10 Things That Make Musicians Go Viral on TikTok (And How You Can Do It Too!)

TikTok has become a powerhouse for musicians looking to build a fanbase, share their art, and even go viral. From dance challenges to behind-the-scenes content, the platform offers endless opportunities for musicians to blow up. So, what does it take to become the next big TikTok sensation? Let’s dive into the top 10 things that make musicians go viral on TikTok—and how you can apply these strategies yourself!

Psst... we’ve also included some cool tools that can help you step up your TikTok game!

10 Things That Make Musicians Go Viral on TikTok (And How You Can Do It Too!)

1. Catchy Hooks or Snippets

Ever noticed how certain songs stick in your head after just a few seconds on TikTok? That’s because they’ve mastered the catchy hook. A 10-15 second snippet of your song that’s impossible to forget can fuel a viral moment. Use this hook in challenges, memes, or fun content that encourages others to share!

Affiliate Opportunity: Try royalty-free music software like Splice to craft your perfect hook without worrying about legal issues.

2. Create Your Own Dance Challenge

Dance challenges have been one of the most surefire ways for musicians to gain traction on TikTok. Think of how songs like “Blinding Lights” by The Weeknd blew up! You don’t need complex choreography—just something fun and easy for others to replicate.

Affiliate Opportunity: Use Adobe Premiere Pro to create high-quality videos of your dance challenges and edits that will catch more eyes!

3. Collaborate With TikTok Influencers

Sometimes all it takes is getting your track in the hands (or on the lips) of a TikTok influencer with a big following. Influencers can share your music with their audience through dances, lip-syncs, or even just mentioning your name in their content.

Affiliate Opportunity: Use Fiverr to connect with TikTok influencers who are looking to collaborate with musicians.

4. Use Trending Sounds and Hashtags

TikTok’s algorithm loves trends, so you should too! Find out what sounds are trending and figure out how to incorporate them into your content. Make sure you’re using trending hashtags as well, so more people can find your music.

Pro Tip: Don’t just follow the trends—put your own spin on them! TikTok rewards originality.

5. Behind-the-Scenes Content

People love seeing the process of how music is made! Show off your home studio setup, songwriting process, or even the moments when things don’t go quite as planned. Authenticity goes a long way on TikTok.

Affiliate Opportunity: Check out Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 for top-notch audio recording equipment to make your BTS content sound professional.

6. Share Your Story or Inspiration

Every song has a story, and TikTok users love to connect with the people behind the music. Sharing the personal inspiration behind your songs can help humanise your content and build a deeper connection with your audience. Vulnerability can go viral, too!

7. Use TikTok's Duet Feature

The Duet feature allows users to interact with your video in real-time. If your content encourages participation—whether it's a duet with your singing, playing an instrument, or creating a harmony—you can quickly create viral moments.

Pro Tip: Make your videos interactive by asking viewers to duet or add their own twist to your performance!

8. Perfect Your Aesthetic

The way your content looks is just as important as how it sounds. Musicians who go viral often have a distinct visual style that makes their content recognisable. Whether it’s a specific filter, lighting setup, or color palette, your aesthetic should reflect your music’s vibe.

Affiliate Opportunity: Grab a Lume Cube lighting kit (Affiliate Link) to make sure your TikTok videos look professional and visually appealing, even if you're shooting at home!

9. Engage with Your Audience

Musicians who go viral are great at engaging with their audience. Responding to comments, liking duets, and even making videos that answer fan questions are great ways to build a loyal following. The more interaction, the more TikTok’s algorithm will push your content to new viewers.

Pro Tip: Be sure to go live on TikTok as well to interact with fans in real time!

10. Stay Consistent and Post Regularly

The key to going viral on TikTok is consistency. Musicians who blow up are often those who post regularly, giving them more opportunities to hit the For You page. Whether it’s a snippet of a new track, a behind-the-scenes clip, or a shoutout to your fans, posting frequently helps you stay relevant.

Affiliate Opportunity: Consider using Hootsuite (Affiliate Link) to schedule your TikTok posts so you can stay consistent without spending all day on social media.

Conclusion

Going viral on TikTok as a musician isn’t about luck—it’s about creating engaging, high-quality content that resonates with your audience. Whether you’re dropping a catchy hook, collaborating with influencers, or sharing your creative process, these 10 tips will help you increase your chances of blowing up.

And don’t forget, using the right tools can make all the difference! Check out the affiliate links to the resources and gear mentioned above to elevate your content and take your TikTok game to the next level.

Happy TikToking and good luck going viral!