TikTok’s Impact on the Music Industry

How has the TikTok revolution transformed music?

Paul G. Oliver
Inside the Music Industry
5 min readMay 2, 2023

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Image: NPR

In recent years, TikTok has emerged as a global social media phenomenon, boasting over one billion users worldwide. The platform’s unique format, which allows users to create and share short video clips with accompanying music, has had a profound impact on the music industry. This article will explore how TikTok has revolutionized music discovery, promotion, and consumption, as well as the challenges and opportunities it presents for musicians, record labels, and the industry as a whole.

The Power of Virality

One of the most significant ways TikTok has transformed the music industry is through the power of virality. The platform’s algorithm is designed to surface engaging content quickly, often catapulting unknown songs and artists to instant fame. Hits like Lil Nas X’s “Old Town Road,” Doja Cat’s “Say So,” and Benee’s “Supalonely” all gained traction on TikTok before dominating mainstream music charts. This virality has created a new avenue for music discovery, allowing artists to reach global audiences rapidly and organically.

The Rise of User-Generated Content

TikTok’s success is largely driven by user-generated content, which often features music as a central…

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