5 answers
Alina
Student
Jersey City, New Jersey
3
Questions
Asked
786 views
Any tips for starting a professional TikTok account?
Any tips for an aspiring singer-songwriter trying to build a social media presence? Thanks!
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5 answers
Shammah Godoz
WRITER
1
Answer
Abuja, FCT, Nigeria
Updated
Shammah’s Answer
I'll just give a tip here for anyone looking to get on TikTok to make a bunch of videos. For every video you see on TikTok, there are multiple in drafts. Keep recording, keep making. You can repurpose a video you did not post from last month into content today. Never stop making videos for yourself.
Philip Galuban
Social Media + Communications
1
Answer
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Philip’s Answer
Hi Alina! Thank you so much for your question. I currently work on a team that has launched a professional TikTok account, as well as maintained a presence and audience engagement on the platform.
My #1 piece of advice would be to create content that is audience-first. What I mean by that is carve out time to understand how other users (as well as yourself) are consuming highly engaged content from other singer-songwriters. An example of this would be starting off with a prompt like "Ever wondered what it would sound like if you mashed Maggie Rogers + Noah Kahn" then you would proceed to play your music on full blast. This is a trend that helps to not only platform the artist, but also provide context to your audience around who you are as a singer/songwriter.
A more practical example, and the way we do this at PwC US, would be to identify high performing trends on the platform (such as 'Day in the life of a social media professional'), and infuse that with our own people and their stories, promoting our culture as well as the opportunities at our firm.
I hope this helps, and with you the best of luck. Looking forward to seeing you on my FYP!
My #1 piece of advice would be to create content that is audience-first. What I mean by that is carve out time to understand how other users (as well as yourself) are consuming highly engaged content from other singer-songwriters. An example of this would be starting off with a prompt like "Ever wondered what it would sound like if you mashed Maggie Rogers + Noah Kahn" then you would proceed to play your music on full blast. This is a trend that helps to not only platform the artist, but also provide context to your audience around who you are as a singer/songwriter.
A more practical example, and the way we do this at PwC US, would be to identify high performing trends on the platform (such as 'Day in the life of a social media professional'), and infuse that with our own people and their stories, promoting our culture as well as the opportunities at our firm.
I hope this helps, and with you the best of luck. Looking forward to seeing you on my FYP!
Silvat Veerjee
Communications professional
2
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Silvat’s Answer
Hello Alina!
TikTok thrives on engaging, captivating content. It's a platform where people seek amusement and relatable content. Take some time to explore and learn from other successful singer-songwriters on TikTok, their content could serve as a great source of inspiration for you. Discover different video styles like storytelling, trending sounds, or a day in your life, and add your unique flair to them. Dedicate time to create a variety of content, but remember, your personality is your secret sauce! Consistently posting and interacting with your audience, as well as your favourite content creators, is key. Building a strong community of dedicated followers and collaborators will significantly boost your account's growth and visibility. Remember, these are just a few helpful hints, and growing on TikTok can require patience. Dive into the research, showcase your talent, and never lose heart!
Best Wishes,
Silvat
TikTok thrives on engaging, captivating content. It's a platform where people seek amusement and relatable content. Take some time to explore and learn from other successful singer-songwriters on TikTok, their content could serve as a great source of inspiration for you. Discover different video styles like storytelling, trending sounds, or a day in your life, and add your unique flair to them. Dedicate time to create a variety of content, but remember, your personality is your secret sauce! Consistently posting and interacting with your audience, as well as your favourite content creators, is key. Building a strong community of dedicated followers and collaborators will significantly boost your account's growth and visibility. Remember, these are just a few helpful hints, and growing on TikTok can require patience. Dive into the research, showcase your talent, and never lose heart!
Best Wishes,
Silvat
John Husband
Computer Science, Real Estate, Life
46
Answers
Boca Raton
Updated
John’s Answer
Hello Alina,
It's fantastic that you're eager to launch a TikTok account to showcase your musical talent. I'll address your queries directly and also throw in an extra tip at the end that's relevant to your situation, though not precisely what you asked for.
Starting a new TikTok account, like any new venture, involves two key steps: learning and doing. First, you need to educate yourself about the ins and outs of running a TikTok business. You might have expected to find all that information here, but this platform may not be the best resource for in-depth answers. Instead, head over to YouTube and search for "How to TikTok". Subscribe to all the related channels and watch all the relevant videos. This is your homework for setting up your own TikTok channel.
