TikTok is not just a social media phenomenon but also a platform driving massive music success. In fact, major record labels are now looking at TikTok metrics to assess the potential of new artists or upcoming releases.
For artists like Lil Nas X, Lizzy McAlpine, Joji, Lawrence, and Billianne, music promotion on TikTok has also led to significant boosts on other platforms like Spotify and YouTube, as well as success in traditional media.
TikTok is more than just dance challenges, funny sketches, and lipsync videos. It also hosts educational content, emotional moments, live performances, and much more. Many young people even use TikTok for search purposes, surprising many SEO marketers who have only focused on Google and YouTube.
TikTok truly is a platform for any kind of video content, as long as the videos are useful, entertaining, or otherwise capture users' attention. And thanks to TikTok's powerful algorithm, it's a platform where niche content can find loyal audiences.
So TikTok is a great place for independent musicians to put in the effort, build community, and share new songs.
What Makes TikTok Unique for Music Promotion?
The videos are short, usually around 15-60 seconds(but can be up to ten minutes).
There's a focus on"authenticity" rather than"perfection."
The video is vertical and displayed at 1080×1920.
It's more about participation than one-way communication.
The comment section can be a form of entertainment in itself.
Since you can record in clips, even short videos feel narrative.
Poor lighting? One person playing multiple characters? Talking to a mirror? It’s all good.
Getting Started with TikTok
Get Your Music on TikTok Upload your songs to TikTok's music library so users can use them in their videos. When your tracks are used, you earn money.
Follow Other Musicians on TikTok The best way to learn about TikTok is to use it. Follow other active musicians on the platform to see what works.
Keep It Light TikTok is a fun platform. If you take yourself too seriously, it can be hard to create content that connects with TikTok users. Be light and fun!
Don’t Worry About Being Perfect TikTok is not about polished content. Be yourself, and don’t feel pressured to be perfect before you record. Be silly, be weird, and stay true to yourself.
Think Visually: Become a Meme! Turn your songs into visual memes that users can use in various contexts. Something with an instantly quotable lyric or a visual stunt idea can work well.
Dance! Come up with a fun dance for one of your songs and encourage your fans to create their own videos. Also, post a tutorial and challenge your audience to participate.
Don’t Forget Your Back Catalog The perfect 15-second clip could be from an older song, not necessarily your latest single.
It’s About Them, Not You TikTok is about community engagement. Inspire your fans to create their own moments with your music.
Use TikTok’s Built-In Collaboration Tools
Duets: A duet is a TikTok video that plays alongside another video. Create a video and encourage fans to make duets, or do a duet with an existing video.
Stitches: Take a snippet from the start of another video and react to it, continue the conversation, or respond to their prompt.
Contests and Challenges: Start a fun contest or challenge where people use your music in their videos. Offer a cool prize to the winners(signed vinyl records, free concert tickets, etc.).
Summary
TikTok is a platform where songs, videos, and personality collide in truly strange and interesting ways. By using TikTok, you can reach a broader audience and build an engaged fanbase. BeMajor helps you take control of your music career by offering tools and support to fund and promote your music projects. Create a project on BeMajor today and start reaping the benefits of an engaged fanbase.
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.
