As the future of TikTok in the United States hangs in the balance, the tech giant has discreetly begun testing a new platform called “TikTok for Artists,” aimed at supporting artists in their career development, as confirmed by the company to TechCrunch. This platform will offer various tools to help musicians promote their tracks, analyze performance metrics, and interact with their fanbase.
Currently, TikTok for Artists is being trialed in several countries, including Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Korea, and Indonesia, with plans to expand to additional markets as it progresses.
The launch of this platform was first highlighted by Music Ally. According to information on the TikTok for Artists website, musicians will have the ability to create promotional campaigns for their upcoming releases directly on the social network. This includes launching engagement and monetization efforts, such as album campaigns aimed at increasing pre-saves on services like Spotify and Apple Music, or facilitating exclusive merchandise drops.
Artists will also gain access to performance analytics, enabling them to assess the effectiveness of their posts and music. They can glean insights about their listeners’ demographics, including which countries represent the bulk of their audience.
Furthermore, artists can showcase fan-generated videos through the platform, strengthening their community. Selected fan videos will be featured in a dedicated “Music Tab Fan Spotlight” section on the artist’s profile.
TikTok plans to provide further details about the platform in the upcoming weeks. Given its significant role in shaping music trends and promoting viral songs, establishing a dedicated space for artists aligns with TikTok’s strategy to enhance content promotion and fan engagement. This initiative could also aid artists in broadening their reach and expanding their audience.
It’s important to note that this platform’s introduction comes just months after ByteDance decided to discontinue TikTok Music, a music-streaming service previously in testing in select regions. The company cited its intention to refocus on enhancing TikTok’s capabilities in driving music engagement and adding value to music streaming services.