The second step is putting what you've learned into action. Be careful not to fall into the trap of "Analysis Paralysis", where you spend all your time planning and never actually get around to creating your account or filming, editing, and posting your TikToks. I suggest starting with a 50/50 split between learning and doing. As you become more proficient with TikTok, you can adjust this ratio to 5% learning and 95% doing. But remember, without action, you won't make any progress.
Let's imagine you have a four-hour block on a Saturday. Here's how I'd suggest you spend it: 1.) Watch 15 minutes of "how-to" videos. 2.) Set up your TikTok account. 3.) Watch another 15 minutes of "how-to" videos. 4.) Record one of your songs. 5.) Watch another 15 minutes of "how-to" videos. 6.) Edit your song for uploading. 7.) Watch more "how-to" videos. 8.) Upload your video. The times are just estimates, but the pattern is clear: Learn, Act, Learn, Act, and Learn some more.
By following this plan, you should have a TikTok channel with your first post by the end of the day. After that, aim to post as often as possible, ideally at least once a day.
Now for the bonus tip. As a singer-songwriter, you might find that TikTok's short format doesn't allow you to share your entire song. You may need a longer-format platform like YouTube or Spotify. Follow the same learn/do process for each platform. Make sure to link all your social media accounts together and use a consistent name, like "Alina Singer Songwriter", across all platforms to maintain brand consistency.
Remember, success on social media requires work. Treat it like a job (hopefully, one you love) and dedicate time to it 5-6 days a week. Mastering social media is a skill, just like writing and singing a song. Both require practice, time, and effort. You might eventually decide to focus on one or the other. It could be challenging to juggle school, music, and social media. You might consider partnering with a friend who's interested in becoming a social media producer, allowing you to concentrate on your music. Until you find that partner, it's beneficial to do it yourself. Who knows, you might even end up managing social media for a larger band! It's always good to explore your options.
I hope this advice proves useful. I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.
Best of luck,
John
It's fantastic that you're eager to launch a TikTok account to showcase your musical talent. I'll address your queries directly and also throw in an extra tip at the end that's relevant to your situation, though not precisely what you asked for.
Starting a new TikTok account, like any new venture, involves two key steps: learning and doing. First, you need to educate yourself about the ins and outs of running a TikTok business. You might have expected to find all that information here, but this platform may not be the best resource for in-depth answers. Instead, head over to YouTube and search for "How to TikTok". Subscribe to all the related channels and watch all the relevant videos. This is your homework for setting up your own TikTok channel.
The second step is putting what you've learned into action. Be careful not to fall into the trap of "Analysis Paralysis", where you spend all your time planning and never actually get around to creating your account or filming, editing, and posting your TikToks. I suggest starting with a 50/50 split between learning and doing. As you become more proficient with TikTok, you can adjust this ratio to 5% learning and 95% doing. But remember, without action, you won't make any progress.
Let's imagine you have a four-hour block on a Saturday. Here's how I'd suggest you spend it: 1.) Watch 15 minutes of "how-to" videos. 2.) Set up your TikTok account. 3.) Watch another 15 minutes of "how-to" videos. 4.) Record one of your songs. 5.) Watch another 15 minutes of "how-to" videos. 6.) Edit your song for uploading. 7.) Watch more "how-to" videos. 8.) Upload your video. The times are just estimates, but the pattern is clear: Learn, Act, Learn, Act, and Learn some more.
By following this plan, you should have a TikTok channel with your first post by the end of the day. After that, aim to post as often as possible, ideally at least once a day.
Now for the bonus tip. As a singer-songwriter, you might find that TikTok's short format doesn't allow you to share your entire song. You may need a longer-format platform like YouTube or Spotify. Follow the same learn/do process for each platform. Make sure to link all your social media accounts together and use a consistent name, like "Alina Singer Songwriter", across all platforms to maintain brand consistency.
Remember, success on social media requires work. Treat it like a job (hopefully, one you love) and dedicate time to it 5-6 days a week. Mastering social media is a skill, just like writing and singing a song. Both require practice, time, and effort. You might eventually decide to focus on one or the other. It could be challenging to juggle school, music, and social media. You might consider partnering with a friend who's interested in becoming a social media producer, allowing you to concentrate on your music. Until you find that partner, it's beneficial to do it yourself. Who knows, you might even end up managing social media for a larger band! It's always good to explore your options.
I hope this advice proves useful. I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.
