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WHAT IS TIKTOK?
One of the most downloaded apps in the world, TikTok allows users to
upload 15-second videos to a scrollable feed, using background music
from their diverse library of songs. TikTok has quickly become a major
social media platform for independent artists both in terms of discovery
and promotion.
GETTING STARTED
If you haven’t already, begin by signing up for TuneCore and distributing
your song(s) to TikTok. You’ll have the opportunity to send your music to
over 150 other digital music platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and
Amazon. TuneCore was one of the first independent distributors to
partner with TikTok.
When uploading songs, be sure to select the time clip you want to be
featured when fans use your music in their videos.
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Be sure to highlight your other social handles in your bio. You can also
add a video or photo to showcase your style/personality, too. Give users
an idea of what kind of content you plan to share on TikTok – behind the
scenes or in the studio? Trying out new songs or covers? Funny or
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USING TIKTOK
Take some time to navigate the app! Like anything else you’ve ever
downloaded, it’s going to look and feel a bit foreign at first. Remember
the first time you opened Instagram? Within a week, you’ll be navigating
like a pro, but remember: with TikTok, the videos you engage with and
watch are part of an algorithm that will continue to suggest similar
content.
As you browse the ‘For You’ and ‘Discovery’ sections of the app, be sure
to also start following artists and creators that you feel are both in line
with your brand and could see yourself sharing a stage with. Much like
Instagram, it’s advantageous to know what your peers are doing on the
channel. With TikTok, trends move fast, but have the potential to get you
noticed by a lot of new fans.
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Based on your genre, your fan base (or the fan base you’re looking to
build on TikTok), your overall social ‘voice’, and generally how
comfortable you feel on camera, it may take a little bit of time to develop
your go-to style of content. As mentioned above: experimentation is a
good thing! Read more on TuneCore Artists who’ve gone through trial
and error as they began to share their music on TikTok.
As you begin to get acquainted with the app, you’ll find that some of the
most successful videos shared by TikTok users (artists and amateurs
alike) involve dancing, lip synching, participation in popular ‘challenges’
or contributing content pertaining to a trending hashtag, and ‘story’ style
skits/scenes.
Additionally, the ability to collaborate with other users and artists —
specifically, the ‘Duet’ feature — is a popular choice that you can look
into as you build your base. If you’re a little late to the party, try
connecting with artists you know and see if a collaboration would be a
fun idea for both audiences.
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FINAL THOUGHTS
Have fun! With each new hot social media app that emerges, as an
artist you can truly use it twofold: to promote your music and showcase
your personality. Both of these actions can help you build a fanbase,
and when you make your songs available on TikTok, you increase the
chances of being heard, discovered, and even going viral.
Stay consistent, provide quality content, and find your voice.
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