Key Takeaway

Summary:
This guide provides creators with a step-by-step process for uploading music to TikTok for free, helping musicians and artists get their music onto one of the most popular social platforms. It also covers essential tips, including how to optimize audio quality and leverage TikTok’s marketing features to boost discoverability.

Links:

• How TikTok is Changing the Music Industry
• Apply for TikTok Artist Account
• Fix Bad Audio Quality on TikTok
• TikTok Tracks Length Info
• TikTok Sound-On Music Marketing
• How to Upload Music to TikTok
• How Melody Rights Works
• TikTok Creator Marketplace
• Playlist Push TikTok Creator Program
• Get Paid to Use Sounds on TikTok

How to Upload Music to TikTok for Free: A Creator’s Step-by-Step Guide

Did you know TikTok is the number-one platform for music discovery? Over 80% of users find new tracks on the app, making it a game-changer for musicians. With over 1 billion users spending about 26 hours a month on the app, TikTok is a key platform for artists to find new fans.

You can upload music to TikTok for free and earn royalties whenever your tracks appear in videos. The platform gives you several ways to share your music. You can upload directly or work with music distributors to reach multiple platforms simultaneously.

Want your music heard by millions? Let’s walk through the exact steps to upload your music to TikTok without spending a penny.

Set Up Your TikTok for Artists‘ Account

A TikTok artist account enables better music promotion and fan participation. The platform has special features for musicians and creators who want to share their music.

Account Requirements

Your TikTok profile must meet specific criteria to qualify for artist status. 

1. The simple requirement is to have at least four songs in your catalogue. 
2. Your account must stay public with a completed profile, username, bio, and photo. 
3. You must log in at least once every six months to keep your account active.

After you meet these requirements, you’ll get access to several exclusive features. The Artist Tag appears beneath your account name and identifies you as a musician. On top of that, it gives you a dedicated Music Tab that updates automatically with your latest releases. The platform also has a ‘By Artist’ feature that lets you pin preferred posts to your discovery page.

Verification Process

The verification process, which often causes anxiety, is actually quite straightforward. Open your TikTok app, go to TikTok Studio, and find the ‘Artist Hub’ option. Then click ‘apply’ and search for your artist’s name in the music library. It’s that simple.

You can verify your identity with one of these:

• Screenshots from your music distributor account
• Proof from Spotify for Artists
• Evidence from Apple Music for Artists

The verification team reviews applications based on authenticity, activity, and security measures. Your account must use two-step verification with a verified email—also, the platform checks if your content follows Community Guidelines.

Prepare Your Music for Upload

Now that your music is ready let’s explore how to upload it to TikTok.

Audio Quality Standards

You’ll need specific conditions to record professional-sounding audio. Pick a quiet space that has minimal background noise. Sound blankets or soft furnishings will help reduce reverb and echo. YAudioshould stay between -12 and -16 decibels to get the best recording levels.

File Format Guidelines

TikTok works with most major audio formats. You can edit your track to get better engagement. Here’s what you can do:

• Balance the volume levels
• Mix in sound effects or vocal touches
• Build unique instrumental layers
• Clean up background noise

Track Length Requirements

TikTok has strict rules about the length of your music. The platform lets you upload tracks between 15 and 60 seconds. Record your complete song in high quality first, even though you’ll only use a small part.

The best part of your track should stand out and showcase your unique sound. Upbeat segments work better and engage more people with your content.

Choose Your Upload Method

TikTok offers several ways to share your music with its global audience. Each method has benefits and features that can help artists grow their following.

What is SoundOn?

SoundOn is TikTok’s music distribution platform, where artists can upload music for free and earn royalties. It’s a popular choice for many independent artists due to its direct TikTok integration, which enhances discoverability. SoundOn also distributes your music to other platforms like Spotify and Apple Music, giving you wider exposure. The platform offers exclusive artist support and analytics, helping you understand your audience and track your music’s performance.

Key Benefits of SoundOn:

• 100% Royalties in Year 1 (90% after that)
• Direct TikTok Integration for better discoverability
• Free distribution to other streaming services
• Exclusive artist support & analytics

Now, let’s compare SoundOn’s direct upload method with traditional distribution platforms so you can choose the best option:

Direct Upload vs. Distribution Platforms: Which is Right for You?

