Latest TikTok Trends for Musicians: Building a Following and Creating Viral Hits
If you are a musician looking to break through the noise on TikTok, you have likely noticed how the platform is dominating conversations about music discovery. It has become a household name for record-breaking overnight sensations and chart-topping anthems. With over one billion users worldwide, TikTok offers a mix of opportunity and fierce competition. To stand out from the crowd, you need more than just a catchy tune. Below is an in-depth look at what is trending in the TikTok music scene, how you can build a loyal following, and the clever strategies top performers are using to achieve viral success.
Focus on Short, Engaging Content
TikTok thrives on brevity. Content that quickly hooks viewers has a higher chance of taking off. Musicians who find success on TikTok often begin their videos with an attention-grabbing sound or visual within the first few seconds. Since scrolling is so rapid on this platform, you only have a sliver of time in which to captivate your audience. Whether it is a short clip of you belting out a chorus, a dramatic reveal of a new track, or a quirky behind-the-scenes glimpse of your recording setup, make sure your content is bold enough to make people pause and watch.
Highlight Your Original Sound
Music is the centerpiece of TikTok, so featuring your own tracks can be a huge advantage. With an original sound, other creators can use snippets of your music in their videos. This can lead to a snowball effect if your sound becomes trendy, inspiring more users to try it out. If you are a songwriter or performer, consider posting teasers of unreleased material. Include a clear hook or beat drop so that it resonates strongly and encourages others to experiment with those sounds in their videos.
Leverage Trending Hashtags and Challenges
Keeping track of current hashtags, musical challenges, and viral dance trends is a proven way to gain exposure. Observe what songs are trending under hashtags like #FYP, #MusicianOnTikTok, or #OriginalMusic. Post content that aligns with these popular hashtags, but tailor it to your personal style and story. If you choose to participate in a challenge or dance trend, stay true to your musical identity: add your own elements or comedic twist so that it stands out. This blend of trend-aligning and originality helps you stay relevant without losing your unique touch.
Collaboration With Creators and Duets
An engaging way to grow your following is by collaborating with fellow TikTok creators. Whether they are dancers, other musicians, or even comedians, joint content is mutually beneficial. When more people share your track through duets, your presence and music can expand into new and diverse audiences. Encourage fans or other artists to duet with your videos, especially if you are showcasing a little-known skill, a behind-the-scenes look from the studio, or an unreleased sample. The Duet feature can lead to a wave of user-generated content that boosts your sound’s visibility.
Use Insights to Improve Engagement
TikTok offers an analytics tool to those with a Pro account, allowing you to track metrics like total video views, profile visits, follower growth, and peak viewing times. This data helps you identify which clips resonate best with your audience. Keep an eye on the average watch time and drop-off points. If viewers are leaving early, try reworking the first few seconds of your next video to make it more exciting. By refining your approach based on hard data, you can focus on the content strategies that most effectively attract and retain your audience.
Create a Consistent Posting Schedule
Frequency and consistency matter on TikTok. Top musicians on the platform post new content several times a week, if not daily. Set a posting routine to maintain visibility in your followers’ feeds. Think of it as micro-marketing for your brand. Treat each video like a mini campaign, keeping your viewers excited about what they will see next. If you are juggling an already packed schedule, plan out batches of content in advance so you can post regularly without scrambling for ideas each day.
Offer Behind-the-Scenes Perspectives
Audiences love to see the work that goes into creating music. If you are in the studio, film quick sessions of writing lyrics, recording vocals, or mixing tracks. Show your daily life as a musician, from gear setups to jam sessions with your band, and even your practice routines. These slices of real life help people connect with you on a personal level. The more they feel part of your journey, the more likely they will become loyal fans and share your content.
Experiment With Unexpected Elements
TikTok rewards creativity. Musicians who spice up their content with humor, dramatic cuts, or transitions often see higher engagement rates. You could mix comedic skits with your song playing in the background, or overlay text that narrates the story behind your tune. Another idea is to insert unexpected mashups of your music with other trending songs or memes. When people find your videos entertaining or surprising, they are more likely to watch them repeatedly and show them to friends.
Interact With Your Community
Engagement on TikTok is a two-way street. Reply to comments, follow your top fans, and leave supportive notes on other creators’ videos. Your presence in the comment sections can help you cultivate a more active following. You can also run mini-contests by encouraging users to create Duet videos with your track, then feature your favorites. Acknowledging your fans enhances their loyalty and increases the chance that they will consistently share your content.
Promote Your TikTok on Other Platforms
Though TikTok can be a standalone way to go viral, you can broaden your reach by cross-promoting on platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and Reddit. For instance, post a preview of your TikTok video on Instagram Stories or embed it in a longer YouTube vlog about your music process. By driving traffic from different sites, you can spread awareness of your TikTok channel and help kickstart engagement on newly posted videos.
Staying authentic while tapping into trends is key to success. Viewers gravitate to unique voices, so let your musical style shine. Keep experimenting with different formats to discover what resonates the most with your target audience. Whether you craft heartfelt ballads or upbeat party tracks, TikTok offers an avenue for direct engagement that extends beyond what traditional platforms can provide. When you consistently serve up compelling content and actively connect with your community, you will be well on your way to cultivating a true fanbase and generating viral moments that can elevate your music career for years to come.
About Jules Wolfson
CEO at BeMajor and Nexus Music
Jules Wolfson is a Danish record producer, songwriter, and music executive active since 2001. He's earned over 150 gold and platinum certifications, multiple Danish Music Awards, and collaborated with international stars like Usher and Timbaland. Wolfson is known for developing top Danish acts like Nik & Jay and Cisilia, consistently ranking as one of Denmark's most-played musicians on radio.