How to Choose Music for TikTok

In the ever-evolving world of social media, TikTok has emerged as a game-changer, especially for budding musicians and established artists alike. With its viral trends and global reach, TikTok offers a unique platform for songs to gain unprecedented traction. One key to leveraging this platform effectively is selecting the right songs for TikTok. In this article, we'll help you understand how to choose the best songs and create custom album covers to give your music the perfect boost.

Why TikTok is Crucial for Music Promotion

TikTok is not just another social media app; it’s a powerful tool for music marketing. The app's format allows short, catchy songs to become instantly recognizable and go viral, leading to increased streams on various digital streaming platforms. But to stand out, you need to select the right songs and pair them with eye-catching album covers.

Selecting the Right Songs for TikTok

Choosing the right song is an art and a science. Here are some tips to help you make an informed decision:

1. Follow the Trends

Trends on TikTok change rapidly. One week, a genre might dominate, and the next, it could be something entirely different. Keep an eye on the "Trending" tab in the app to stay updated. Jump on these trends to capitalize on the song's potential for virality.

2. Create Catchy Hooks

TikTok videos are short, usually between 15 to 60 seconds. Therefore, songs with catchy hooks that grab attention quickly are more likely to perform well. Focus on creating music that sticks in people's minds within those crucial first few seconds.

3. Emojis and Challenges

TikTok users love challenges and emojis. Songs that work well with popular challenges or emoji trends see greater engagement. Consider how your song fits into existing challenges or even create a new one to encourage user participation.

4. Partner with Influencers

Influencer marketing is huge on TikTok. Collaborate with influencers to feature your song in their videos. This can significantly boost visibility and lead to a domino effect of users adopting your track for their content.

Custom Album Covers: Why They Matter

While your music gets users to listen, your album cover is what initially grabs their attention. Here's why custom album covers are crucial for your success:

1. First Impressions Matter

Your album cover is often the first point of contact between potential listeners and your music. A visually appealing cover can entice more people to give your song a chance.

2. Branding Consistency

Custom album covers help in creating a consistent brand image. If you have a unique and recognizable visual style, it will make your music more memorable.

3. Stand Out in a Crowd

With countless songs uploaded daily, a custom album cover can make your track stand out in the sea of new music. It indicates professionalism and can set the tone for what listeners can expect.

How to Create Custom Album Covers

Creating an eye-catching album cover doesn't necessarily require expensive software or professional designers. Here are some steps to guide you:

1. Use Graphic Design Tools

Free and paid graphic design tools like Canva, Adobe Spark, and GIMP offer user-friendly interfaces and pre-made templates. These tools make it easy to create professional-looking covers with minimal effort.

2. Understand Your Audience

Know who your target audience is and tailor your album cover to appeal to them. The design should resonate with the visual preferences of your listeners.

3. Keep It Simple but Engaging

While it’s tempting to go overboard with designs, a simple, clean layout often works best. The cover should be engaging but not cluttered, ensuring that key elements like the artist's name and song title are easily readable.

4. Consistency with Music

Ensure your album cover reflects the theme and mood of your music. A mismatch between the visual and auditory elements can be jarring for the audience.

Promotion Beyond TikTok

Once you have the right song and a custom album cover, it's time to think about broader promotion strategies. Platforms like SoundOn can help you distribute your music globally, making it available on multiple digital streaming platforms. This multi-platform presence will amplify your chances of success.

Join the SoundOn Community

If you're serious about promoting your music on TikTok and beyond, becoming a part of the SoundOn community can be a game-changer. With SoundOn, artists can benefit from expert marketing, leveraging platforms like TikTok and other DSPs to reach new audiences and maximize their impact.

Conclusion

Choosing the best songs for TikTok and creating custom album covers are crucial steps in today's music promotion landscape. These strategies can help your tracks go viral, build a stronger fan base, and increase your streams across various platforms. Don't forget to make the most of tools and platforms like SoundOn to take your music career to the next level.