TikTok Introduces Songwriter Features for Proper Credit Assignment and Enhanced User Profiles on the App
In a significant move for the music industry, TikTok has launched its new Songwriter Features in beta, aiming to enhance the visibility and monetization opportunities for songwriters on the popular social media platform. These features are designed to give proper credit to the work of songwriters and the music they have created, providing a dedicated space for showcasing their creative work.
The new Songwriter Features include a 'Songwriter Label' which identifies users as songwriters under their profile, and a 'Songwriter Music Tab' that enables songwriters to showcase tracks they have written or co-written, increasing discoverability among users. This rollout follows extensive research involving 871 songwriters and 18 detailed interviews, allowing TikTok to design the tools based on actual songwriter needs.
One of the key benefits of these features is easier discovery. By tagging songwriters and spotlighting their work, it becomes simpler for fans, collaborators, and industry professionals to find and connect with songwriters. Additionally, TikTok has licensing agreements with music distributors and labels, allowing music creators to earn royalties when their songs are used in TikTok videos. The platform’s approach to royalties is similar to YouTube’s, where the revenue depends on the distributor’s terms.
Industry recognition is another advantage, with well-known songwriters behind hits by top artists expressing their gratitude for TikTok's efforts to shine a light on songwriters. Early adopters of the Songwriter Features include Kole (Kelly Clarkson, Meghan Trainor, Ingrid Michaelson, Jason Mraz, Mimi Webb), Toby Gad (John Legend, Beyonce, Fergie, Madonna, Leona Lewis), Savan Kotecha (Usher, Britney Spears, One Direction, Ariana Grande, Weeknd, Ed Sheeran, Justin Bieber, Maroon 5, Demi Lovato, Tate McRae), and more.
The Songwriter Features complement TikTok's recent introduction of the "TikTok for Artists" insights platform, which provides musicians with analytics on their music, posts, and follower engagement. Other existing tools for songwriters on TikTok include the Add To Music App feature, the #BehindTheSong campaign, and the new music releases tag.
Rell Lafargue, Reservoir president and COO, praised TikTok's leadership in music discovery and collaboration on the beta rollout of Songwriter Features. Laura Willoughby, director of global creative services at Warner Chappell Music, also expressed appreciation for the new features' potential to enhance in-app songwriter and music discovery.
The Songwriter Features are launching today as a small-scale, closed beta with a limited number of publisher partners. Interested songwriters and publishers can sign up for the Songwriter Features beta test by completing the TikTok Songwriter Features waitlist form. Songwriters can also register for a Songwriter Account, which will identify them as a songwriter under their profile.
TikTok has demonstrated its passion for supporting songwriters with these new features. Jordan Lowy, a representative at TikTok, stated, "We are passionately committed to supporting songwriters and helping them connect with their fans in meaningful ways." These features are set to revolutionise the way songwriters engage with their audience and monetize their work on TikTok, leveraging the platform’s vast viral reach to promote their music effectively.
[1] Source: Music Business Worldwide
[Image: TikTok Songwriter Features logo]
The Songwriter Features on TikTok, launched in beta, host a 'Songwriter Label' and a 'Songwriter Music Tab', designed to boost the visibility of songwriters and their creative work, thereby facilitating easier discovery for fans, collaborators, and industry professionals alike. With licensing agreements in place, music creators can earn royalties when their songs are utilized in TikTok videos, much like on YouTube, while these features also attract accolades from recognized songwriters such as Kole, Toby Gad, Savan Kotecha, and more.