After choosing your preferred method, let’s walk through the exact steps to upload your mu

Direct TikTok Upload Steps

SoundOn, TikTok’s distribution platform, is an affordable choice. The platform pays 100% royalties to creators in the first year and 90% after that. Over 3 million creators have already partnered with the platform, and SoundOn lets you reach TikTok’s colossal user base directly.

Distribution Platform Process

Music distributors can help you reach even more platforms. These services take care of everything you need:

• Metadata management and quality control
• Royalty collection and distribution
• Cross-platform release coordination
• Copyright protection and licencing

Distributors typically require at least two weeks of lead time for releases. This period allows them to confirm that your music complies with all platform specifications.

Music distributors ensure your track is properly registered with metadata and copyright protection in place. Platforms like Melody Rights simplify this process, handling both distribution and royalty registration, so you don’t have to worry about missing out on earnings.

Promote Your Music on TikTok

Successful music promotion on TikTok needs brilliant content creation and trend awareness.

Create Engaging Content

Performance clips are key to successful TikTok music promotion. These short, high-energy videos showcase your talent and build audience connection. Behind-the-scenes content appeals to viewers and offers glimpses into your creative process and studio sessions.

To get the best results, create these types of content:

• Performance snippets highlighting your best hooks
• Studio recording sessions showing your process
• Lyric videos featuring catchy phrases
• Dance or lip-sync challenges using your track

Focus on the first 15 seconds of videos because this duration gets the best engagement. Your content should stay authentic and relatable so fans feel connected to your music.

Use Trending Sounds

TikTok’s algorithm prefers videos that use popular sounds and trending hashtags. Users who create videos with your music help the platform’s recommendation engine show your content more often.

Check the #TrendAlert page regularly to find current trends that match your style. This approach helps your music appear more prominently in TikTok’s Discover and For You tabs.

Crafting 15-second snippets featuring compelling hooks or memorable moments is most effective. These brief clips encourage user-generated content and significantly expand the reach of your music. Videos from other users incorporating your sound trigger a chain reaction, introducing your music to fresh audiences.

Upload Music to TikTok for Free – Conclusion

TikTok has become a robust platform that helps artists reach global audiences with their music. Your success depends on taking the proper steps – from creating your artist account to making content that strikes a chord with viewers.

Quality audio and the proper distribution method will determine how far your music reaches. Clever content creation and an understanding of trends also play significant roles in getting your music seen by TikTok’s enormous user base.

As well as getting on TikTok, don’t neglect other parts of claiming all your rights. 

Metadata management and proper copyright registration are crucial to ensuring you receive all the royalties you’re owed. Melody Rights offers an all-in-one solution that simplifies distribution while handling rights management, so you can focus on making music instead of dealing with administrative headaches.

Your TikTok music experience starts now. Stay true to yourself, participate in trends, and create content that shows your unique musical style. The next viral hit could be just one upload away.

FAQs

Q1. How to get my music on tiktok? 

You can get your music on TikTok by uploading it through SoundOn, TikTok’s official music distribution platform. SoundOn lets you upload directly and earn royalties, while distributors ensure your track reaches multiple platforms, including TikTok.

Q2. What are the requirements for setting up a TikTok for Artists account? 

To set up a TikTok for Artists account, you need: 

• At least four songs in your catalogue
• A public profile with a completed bio, username, and profile photo
• You must also maintain an active presence by logging in at least once every six months. 

Meeting these requirements grants you exclusive features like the Artist Tag and a dedicated Music Tab.

Q3. How long can my music tracks be on TikTok? 

TikTok allows tracks between 15 and 60 seconds in length. Record your completed song in high quality, focusing on the most engaging 15-60-second segment to highlight your unique sound. 

Q4. How to get paid to promote music on TikTok?

To get paid for promoting music on TikTok, join the TikTok Creator Marketplace to connect with brands. Platforms like Playlist Push and SoundCampaign also pay creators up to $250 per video to feature songs.