Broken Prism Studios

TikTok has become a powerhouse for music discovery and a vital platform for artists to connect with new fans. With its short-form video format and powerful algorithm, it offers a unique opportunity to showcase your music and build a dedicated audience. This guide will walk you through the key steps to effectively grow your music audience on TikTok.

1. Laying the Foundation: Setting Up for Success

• Optimize Your Profile:
• Clear Profile Picture: Use a high-quality image that represents you or your music brand.
• Compelling Bio: Clearly state that you’re a musician and what kind of music you make (genre, vibe). Include a link to your other social media profiles or streaming platforms (Linktree or similar is helpful).
• Username: Choose a username that is easy to remember and aligns with your artist name.
• Understand the TikTok Algorithm (Sort Of): While the exact workings are secret, focus on these key factors that influence what appears on the “For You” page (FYP):
• User Interactions: Videos you’ve liked, shared, accounts you follow, comments you’ve posted.
• Video Information: Captions, sounds, hashtags.
• Device and Account Settings: Language preference, country setting, device type.
• Key Takeaway: Create engaging content that encourages interaction, use relevant sounds and hashtags, and be consistent.

1. Crafting Engaging Content: The Heart of TikTok Growth

• Show, Don’t Just Tell: TikTok is a visual platform. Don’t just post static images of your album art. Get creative!
• Original Music Snippets & Teasers: Share short, captivating hooks, verses, or instrumental parts of your songs. Leave viewers wanting more.
• Behind-the-Scenes Content: Offer glimpses into your creative process:
• Writing sessions
• Recording in the studio
• Practicing for gigs
• Instrument tutorials
• Performance Videos: Showcase your talent! This could be full songs (shorter versions work best), acoustic performances, or even just jamming.
• Storytelling Through Music: Use your music to tell a story or convey an emotion. This can resonate deeply with viewers.
• Collaborations: Partner with other musicians or creators on TikTok. This exposes your music to their audience and vice versa.
• Humor and Personality: Let your personality shine through! Funny skits related to music, relatable musician struggles, or just showcasing your unique quirks can be highly engaging.
• Duets and Stitches: Engage with popular sounds or other creators’ videos by dueting or stitching them with your musical twist.
• Educational Content: Share your musical knowledge, tips for aspiring musicians, or explain the inspiration behind your songs.

1. Leveraging TikTok Features: Maximize Your Reach

• Trending Sounds: Pay attention to what sounds are currently popular and find creative ways to incorporate them into your content. This can significantly increase your chances of appearing on the FYP.
• Challenges: Participate in relevant TikTok challenges and put your own musical spin on them. You can also create your own challenges around your music.
• Hashtags: Use a mix of relevant hashtags to categorize your content and make it discoverable.
• General Music Hashtags: #music #musician #artist #newmusic #singersongwriter
• Genre-Specific Hashtags: #popmusic #rockmusic #hiphop #electronicmusic #countrymusic
• Trending Hashtags: Research current trending hashtags that align with your content.
• Your Own Hashtag: Create a unique hashtag for your music to build brand recognition.
• TikTok LIVE: Once you meet the follower requirements, go live to interact with your audience in real-time, perform songs, answer questions, and build deeper connections.
• TikTok Shop (If Applicable): If you have merchandise, consider setting up a TikTok Shop to sell directly to your audience.
• TikTok Promote: Consider using TikTok’s paid promotion feature strategically to boost the reach of your best-performing content to a wider audience.

1. Building Community and Engagement: Fostering Connections

• Respond to Comments and DMs: Engage with your audience by replying to comments and messages. Show that you appreciate their support.
• Follow Other Creators: Interact with other musicians and creators in your niche. Support their content and build relationships.
• Participate in Conversations: Leave thoughtful comments on other users’ videos. This can help you get noticed and connect with potential fans.
• Ask Questions: Encourage interaction by asking your audience questions in your videos or captions.
• Run Polls and Q&As: Use TikTok’s built-in features to engage your audience and get their feedback.
• Create Content Based on Audience Requests: If your audience suggests a song cover or a specific type of content, try to fulfill their requests. This shows you value their input.

1. Analyzing and Adapting: Refining Your Strategy

• Track Your Analytics: Pay attention to your video views, likes, comments, shares, and follower growth. TikTok provides analytics tools to help you understand what content is performing well.
• Identify Your Top-Performing Content: Analyze what types of videos resonate most with your audience and create more of that kind of content.
• Experiment and Iterate: Don’t be afraid to try new things and see what works. TikTok is constantly evolving, so stay adaptable.
• Learn from Others: Observe what successful musicians on TikTok are doing and adapt their strategies to your own style.

1. Consistency and Patience: The Long Game

• Post Regularly: Aim for a consistent posting schedule. Whether it’s daily or a few times a week, consistency is key to staying relevant in the algorithm.
• Don’t Get Discouraged: Building an audience takes time and effort. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see results immediately. Keep creating high-quality content and engaging with your audience.
• Stay Authentic: Be true to yourself and your music. Authenticity resonates with audiences and helps you build a genuine connection with your fans.
  

Key Takeaway: Growing your music audience on TikTok requires a combination of creative content, strategic use of platform features, consistent engagement, and a willingness to experiment. By following these guidelines and staying true to your artistic vision, you can harness the power of TikTok to connect with new fans and elevate your music career. Good luck!