TikTok – one of the funniest social media apps for young music fans – allows users to post short videos with meme-able dances, hit tracks, and tons of funny effects.
We all know “Old Town Road” – a mega-smash hit of Lil Nas X which is taken over the world with the help of TikTok.
TikTok is taking the music world by storm.
But you might not know that distributing your music on TikTok can help you earn money for plays the same like on Spotify and Apple Music.
This platform’s viral potential means that a hit trend can quickly get lots of views. That is a big opportunity to gain your audience and get money with music on TikTok.
Here, we will provide you with everything that you need to know to get your music on TikTok.
1. Get digital distribution
Let’s begin with the basics. You can’t just select any track from your hard drive to upload to TikTok. You need to officially add it to the app’s library with digital distribution.
With digital distribution, you may manage the rights to your music and make sure that you get credit for streams.
There are lots of distribution providers out there, however, they’re not all the same. TikTok is a brand new platform, and not every distributor supports it.
Here you can read this article from LANDR, they make a complete guide to digital distro for musicians.
2. Create a release
The next step is to create a release with your distribution plan.
That is the place you fill in all the essential details that define how your music appears online.
Streaming platforms have to satisfy strict standards to ensure the quality of their catalog is consistent.
Streaming platforms have to satisfy strict standards to ensure the quality of their catalog is consistent.
To make the reduce you should submit detailed information, quality album artwork, and the right publishing details.
This extra info about your release is metadata. It’s what links you to your tracks once they’re out in the world—and the way you get money for your streams.
Metadata makes it clear that you’re the creator and owner of your work, which brings me to my next point…
3. Clear (or avoid) copyrighted material
Using copyrighted material that hasn’t been cleared by the owner can stop your release in its tracks.
That means your music won’t be accepted by any major streaming platform, including TikTok.
Copyrighted material means any element of your track that isn’t a unique creation.
The most common kind of copyrighted material samples. In case you use any audio from a track that doesn’t belong to you, you need to clear it with the owner.
In many circumstances, getting sample clearance from the copyright holder isn’t realistic—especially if the sample comes from a well-known track.
One of the solutions to ensure your release doesn’t get stuck at this step is to only use pre-cleared samples from a marketplace like LANDR Samples.
That method you’ll still own every element of your track, even when you used existing sounds to make it.
Hot tip: It’s still possible to record and launch a cover of an existing track. Cover songs require a specific license for distribution. Take a look at our guide to releasing a cover if you want to get your cover songs on TikTok.
Music copyright is another complicated topic, however, you’ll never have to worry about it if you take these basic steps.
4. Make sure you’re opted in to TikTok distribution
With LANDR you don’t need to do anything special to get your music on TikTok. Simply check the box in the release builder to allow delivery to TikTok.
In case you have releases live on LANDR Distribution, you’re already covered. By default, all existing releases are now delivered to TikTok automatically, unless you say otherwise.
That’s all there is to it. With the right distribution service, getting your music on TikTok is much easier.
With the right distribution service, getting your music on TikTok is much easier.
5. Watch your stats
Once your music is up on TikTok it’s available for anybody to add to their videos.
In case you’ve made it this far you’re probably wondering the way, you get paid for your plays. Here’s the way it works:
TikTok revolves around music, however, it’s not a streaming service. Instead of getting money from streams, if someone uses your track in their video, you’ll earn money every time that people view these videos.
However, you don’t have to sit around and wait for someone to seek out your music and use it in a video to grow your music with TikTok. It’s an excellent space for music promotion as well.
Make a profile for your music project and begin creating content on the platform. Here are the key points to remember:
- Customize your avatar, create your bio and link your socials
- Keep video’s length short enough (20 seconds max, 10 to 17 is ideal)
- Be authentic and don’t get too fancy with your videos
- You should vertically shot videos to optimize the full-screen experience
- Interact with videos you prefer to customize your experience
- Connect with other users by trying the Duet feature
The next viral track?
The methods fans listen to music are changing faster than ever before. It’s easy to see why TikTok has to turn into an essential part of the streaming landscape—especially for younger listeners.
Now that you know the way to get your music on TikTok, now get back to make music and create the next viral hit!