonated well with the community. Hits like “Victorias Secret” and “Left Swipe Dat” have propelled Jax to heights of success.

The common factor among Muni Long, Jax and many other independent artists who have risen to fame on TikTok is their connection with the platform’s user base. They did not manipulate the system. Push their music onto users. Instead, they embraced the spirit of TikTok by creating relatable content that felt at home on the app.

This is a lesson, for any artist aspiring to stand out on TikTok.

Don’t view it as another advertising platform. Treat it like a community, with its vibe, language and people. Take the time to understand the platform interact with your followers and most importantly enjoy the experience.

Because ultimately that’s what TikTok embodies. Enjoyment, innovation and the sheer delight of exploring music. If you can embrace that essence as an artist there’s no limit, to the heights of success you can reach.

So why hesitate? Dive in start crafting some content and witness your music career soar beyond your wildest dreams. The future of the music industry is unfolding on TikTok. Make sure you’re part of this journey.

Check out the best music promotion services.

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