The music industry is undergoing a noticeable shift, and it's all intertwined with the influence of social media, particularly TikTok. This app, famed for its short 10-second videos paired with audio, has revolutionized how music is integrated into various content, from dances to tutorials to all types of content. The TikTok algorithm, driven by engagement, propels viral content, with music being a key player.
Songs going viral on TikTok has transformed it into an artist-producing machine, reshaping how the music industry engages with and perceives social media platforms. The power of 10-second clips extends far beyond just entertaining videos, social media is now an essential part of the music industry to have a successful and long-lasting career.
TikTok isn't just a hub for entertaining content; it's a launchpad for musicians into global stardom. With music taking center stage, users swiftly discover new tracks through catchy snippets, propelling both the song and the artist to viral status. Take Doja Cat, for instance, her song became a sensation overnight after a viral dance challenge. Users were quickly introduced to Doja Cat’s unique and catchy songs, with TikTok being a major player in Doja Cat’s success today.
Doja Cat’s songs fit perfectly with TikTok's short video format, with various snippets used for diverse content. Recognizing the endless creative potential of TikTok, artists and labels took note, ushering in a transformative era where TikTok plays a pivotal role in the success of music
TikTok has become a powerhouse for music marketing. Artists leverage the platform to promote songs, showcase their personalities for relatability, and even craft music designed to go viral on TikTok as trends or challenges.
It's a substantial shift, where music production is starting to align with social media. But with TikTok and social media taking the music industry by storm, we are also seeing a new but not surprising, type of individual become musical artists.
Influencers, with their massive followings and resources, are diving into the music scene, notably since the TikTok boom. Take Dixie D'Amelio and Addison Rae, for instance, initially known for their dancing videos in the Hype House, they both ventured into the pop music scene. This trend extends to influencers like Lil Huddy and Nessa Barrett, even echoing back to the Vine days with stars like Shawn Mendes. Unlike the past, where unknown talents signed to labels, today's influencers leverage fame and followers to carve their path in music.
The impact of social media on emerging pop stars is fascinating, reshaping how audiences and record labels discover and promote artists. Today, a strong social media presence is pivotal for gaining audience attention and label recognition in the music industry. While there's a concern about favoring those with large followings, TikTok has also proven to unearth unknown songs from years ago, giving lesser-known but talented artists a chance to make it big.