I remember the days we had to listen to radio to learn and get updates on new hit songs because radio was the sole source of hit songs. I use to love songs so much that I even dance on the road whenever I hear the sound of music š, I also go to my neighbours house to go and listen to their radio especially in the evening when hit songs are being played on radio the most.
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These days the traditional way of how a song become a hit is now evolving, and Tiktok is leading that revolution. In just a few years, TikTok has transformed from just an app for dance videos into a global force thatās reshaping the music industry.
Before the invention of TikTok, record labels relied heavily on radio play, streaming playlist, music videos, and touring to break a new artist or song but these days, they are now looking at TikTok metrics like views, shares, and engagement as key indicators of a song trackās potential. Songs that go viral on TikTok often see massive trends in Spotify streams and YouTube views shortly after gaining ground on the platform. One of the most notable shifts is how artists and producers now think about song structure instead of focusing solely on the whole song, there is an emphasis on creating a TikTok content that people will want to repeat, sing or dance to. Producers are now crafting songs with these viral moments in mind, this has influenced everything from lyric writing to beat production.
Funny enough, it's not just songs that beats are added to, these days even a funny conversation or speech by someone can be turned into a trending hit song. TikTokās short contents favors songs with catchy sounds, relatable lyrics and danceable beats especially ones that can be used in 15 to 30 second videos.The chorus or a memorable lyric often becomes the centerpiece of a trend, giving songs a second life even if they were released years ago, that's when DJs will start doing the slow and fast version of the songs that Tiktok dancers can dance to, now songs can come from content creators and not just industry music professionals.TikTok has gained ground in the music field so much that independent artists no longer need huge marketing budgets or highly recognised record label backing to find an audience, all it takes is one catchy sound and the right trend or influencer to dance to the song to go viral.
However, record labels have adapted quickly to the revolution of Tiktok where many of them now employ Tiktok influencers to start or amplify their music trends. Even artists themselves are encouraged to be more active on the social media platform using content, challenges and comedic skits to promote their music.
Song artist and record labels sometimes even delay the full release of a song by first posting snippets on TikTok to predict response of the public, if audience likes it and it starts trending, they build momentum to dropping the complete track. In a way, TikTok has become a testing ground for new music and success on the app can dictate a songās entire marketing strategy.
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As Tiktok has so many merits, there is also critics concerning the app because of the unpredictable outcome of TikTok fame. A song might go viral for reasons unrelated to the artistās intentions like a meme or ironic twist. This can bring a negative or a momentary kind of fame. Also, music artists now feel pressured to constantly create viral content rather than focus on their craft.
It's so glaring that Tiktok has come to stay and it's impacts are undeniable in the music industry. It is changing how hits are made, how artists are discovered, and how fans connect with music. In a world where a 15 seconds video can create a superstar overnight, the world of music has become more than excitingš¤, so no more radio hits but Tiktok hits now, if you don't have a Tiktok app as a musical just go and download it now and start your journey of becoming the great popular musician you dreamt about.
Thank you for reading with me, see you next time š