If you’re releasing music in 2024, TikTok needs to be prioritized in your marketing strategy. Musicians shouldn’t need much convincing to tap into the TikTok guide for music releases 2024. The platform has turned independent musicians into overnight celebrities and if you look at some of the usage data behind TikTok that shouldn’t be a surprise.
TikTok users spend over 8 hours per month consuming video (and audio) content on the platform. And 23% of internet users in the United States have seen a video on TikTok. Because of so much content consumption on the platform, it makes it incredibly easy for musicians and their latest releases to be discovered. But what are the best ways for musicians to leverage the platform? I’ll examine four key principles for musicians in the TikTok guide for music releases below.
Establish your brand on TikTok
As a musician, there are many ways for you to create TikTok content. Are you a singer? You have up to 60 seconds to record a vocal of an original or cover song. Acoustic cover songs tend to go viral on the platform all the time. Are you a beatmaker or sound designer? Create videos of you making beats, recording samples, tutorial videos, etc. How about an emcee? Record a dope freestyle for your fanbase.
Whatever your lane is, it’s important to start building a following and connecting with your fans. What do they want to see? Your statistics will answer that question for you as the main trigger of the TikTok algorithm is watch time. The more views you get on a video will be a great indicator of what your fans want to see more of!
Once your brand is established, you can leverage this platform to help you sell more merchandise among other revenue streams. There are many ways to monetize this platform.
Make sure your song is distributed to TikTok
This one seems like a no brainer, but in fact there are many independent musicians that overlook this. Your digital distribution platform should be distributing your music on TikTok. Platforms like DistroKid and Ditto Music are excellent choices for this. There are even free digital distribution platforms that can get your music distributed to TikTok.
This is an important component because your want your song to be searchable. This way TikTok influencers can instantly incorporate your music into the content that they create right inside the platform.
Get TikTok influencers to use your song in their video
A really quick way to increase the visibility of your music is by leveraging TikTok influencers. An extremely efficient and affordable way to do this is via SubmitHub. This platform was originally used to get your music featured in blogs and playlists, but it has graduated to adopting a nice network of influencers that you can submit music to. With a budget as little as $25, you can get your music used by some TikTok influencers with massive reach.
Our own TikTok channel is hosted on the platform and has gotten a few songs over 1 million views in coverage.
Have someone create a viral dance to your song
One of the ways TikTok has become an extremely fun platform to Generation Z audiences is because of the short dances that go viral. Charli Damelio, who has the largest following on the platform, exploded onto the scene in large part due to the dances she made popular.
There are some great and inexpensive Fiverr gigs out there, where you can hire someone to choreograph a dance to your song! Having a custom dance built for your song can certainly increase the likelihood of its viral potential.
Incorporating a dance into your song has some huge benefits and with a ton of resources available via Fiverr, is something you should definitely be exploring.
Winning with the TikTok guide for music releases
There’s no doubt about it. TikTok needs to be included in the marketing strategy for your next single or album. If you are neglecting this platform, you’re missing a huge segment of the online world that is ready to consume your music. In fact, TikTok needs to be at the top of your marketing strategy. Simply put, it is one of the most effective and efficient ways to promote yourself and music in 2024.
