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How to Upload Songs to TikTok: A Musician’s Guide to Viral Fame

So, you’re a musician, and you’ve heard the siren song of TikTok – the promise of viral fame, millions of listens, and a fanbase that hangs on your every note. You’re ready to unleash your sonic creations onto the platform, but… how exactly do you do it? Let’s cut through the noise and get straight to the point.

The simple truth is, you can’t directly upload your own original music to TikTok’s official sound library for widespread use by other creators, unless you go through a digital music distributor or use TikTok’s SoundOn platform. However, there are several ways to get your music on TikTok:

Using a Digital Music Distributor: This is the most professional and recommended route. Distributors like DistroKid, TuneCore, CD Baby, and others partner directly with TikTok to get your music into their official library. Users can then find your song by searching and use it in their videos. This method also ensures you get paid royalties when your music is used.
TikTok SoundOn: TikTok’s own distribution platform, SoundOn, offers a direct route to getting your music on the platform and other streaming services. It often offers favorable royalty splits, especially in the beginning.
Uploading a Video with Your Music: You can upload a video to TikTok with your original music playing in the background. Users can then use your original sound by tapping the sound on your video. However, this sound will only be accessible if your video remains public. This is a good way to get your music heard organically but doesn’t guarantee wide use.
Creating a TikTok Ad: You can run an ad campaign with your song as the background music. While this requires investment, it guarantees your music is heard by a specific audience and can lead to organic use if people like the song.
Working with a TikTok Influencer: Partnering with an influencer who can create content using your song is a great way to promote your music.
Directly via the Commercial Music Library (If Eligible): If you are part of an agency or brand that requires commercial music, you may upload your music to the library and it can be used for branded content by others.

Essentially, unless you want to rely solely on users finding your music organically through videos you upload, you’ll need to embrace distribution. This gives you the best chance of getting your music into TikTok’s vast library and racking up those all-important plays and royalties.

FAQs: Mastering TikTok Music Uploads

Here are some frequently asked questions to help you navigate the nuances of getting your music on TikTok and making the most of the platform.

1. What are the best digital music distributors for getting my music on TikTok?

There’s no single “best” distributor; it depends on your individual needs and budget. Popular choices include:

DistroKid: Known for its unlimited uploads for a fixed annual fee. Great for prolific artists.
TuneCore: Charges per release (single, EP, album). Offers more advanced reporting and features.
CD Baby: Charges per release and also takes a percentage of royalties. Considered a reliable option with good customer support.
AWAL: Offers more advanced services and support for independent artists, but requires an application process.
UnitedMasters: Focuses on empowering independent artists with tools and distribution options.

Research each distributor’s pricing, features, and user reviews to find the best fit for you. Look closely at their royalty splits and any hidden fees.

2. How does TikTok’s SoundOn platform work?

SoundOn is TikTok’s in-house music distribution platform. You upload your music directly to SoundOn, and they distribute it to TikTok, Resso (a sister music streaming service), and other major streaming platforms. The key benefit of SoundOn is often a higher royalty split, particularly in the initial period after joining. Check SoundOn’s website for current royalty terms.

3. How long does it take for my music to appear on TikTok after uploading through a distributor?

The timeframe varies depending on the distributor and their processing times. Typically, it takes between a few days to a couple of weeks for your music to become available in TikTok’s sound library. It’s crucial to upload your music well in advance of any planned promotion.

4. What are TikTok’s music copyright rules?

TikTok takes copyright infringement seriously. Only upload music that you own or have the necessary rights to use. Using copyrighted music without permission can lead to your videos being muted or removed, and even potential legal action. This is precisely why using a distributor to legitimately upload your music is so important.

5. Can I upload covers to TikTok?

Yes, you can upload covers to TikTok. However, you still need to ensure you have the necessary licenses. Many distributors offer cover song licensing services that handle the royalties and permissions required to legally distribute and monetize your covers.

6. How do I make my music searchable on TikTok?

When uploading through a distributor, make sure to accurately fill out all metadata fields, including the song title, artist name, album name, and genre. This information is crucial for TikTok’s search algorithm to index your music correctly. Choose keywords wisely.

7. How can I promote my music on TikTok effectively?

Once your music is available on TikTok, create engaging content that showcases your song.

Participate in trending challenges and use relevant hashtags.
Create behind-the-scenes videos, lyric videos, or snippets of your creative process.
Collaborate with other creators to reach a wider audience.
Run TikTok ad campaigns to target specific demographics.
Encourage your fans to use your music in their videos.

8. What are some common mistakes musicians make when uploading music to TikTok?

Ignoring Copyright: Uploading music without the proper rights is a major mistake.
Poor Audio Quality: Ensure your music is professionally mixed and mastered.
Incomplete Metadata: Accurate metadata is essential for discoverability.
Lack of Promotion: Simply uploading your music isn’t enough; you need to actively promote it.
Not Engaging with Fans: Respond to comments and messages to build a community around your music.

9. How do I claim royalties for my music used on TikTok?

When you distribute your music through a reputable distributor or SoundOn, they handle the royalty collection process for you. They track how often your music is used on TikTok and collect royalties from the platform, which are then paid out to you according to your agreement. Monitor your royalty reports to ensure you’re being compensated fairly.

10. Can I use TikTok’s built-in editing tools to create music videos?

Yes, TikTok offers a range of editing tools that you can use to create visually appealing music videos. Experiment with different effects, filters, and transitions to enhance your content.

11. What is the ideal video length for TikTok?

While TikTok allows videos of up to 10 minutes in length, shorter videos tend to perform better. Aim for videos that are between 15 and 60 seconds long to capture and maintain viewers’ attention. TikTok itself recommends between 21-34 seconds, as it has been the ideal video length.

12. How do I track the performance of my music on TikTok?

Most distributors and SoundOn provide analytics dashboards that allow you to track the performance of your music on TikTok. You can see how many times your music has been used, the number of views your videos have received, and other valuable metrics. Use this data to optimize your promotion strategy and create more engaging content.

In conclusion, getting your music onto TikTok requires a strategic approach. By understanding the different upload methods, choosing the right distribution partner, and actively promoting your music, you can increase your chances of going viral and building a successful music career on the platform. Good luck, and happy creating!