In the ever-evolving world of social media, TikTok has emerged as a powerful platform for artists to connect with audiences and promote their music. With its vast user base and unique content format, TikTok offers musicians an unparalleled opportunity to go viral and reach new fans.
As we approach 2024, it’s essential to stay ahead of the curve and leverage the platform’s potential to its fullest. Let’s take a look and explore effective strategies to promote your music on TikTok and unlock the door to success.
Find Trending Music on TikTok
Before diving into promotion tactics, it’s crucial to understand the musical landscape on TikTok. The platform has a reputation for propelling certain songs to viral fame, often leading to chart-topping success. The likes of Doja Cat, Lizzo and Olivia Rodrigo are just some of the artists who have amplified their fanbase thanks to the app.
One way of finding trending trending music on TikTok is the search tab. If you search Viral Sounds, you’ll see a list of trending songs and sounds on TikTok and the number of times they’ve been used in videos. Alternatively, you can also explore popular hashtags related to sounds to identify trends.
By analysing the trending sounds, you can take inspiration from tracks that are gaining listeners for your own music or create your own rendition of the trending track. However, it’s essential to strike a balance between following trends and staying true to your authentic brand and values.
Optimise Your Music for TikTok
To maximise your chances of success on TikTok, it’s essential to optimise your music for the platform. Here are some tips:
How to get my music on Tik Tok
To ensure your music is available on the platform, you can work with a music distributor or upload your tracks directly to TikTok’s commercial music library.
One platform designed specifically for independent artists is SoundOn, powered by TikTok. SoundOn is a music distribution platform that integrates directly into the TikTok app, allowing artists to upload their tracks and have a chance to go viral worldwide.
Audio Hooks
An Audio-Hook is essentially the part of your song that is estimated to be the catchiest and most engaging part of the track. For example, think of Happier than Ever by Billie Eilish, the second verse of the track was the part that gained virality on Tik Tok resulting in users creating their own trends and renditions of the track.
Leverage Trends and Challenges
One of the keys to going viral on TikTok is to participate in trending challenges and hashtags. Keep an eye out for popular dance challenges, lip-sync trends, or viral audio clips, and create content that aligns with these trends while staying true to your brand. This strategy can help your music reach a wider audience and increase your chances of being featured on the “For You” page.
While following trends can be beneficial, it’s essential to maintain your authenticity and showcase your unique brand and values. Don’t simply jump on trends “just because”; instead, find ways to make them unique to your artistic identity.
You may want to consider duetting other creators’ videos by adding harmonies, creating renditions of their tracks, or simply reviewing their work. This can open doors for wider conversations and potential collaborations.
Collaborate with TikTok Musicians and Influencers
Collaborating with other TikTok musicians and influencers can be a game-changer for promoting your music. Reach out to creators with a similar style or audience and propose collaborations, such as duets, remixes, or cross-promotion. These partnerships can introduce your music to new audiences and tap into existing fan bases.
Engage with Your Audience
TikTok thrives on engagement and community building. Interact with your followers by responding to comments, participating in live streams, and encouraging user-generated content (UGC) featuring your music. This engagement not only fosters a loyal fanbase but also increases the visibility of your content on the platform.
Remember, social media platforms reward active engagement. Don’t just post and run; stick around to answer questions in a timely manner, and venture out onto other artists’ profiles to start conversations. Building a genuine connection with your audience is key.
Utilise Keywords, Captions, and Hashtags
Effective use of keywords, captions, and hashtags can significantly boost the discoverability of your TikTok content. The popularity of TikTok as a search engine is growing rapidly, with 40% of consumers using the platform for information. Therefore, it’s crucial to include relevant keywords related to your brand and music in your video captions to ensure that people searching for specific genres or types of music can find you easily.
While hashtags are still valuable for categorising your content into subtopics, they should be used as an addition to your keyword strategy. Research relevant hashtags related to your genre, location, or music style, and incorporate them into your captions along with attention-grabbing captions that entice viewers to engage with your content.
Promote Your TikTok Presence
While TikTok is a powerful platform in itself, don’t forget to promote your TikTok presence across other social media channels and your website. Share your TikTok videos, encourage your existing fans to follow you on the platform, and cross-promote your content to reach a wider audience.
Remember, a community can be created with even a small number of people. Don’t be afraid to share your videos with your immediate circle of friends and family to give the video an initial boost in engagement. The quicker your video receives engagement, the more likely the platform will push it out to a broader audience.
Consistency and Persistence
Success on TikTok rarely happens overnight. Consistency and persistence are key to building a following and gaining traction. Develop a content strategy, post regularly, and continuously engage with your audience. Celebrate small wins and use analytics to refine your approach over time.
By implementing these strategies and staying up-to-date with the ever-changing TikTok landscape, you’ll be well on your way to promoting your music effectively and reaching new heights in your music career.
Learn more about your music marketing with ACC’s Artist Development Programme
At Access Creative College, we understand the importance of nurturing and developing artists to their fullest potential. Our Artist Development programme is designed to help you deconstruct and refine your brand, hone your performance skills, and create a strong, consistent image that resonates with your audience.
Want to take your music to the next level? Apply for our Artist Development Programme ready to join us in September!
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