The Effect TikTok has on Music

Over the past few years TikTok has gained a massive reach of users, myself being one of them. I am indeed addicted.

One thing TikTok is known to do is make creators bigger. Visuals play a part in the music process, with a variety of sounds and new music being advertised left, right and centre. I have witnessed so many artists using TikTok as a platform to advertise their new music and their career.

With a massive number of user accounts - TikTok seems to be a great use of advertisement targeted at the right audience. With algorithms, hashtags and trends, artists can use the app to their advantages by plugging their new music with the younger generation.

With many songs trending on the app for weeks, even months, due to certain trends like POVs (Point of Views), viral dances and influencers using sounds to create content. The use of duets, comments, and likes allows artists to engage with potential fan base with the for you page allowing them to see what’s currently trending- to match that, along with seeing what people are liking and what’s not going to well etc.

There has been a selection of hits that reappear on the charts, Running Up That Hill becoming popular again after its introduction on hit TV series Stranger Things as TikTok users started making POVs linking with the show. Also showing that it can affect TV and film just like music - I have started watching many shows after people on the apps shared clips or their opinion.

A current hit is Miley Cyrus’ Flowers, I have been obsessed ever since hearing it on TikTok, with people discussing the meaning behind it and the video, which inevitably drew me in. Another song that came out in 2022 was Unholy by Sam Smith and Kim Petras, in which the first time I had heard the song was on the app for a POV similar to when I first heard Green Green Grass by George Ezra, where both songs hit the TOP 40. Both songs had different fan bases as well as a different algorithm on the app.

This way of advertising targets the younger generation who seem to be influenced by the media a lot more than before. Grasping their attention through this type of media will be an amazing way for artists to reach people in their specific category of music, as TikTok personalises each person’s feed. Whether they use samples of their music, video or use teasers for date, it will always add some success.

Especially for new artists that have clear talent, the app has so many opportunities for being shared, being passed along to important people who may help push you down the line into success- this works for a lot of career pathways. The great thing about TikTok is that it can be professional, it can be fun or technical, its mixed with so many types of aspects. Although there are many things that aren’t great like getting hate comments- in which people need ot learn the difference between criticism and hate. There is a fine line.

I have found some of my favourite artists/songs within the app that I will forever love, and I feel like this is the same for many people out there especially for the music lovers trying to find more song suggestions. If you are looking for new music you want to try out, definitely check out on TikTok- there is something for everyone. If you’re an artist wanting to share your creation or talent don’t be afraid to share it with the world this is just one step closer for your dreams!

© Aimee-Michelle O’Connor 2023