TikTok is arguably the hottest social media platform in the world. Thanks to their community, we’ve been introduced to all kinds amazing artists. Just 15 seconds of one song used in a TikTok challenge can change a musician’s career trajectory forever – or at least for a month.
There are several ways TikTok for musicians can help launch musical careers, but it’s up to each artist to make the most of the opportunity when and if the spotlight shines on them.
Challenges
One of TikTok’s most popular trends is the dance challenge. TikTok dance challenges have been trending with all ages for over a year now. They are most popular among teenagers and Gen Z.
That’s good news for music artists since pre-teens and teenagers have been the driving force behind new music sales and artist popularity for decades.
TikTok dance challenges change often, with new dances set to new songs coming out weekly, if not daily. Dance challenges are short, and songs can only be 15 seconds long in a TikTok video; this means artists only need a 15-second super catchy refrain to get a song into a challenge.
Doja Cat blew up after TikTokker @yodelinghaley created a dance to Doja’s song “Say So.” This phenom proves that once TikTok challengers pick up on it, TikTok musicians could become famous overnight.
Memes and Hashtags
Here’s a prime example of leveraging TikTok for musicians. Remember the top Billboard-charting single “Old Town Road” by Lil Nas X (along with the numerous remixes that followed)? Before it ever hit the airwaves, it went viral on TikTok.
It started as a video meme tagged with the hashtags #yeehaw and #yeeyee. In their clips, the song magically transformed TikTokkers into country versions of themselves. TikTok challenges might not make you the next Lil Nas X, but challenges are definitely an excellent way to use TikTok for musicians.
Like any TikTok video, only 15-seconds of music can accompany a meme video, so make sure your 15 seconds is catchy and repeatable. It also helps to have a fun theme with this tactic.
Duetting
Duetting is another trendy type of video with TikTokkers. In duetting videos, one user sings a song (actually, part of a song), and other users make videos where they sing along. Use duetting to get your original music out there. Or draw attention to your brand by duetting with others to an existing song.
You don’t have to pull off crazy harmonies, have the vocal range of Ariana Grande, or showcase funky dance moves, but it could help. The point is, duetting allows you to show off your musical skills or songwriting talent to a large, primarily young audience.
TikTok For Musicians Tips
Keep these tips in mind when using TikTok for musicians.
- Make sure TikTok is included in your music distribution package (TuneCore, DistroKid, etc.)
- Keep your song clip to the most hooky 15 seconds
- Use hashtags
- Caption your videos
- Link to your other social media pages in your bio and video captions
There’s no guarantee you’ll get famous through TikTok, but some artists can make a career using this platform.
If you have a great song and you take advantage of TikTok’s most popular trends and features, there’s a good chance you’ll build up your fan base and draw some attention.