Best of luck,
John
Hello John! Thank you so much for the insight! I wasn’t sure from what angle to tackle the whole process, but I really appreciate your suggestions and will definitely get a jumpstart on my research! From what you’ve shared, I’ve taken away that planning is half the process! I think for me, scheduling time to set aside specifically for my account building will be key. Thanks so much for your advice!! All the best, Alina
Alina
Jacob Taylor
Production Manager
521
Answers
Stafford, Virginia
Updated
Jacob’s Answer
Certainly! Building a successful TikTok account, especially for an aspiring singer-songwriter, can be a great way to gain exposure and connect with your audience. Here are some tips:
1. **Define Your Brand:** Before you start, consider what sets you apart as a singer-songwriter. What's your unique style or message? Having a clear brand identity will help you create content that resonates with your target audience.
2. **Create Engaging Content:** On TikTok, short, creative, and engaging videos perform well. Share snippets of your songs, behind-the-scenes footage of your creative process, or personal stories related to your music journey. Make sure your content is visually appealing and emotionally captivating.
3. **Use Trending Hashtags:** Stay updated with trending hashtags and challenges on TikTok. Incorporating relevant ones into your posts can help your content reach a broader audience and increase discoverability.
4. **Consistency is Key:** Regularly post content to keep your audience engaged. Aim for a consistent posting schedule, whether it's daily, weekly, or bi-weekly. Consistency helps build a loyal following.
5. **Engage with Your Audience:** Respond to comments and engage with your viewers. Building a community around your music can foster a loyal fan base. Show appreciation for your supporters and make them feel connected to your journey.
6. **Collaborate:** Collaborating with other TikTok users, especially those in the music or creative niche, can expand your reach. Duets, collaborations, and shoutouts can introduce your music to new audiences.
7. **Quality Matters:** While TikTok is known for its casual vibe, ensure that your audio and video quality is good. Clear sound and visuals make your content more enjoyable to watch and listen to.
8. **Promote Your Other Platforms:** Use TikTok to promote your presence on other social media platforms, such as Instagram, YouTube, or Spotify. Cross-promotion can help you grow your overall online presence.
9. **Stay Authentic:** Be yourself and let your personality shine through in your videos. Authenticity resonates with viewers and helps build a genuine connection with your audience.
10. **Learn and Adapt:** Keep an eye on your TikTok analytics to understand what works and what doesn't. Adjust your content strategy based on the feedback and performance data you receive.
Remember that building a social media presence takes time and dedication. Be patient, stay true to your music, and keep refining your approach as you learn what resonates best with your audience. Good luck with your TikTok journey as an aspiring singer-songwriter!
1. **Define Your Brand:** Before you start, consider what sets you apart as a singer-songwriter. What's your unique style or message? Having a clear brand identity will help you create content that resonates with your target audience.
2. **Create Engaging Content:** On TikTok, short, creative, and engaging videos perform well. Share snippets of your songs, behind-the-scenes footage of your creative process, or personal stories related to your music journey. Make sure your content is visually appealing and emotionally captivating.
3. **Use Trending Hashtags:** Stay updated with trending hashtags and challenges on TikTok. Incorporating relevant ones into your posts can help your content reach a broader audience and increase discoverability.
4. **Consistency is Key:** Regularly post content to keep your audience engaged. Aim for a consistent posting schedule, whether it's daily, weekly, or bi-weekly. Consistency helps build a loyal following.
5. **Engage with Your Audience:** Respond to comments and engage with your viewers. Building a community around your music can foster a loyal fan base. Show appreciation for your supporters and make them feel connected to your journey.
6. **Collaborate:** Collaborating with other TikTok users, especially those in the music or creative niche, can expand your reach. Duets, collaborations, and shoutouts can introduce your music to new audiences.
7. **Quality Matters:** While TikTok is known for its casual vibe, ensure that your audio and video quality is good. Clear sound and visuals make your content more enjoyable to watch and listen to.
8. **Promote Your Other Platforms:** Use TikTok to promote your presence on other social media platforms, such as Instagram, YouTube, or Spotify. Cross-promotion can help you grow your overall online presence.
9. **Stay Authentic:** Be yourself and let your personality shine through in your videos. Authenticity resonates with viewers and helps build a genuine connection with your audience.
10. **Learn and Adapt:** Keep an eye on your TikTok analytics to understand what works and what doesn't. Adjust your content strategy based on the feedback and performance data you receive.
Remember that building a social media presence takes time and dedication. Be patient, stay true to your music, and keep refining your approach as you learn what resonates best with your audience. Good luck with your TikTok journey as an aspiring singer-songwriter!