Everyone’s heard of the social media giant, TikTok. From dance trends to viral controversies, it’s become a household name, particularly since the pandemic. While most TikTok influencers are young, it’s important to remember that anyone can use the platform, especially musicians. If you’re a musician looking for some guidance on how to make the most of TikTok, you’ve come to the right place!
Understanding TikTok Hashtags
For those unfamiliar with social media, a # isn’t just a pound key on your phone. The younger generation knows it as a hashtag. Hashtags help organize videos on TikTok and other platforms, making them easily discoverable by people interested in that content. Musicians can use hashtags like #musiciansoftiktok, #band, or countless others.
Remember, TikTok trends change daily, so research popular hashtags before posting. Look for “suggested searches” in your search bar for inspiration. For every 3-4 music-related hashtags, try using one trending hashtag relevant to your video.
Embrace the Trends
Successful TikTok creators understand the importance of trends. These often involve dances, viral sounds, or pranks, but there are also trends perfect for musicians. Think about posting covers of popular songs, writing your own lyrics over instrumentals, or singing duets with other creators.
Take a look at Dustin Phillips (@thedustinphillips). He provides instrumentation and harmonies for someone singing “I Want it That Way” by the Backstreet Boys. You can also add your own spin to trending sounds, like Dustin does in his video. Create original sounds to increase exposure and engage with popular audio trends.
Engage with Your Fans
No social media account thrives without fan engagement. TikTok offers a fun feature where you can include someone’s comment in your video. Ask your audience for suggestions or requests for your videos.
Take inspiration from Maddie Zahm (@maddiezahms). She asked followers to duet a clip of her new song and share their connection to the lyrics. This simple request gained significant attention, launching her song above Harry Styles on iTunes charts! Duetting TikToks is a great way to interact with your audience and engage with their content.
Consistency is Key
Just like any social media site, TikTok has an algorithm. To increase your visibility, maintain a consistent posting schedule. Don’t post a single video and then disappear for a week. Aim for two to three posts weekly. Active engagement keeps you on TikTok’s radar, promoting your content.
Ultimately, TikTok users are seeking fun, original content from passionate creators. Whether you’re making vlogs, skits, or participating in trends, be genuine and avoid forcing anything. Stay true to yourself. With over 800 million active users worldwide, there’s an audience for your content, no matter what it is.
For more inspiration, check out our blog post about 7 TikTokers crushing music promotion. We’ve also created a companion to help you with your social posting. Download it here: [link to download].
