Out of the time spent glued to your phone, around 135 minutes are typically spent on social media apps. The rapid growth of social media has made these platforms the perfect medium for advertising. One of the most popular platforms today is TikTok, where music from both major and indie artists is heavily promoted. In this article, we'll explore how TikTok works and provide tips on how to become famous as a musician or indie artist.
We know the financial side is important, but gaining exposure and expanding your fanbase is key to being a successful artist, and that’s where TikTok promotion shines.
Stick around to the end for all the tips!
How TikTok Works for Indie Artists
TikTok, originally known as Musical.ly, allows users to lip-sync to popular songs. Today, it's much more than that, with content ranging from dance videos to comedy clips and beyond. With over 800 million downloads worldwide, TikTok has over 500 million active users.
This platform is especially popular with younger audiences—41% of TikTok users are aged between 16-24, according to GlobalWebIndex. Because of its widespread use, particularly with lip-syncing and music-related content, TikTok is an excellent platform for making your songs go viral.
How to Increase Your Profile on TikTok
So, how do you become famous on TikTok as an indie artist? Let’s dive into some effective strategies:
- Join the Community
The first step is to download TikTok and create an account. Once you’ve joined, start posting short, engaging videos regularly. Make sure your content is exciting and relevant, which will help you build recognition on the platform.
- Getting Started on TikTok
Here are some simple tips to make sure your TikTok videos look great and stand out:
Vertical is Key: TikTok is a mobile-first platform, so all videos should be filmed or edited vertically to match the viewing experience.
Keep It Authentic: TikTok isn’t about super-polished content. People are more drawn to authentic, simple videos shot with your phone rather than highly edited ones.
Grab Attention Quickly: Make sure your video captures attention from the start, and end with something memorable to leave an impact on your audience.
Short and Sweet: Although TikTok allows up to 60 seconds per video, the ideal length is between 10-17 seconds to keep viewers engaged and encourage them to recreate your video.
- Start a Trend
One of the fastest ways to go viral is by starting a trend that others want to replicate. This could be a dance challenge or something fun related to your music. Use relevant hashtags to boost visibility and make it easier for others to find your trend.
- Follow the Trends Using Your Own Songs
If your song is being used in popular TikTok videos, participate in the trend yourself! Fans love to see artists joining in on challenges related to their music—it shows your engagement and appreciation for how people are responding to your work.
How Long Does It Take to Get Famous on TikTok as a Musician?
The time it takes to get famous on TikTok varies depending on your consistency, effort, and how well you connect with your audience. By regularly creating and sharing engaging content, you can grow your fanbase and increase the chances of your music going viral.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know how to get famous on TikTok, it’s time to put these tips into action! TikTok offers a great opportunity to promote your music, especially if you’re in the music industry or related fields. Many stars have found fame through TikTok, and with the right strategy, you can too.
Are you on TikTok yet? What do you think of it, and would you recommend it to other artists? Let us know your thoughts!