As artists, it is often hard to keep up with the newest trends these days. It feels like each month there is something new that people are pining over. Tik Tok has certainly been one of the most recent social media / content creation apps that has truly rocked and changed the music world. Let’s see how some artists have been able to hop into the app and create their own authentic content.
Tik Tok, which was formerly known as Musical.ly, is a social media platform in which users can create videos with whatever content they desire. Ever since the world went into quarantine, the app’s popularity soared. The demographics went from a dominant group of Generation Z users to older generations and people who once swore they would never download the app. When you think of it, having at your disposal short, dynamic videos tailored to your interests, is quite genius. Right now, Tik Tok has.
So how can musicians benefit and dominate the Tik Tok world?
The key of content has always been authenticity, no matter the trend, when you’re true to yourself, you have gone half the way. Moreover, with Tik Tok, there are no boundaries: the more out of the box your content is, the greater the results will be. Whether it is short musical covers, music-infused comedy sketches, and impersonations, Tik Tokers will love to see it.
Tik Tok is the place to be when it comes to exposure. We´ve all seen how platforms like Facebook or Instagram began as great exposure apps, and today, it seems like they hide your content rather than show it. This is why bands and artists are already taking full advantage of Tik Tok while the exposure on the app is in high demand. Musicians have been sharing snippets of songs and covers which have put fans at ease in the midst of all the changes happening in the music world.
Understanding TikTok’s Algorithm
TikTok leverages the power of AI to serve users with content that appeals to them. TikTok’s algorithm ranks videos and recommends them to viewers based on a combination of several variables.
When new users visit the app, TikTok collects information and gradually adjusts content based on their interests and what they aren’t interested in.
- User interactions – liked or shared videos, comments, accounts they follow, and the type of content they create
- Video information (sound, captions, and hashtags)
- Device and account settings – preferences, language preference, country setting, and device type).
The algorithm uses these factors to curate their “For You” feed and recommend unique content. By sharing content tailored to users’ interests, TikTok allows users to enjoy a continuous cycle of videos.And when videos perform well in terms of watch time, rewatch, likes, comments, shares, and hashtags, the video will rank higher, appear to more people, and go viral.
What Type Of Video TikTok Favors
TikTok favors more casual videos than formal ones. So you’ll mostly find humorous, musical, dance, cooking videos, tutorials, how-tos and lip-sync videos, etc.
Preferred Video Length
TikTok is a place for sharing short and exciting video content about 10 to 15 seconds long. This format has been a significant growth driver, setting them apart from the competition. However, the platform has recently extended the maximum video length from 60 seconds to three minutes.
Let´s talk content
There are also Tik Toks out there that are simply taken in a room with fine acoustics in their home and then there are others that blow people’s minds with how original their work is. Both of these types of videos are welcomed and embraced, users like them all, especially when there is a fair mix of simple and complex content. Users such as @lipcandymusic are gaining a following by their lead singer posting funny Tik Toks teasing the emo and punk music industry, while also showing off his powerful vocals. Ideas such as these make musicians stand out as they promote their talent and music. That being said, there are no rules when it comes to Tik Tok which is why it is the perfect app to share your music on.
https://bit.ly/TikTokLipCandyMusicEmoAccentChallangePt4
Creating a persona and brand behind your music should be an important aspect in your work. It may seem hard at first, you may be trying for quite a while now, but before posting, before following a trend, ask yourself about what you´re really comfortable with, for what do you want to be known for? Once you´re sure, go ahead and start creating content, start connecting!
Tik Tok user @tyzobloom takes full advantage of this opportunity by creating unique Tik Toks remaking popular songs with his equipment and actual vegetables. By creating such quirky and original Tik Toks, a specific brand for his music and work is also being created. Whether it is getting creative and going about in your own way or recreating popular Tik Toks in your own fashion, your audience is more eager than you know to get to know who you really are. Why not share it in such a creative way. Oftentimes, musical artists won’t just limit themselves to posting music Tik Toks but will branch out and create content that just shows off who they are. That could mean original videos sharing something funny/interesting, or using the multitude of sounds to voice over popular content heard all over Tik Tok.
https://bit.ly/tyzobloomEatYourVeggies
Tik Tok is not only a hub for original, smart content, it’s also the place to be if you want to build up your community. With a very specific and complex algorithm, Tik Toks always make their way to the appropriate audience. This creates a space for like-minded users to discuss their thoughts in the comments section and develop relationships and band people together from their interests. As a musician, this is another great way to get connected and even work with people that appreciate your music.
Tik Tok offers the “duet” feature which allows users to be a part of other users’ videos, putting them side by side. For example ,Tik Tok user @apsloan01 dueted two Tik Toks from @aye.itslyric to create a three part harmony recreating Radiohead’s “Creep”. With this feature two amazing vocalists came together and also influenced a comment section full of people that enjoyed the content and shared their thoughts and ideas on it. For musicians especially, this feature creates a great way to share and show musical ability and creativity. We have seen duets adding in harmonies and melodies to what was once a simple song.
Here are more successful artists on Tik Tok for you to get inspired:
Don’t waste any more time, download Tik Tok and you will begin to expand your career in ways you never thought about. Tik Tok can be a bit intimidating when first starting, and might take a while to get the hang of. Once you get into there is no turning back. It’s a major game-changer and we can’t wait to see what you all create. Use this platform to work your creative muscles, create interesting content, but most importantly to have fun! That’s what your audience wants to see and it will make the process that much more enjoyable for you!…And don’t forget to hashtag #melboss, we want to see what you’re up to!