TikTok, a dominant force in short-form video, is rolling out a suite of new promotional features designed to entice songwriters and strengthen its role as a music discovery hub. This move signals a strategic effort by the social media giant to deepen its ties with the music industry’s creative backbone, offering more direct pathways for artists to monetize their work and gain exposure.
For years, TikTok has been an undeniable catalyst for song virality, transforming obscure tracks into global hits overnight. However, the benefits for songwriters, particularly those behind the scenes, have often been indirect or limited. The new features aim to address this by providing more robust tools for promotion, analytics, and potentially, more equitable revenue sharing.
Unveiled on July 17, the TikTok Songwriter Features are being released in a closed beta for select publishing partners, with a waitlist open to others.
🎵 What’s New?
Specifically, the new features include:
- Songwriter Account Label: Songwriters who register can now display a “Songwriter” tag beneath their username—offering clear credit for their creative role on TikTok.
- Dedicated Music Tab: A new tab will appear on songwriter profiles, featuring the tracks they’ve written or co-written, enabling fans to explore their broader catalog.
Previously launched tools like #BehindTheSong, a “New” tag highlighting recent releases, and an “Add to Music App” button are now integrated into this expanded platform for songwriters.
🔍 Driven by Songwriter Feedback
TikTok consulted over 870 songwriters and conducted in-depth interviews to shape these features. Developers say the feedback pointed to a need for improved discovery, better monetization opportunities, and greater visibility for songwriters’ contributions.
🚀 Early Adopters & Industry Response
Well-known songwriters such as Lauren Christy, Toby Gad, Savan Kotecha, and KOLE are among the first to test the new features. Their feedback highlights the importance of creative credit and improved interaction with fans.
TikTok’s Global Head of Music Publishing Licensing & Partnerships, Jordan Lowy, emphasized the platform’s aim: “To help songwriters tell stories about their music, their craft, and their lives… and build their audience.”
🎧 Why It Matters
Despite closing its standalone streaming service, TikTok Music, in 2024, TikTok continues to serve as a leading discovery engine for music. Songwriters have historically received limited visibility compared to performing artists—but these tools shift that balance.
With growing pressure for equitable treatment in the music industry—such as licensing disputes between TikTok and Universal Music Group over compensation and AI-generated content—these enhancements may also signal broader efforts to address songwriter visibility and rights.
✅ Next Steps for Songwriters
Interested songwriters and publishers who wish to participate can join the waitlist for upcoming beta access in the EU, U.S., and other regions.
Summary Box
| Feature | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Songwriter Label | Adds a visible “Songwriter” tag to user profiles |
| Dedicated Music Tab | Highlights written/co-written songs on songwriter’s profile |
| Storytelling Tools | Promotes content via #BehindTheSong and “New” release badges |
TikTok’s latest initiative reflects its evolving focus on creator equity and music industry relevance. By spotlighting songwriters, TikTok enhances artist branding and may bolster monetization as competition with streaming platforms intensifies.