TikTok, the social media juggernaut, recently announced the rollout of SoundOn, an all-inclusive platform for music marketing and distribution. Designed with the intent of bolstering up-and-coming and undiscovered talents, SoundOn aids them in forging and fostering their artistic careers.
What is free music distribution? Music distribution services’ goal is to get your music onto streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer and Tidal, as well as digital music stores, like Amazon and iTunes. Once available on these platforms, the royalties can start rolling in as your music is downloaded, streamed and bought.
SoundOn serves as TikTok’s proprietary platform catering to both music promotion and distribution. It provides musicians the infrastructure needed to expand their fanbase, express their artistic voices, and disseminate their music across the globe.
The platform has been developed with a focus on ease of use and profitability for artists. It empowers them to upload their music directly on TikTok, and start generating royalties as soon as their tracks are used. Remarkably, SoundOn pledges to pay out total royalties to music-makers in their first year and 90% thereafter. Furthermore, it offers an array of promotional tools alongside continuous support. Newly signed artists can look forward to audience insight and development, the guidance of a dedicated SoundOn artist team, promotional assistance through TikTok’s creator marketing, and access to the TikTok song tab where their music will be linked on profile pages.
In addition to its distribution within TikTok, SoundOn can propagate music to other platforms. As such, it enhances artist-fan loyalty beyond TikTok, aiding artists in developing audiences on other streaming services and Digital Service Providers (DSPs).
After a successful period of BETA testing, SoundOn has officially launched in the US, UK, Brazil, and Indonesia. The platform has already witnessed an increasing influx of artists who are opting to use it. SoundOn is paving the way for emergent musical talents on TikTok, offering expanded opportunities that include record and publishing deals and collaborations with renowned names and co-writers. Among the first to triumph on this unitary platform are Muni Long and Games We Play, and UK artists Abby Roberts and Chloe Adams.
Ole Obermann, Global Head of Music at TikTok, exudes excitement about the potential of SoundOn in promoting fresh talents:
“New artists and musical creators are a vibrant community within TikTok and SoundOn is designed to support them as they embark on their journey. The SoundOn teams are committed to guiding these creators to the big stage, utilizing the full potential of TikTok’s expertise. We are extremely eager to discover and promote new talent, contributing towards a steadily evolving and broadening global music industry.”
Reflecting on their experiences, ‘Hrs and Hrs’ singer-songwriter Muni Long commended SoundOn for the opportunities it provides:
SoundOn has crafted a space that invites artists to be authentically themselves. It opens its doors to everyone, irrespective of their background, race, creed, or age, offering a platform where one can stake their claim. I am grateful for the opportunity to present my true self to the world through TikTok.
UK artist Abby Roberts expressed her appreciation for support from TikTok and SoundOn:
I’m at the inception of my musical journey, and I’m beyond excited for what lies ahead. Having worked with the TikTok team throughout my career and appreciated their unwavering support, I have found immense value in the added guidance and help received from SoundOn in launching my music. Sharing my music and creativity with my fans while hopefully attracting new ones has been an exhilarating experience.