Recently, TikTok officially launched a new songwriter certification and display feature, allowing behind-the-scenes creators to directly gain exposure and fans on the platform.
This article will help you quickly understand what this new feature can do, what it is used for, who it is useful for, and how songwriters can use it to make good use of this new feature.
What are TikTok's "Songwriter Features"?
TikTok's Songwriter Features is a showcase system tailored for songwriters rather than performers. With this new feature, songwriters will have an exclusive content page on TikTok, including:
A collection of songs written by the creator: Each song is directly marked with the name of the songwriter;
Combined display of video content and music works: Display music works and short video content on the same page;
Personal creative storytelling space: You can publish content about the source of inspiration, the process of cooperation, etc.
An entry point for fans to explore and collect content: increasing the stickiness between users and creators;
Potential expansion of monetization and cooperation channels: attracting record companies, brands, artists, etc. to pay attention to the creators themselves.
TikTok said that this feature was designed based on extensive research of songwriters, with the aim of increasing discoverability, expanding business opportunities, shaping personal brands, and giving "behind-the-scenes voices" the shine they deserve.
Feature highlights
TikTok's official description is as follows:
"For the first time, songwriters' music and their content on the platform will be brought together in one dedicated location, allowing creators to showcase the work they created or co-created, and share behind-the-scenes stories and creative processes."
The core functions include:
Exclusive display page for creators: similar to the singer's homepage, but focusing on the role of "songwriter";
Works collection display: users can click on the name of the composer to view all the songs he or she has created;
Story/highlights content can be displayed: Creators can use videos to talk about the background of their creations, their collaboration experiences, etc.
Incentivize creators to use TikTok to publish more music-related content;
Help music creators to "go viral", expand their fan base, and increase exposure of their works.
Tutorial: How to apply for TikTok's "Songwriter Feature"?
Currently, this feature is in closed beta, and only some cooperating publishers and songwriters can use it first.
TikTok has also opened a waiting list for songwriters and publishers to apply, which is divided into Europe and the United States (EU/US) and other regions (ROW).
Step 1: Confirm that you are the songwriter
Songwriters who meet the following criteria may apply:
You own the copyright of the lyrics and music of the musical work (author/collaborator)
The work has been launched on major digital music platforms (such as Spotify, Apple Music, TikTok Music, etc.)
Step 2: Apply for internal testing qualification
TikTok is currently in closed beta testing, and songwriters and music publishing companies can join the waiting list via the following link:
US Songwriter Application Portal (US)
EU Songwriter Portal (EU)
Application entry for other regions (ROW)
Tip: If you don't have a complete copyright registration yet, you can first complete the filing through official copyright associations such as ASCAP, BMI, PRS, etc.
Step 3: Complete your songwriter profile
TikTok will invite you to fill in the form after review:
Song Catalogue
Bio
Creation story, behind-the-scenes footage (short videos can be uploaded)
Suggestion: Even if you cannot join for the time being, be sure to plan your TikTok music content in advance and prepare for the official opening of the function!
How do songwriters come up with new ideas on TikTok?
Launching a function is just the first step. Whether you can get continuous traffic depends on how you play:
Share the behind-the-scenes story: Tell the audience how the song was written and what interesting things happened, so that fans can feel more involved.
Release DEMO or Rework: You can put the unreleased demo on TikTok to test the waters and see if it can become popular.
Link with performers: Find the singers to shoot videos together, and divert traffic in both directions.
Make good use of tags and challenges: Combine popular tags and music challenges to let more people re-create your work.
Which musicians are most suitable for this new feature?
Independent songwriters: write their own songs, sing them by themselves or others, but do not have a strong agency to help promote them.
Music producers and arrangers: can also use this to accumulate their own labels and work libraries to attract partners.
Singer -songwriter: not only a performer, but also a creator, making the work and personality more complete.
Publishers and copyright holders: can use this function to help their songwriters get better exposure.
Why is this a "bonus window" for music creators?
According to TikTok data:
84% of the songs on the Billboard 200 originated from TikTok trends;
U.S. users are 74% more likely to discover and share music on TikTok than on other platforms;
Many record companies will modify song titles and plan challenges based on TikTok memes;
The creators behind the scenes have gradually become the protagonists in front of the public, and copyright income and brand cooperation have grown simultaneously.
This means that songwriters are not only the heroes behind the scenes, but also an important part of the "short video music ecosystem". If you haven't started using TikTok to tell your own creative stories and showcase your works, then you have missed the key traffic entrance.
How does TikTok make songwriters successful?
TikTok is evolving from a "singer's stage" to a "creative ecosystem". The launch of this feature represents:
From behind the scenes to the front stage: no longer just writing songs for others, you can also become a popular creator IP yourself;
Works become assets: the more tracks you create, the richer the content of your display page, and the greater your influence;
Content becomes currency: Through the platform, opportunities such as fan monetization, music collaboration, and authorized agency are realized.
Conclusion
TikTok is using the "songwriter function" to bring behind-the-scenes creators to the front stage, which not only means more exposure opportunities, but also more potential monetization and cooperation resources.
As long as the right method is used, a songwriter can also rely on TikTok to become a musician brand with its own traffic.
What do you think the impact of this new feature will be on musicians?
