How to promote your music on TikTok and go viral in 2025

TikTok has revolutionized the music industry, turning unknown artists into global sensations overnight. With over a billion active users, it’s no surprise that musicians are flocking to the platform to promote their music and chase that elusive viral moment. But how do you stand out in a sea of dance challenges, lip-syncs, and trends? In this guide, we’ll break down actionable strategies to promote your music on TikTok, boost your chances of going viral, and build a loyal fanbase—all while keeping it authentic and fun.

Why TikTok is a game-changer for musicians

Before diving into the "how," let’s talk about the "why." TikTok isn’t just a social media app—it’s a launchpad for music discovery. Hits like Lil Nas X’s “Old Town Road” and Doja Cat’s “Say So” owe their meteoric rise to TikTok’s algorithm and its ability to amplify catchy hooks.

The platform’s short-form video format thrives on sound, making it the perfect place to showcase your music.

Plus, with TikTok’s ever-evolving trends, even indie artists with small budgets can compete with major labels.

If you’re searching for "how to promote music on TikTok" or "how to go viral on TikTok as a musician," you’re in the right place. Let’s explore the steps to make TikTok work for you in 2025.

Step 1: Create a TikTok-friendly song (or snippet)

The key to TikTok success starts with your music. You don’t need a full three-minute track to go viral—15 to 30 seconds of pure earworm potential can do the trick. Focus on crafting a hook that’s catchy, memorable, and versatile. Think about lyrics or beats that inspire dancing, storytelling, or humor—elements TikTok users love to play with.

Pro Tip: Upload your music to TikTok via a distributor like Ditto Music, DistroKid, or TuneCore. Once it’s available in TikTok’s sound library, anyone can use it in their videos, skyrocketing your exposure.

Step 2: Master TikTok trends (but add your spin)

TikTok thrives on trends—dance challenges, memes, and quirky transitions dominate the For You Page (FYP). To promote your music, jump on trending sounds or hashtags, but tie them to your song. For example, if a dance challenge is blowing up, create a version using your track and encourage others to join in.

Don’t just copy—innovate. Add a unique twist that makes your video (and sound) stand out. The goal? Get users to think, “I need to use this song too.”

Example: If a “day in the life” trend is hot, film a behind-the-scenes clip of your music-making process with your song overlaid. Authenticity resonates on TikTok.

Step 3: engage with your audience

TikTok isn’t a one-way street. Reply to comments, duet with fans who use your sound, and thank creators who feature your music. Building a community keeps your momentum going and signals to TikTok’s algorithm that your content is worth pushing.

Action Step: Host a live session to connect with fans, tease new releases, or even co-write a TikTok-inspired song with their input.

Looking for some ideas for your TikTok videos? Here are 6 type of content you should try that have the potential to go viral: Effortless content ideas for musicians to go viral

Step 4: collaborate with TikTok influencers

Influencers are TikTok’s secret weapon. Partnering with creators who have sizable followings can introduce your music to new audiences. Look for influencers whose vibe matches your sound—whether it’s comedic, cinematic, or dance-focused—and pitch them your track.

How to Approach Them:

• Send a polite DM with a short pitch: “Hey [name], I’m [your name], an artist with a song I think your audience would love. Can I send it over?”
• Offer a freebie (like early access to your track) or a small payment if your budget allows.

Step 5: post consistently (but don’t burn out)

Consistency is key to cracking TikTok’s algorithm, but quality trumps quantity. Aim for 3-5 posts per week, experimenting with different formats: behind-the-scenes clips, lyric teases, or funny skits featuring your song. Test posting times—early mornings or late evenings often perform best in 2025.

Pro Tip: Use TikTok Analytics (available with a Pro account) to track which posts drive the most sound usage and double down on what works.

Step 6: leverage TikTok Ads

Organic growth is king, but TikTok Ads can give your music a nudge. Promote a video featuring your song via an In-Feed Ad or spark a branded hashtag challenge to get users creating with your sound.

For musicians looking to amplify their TikTok promotion with a budget, Matchfy’s VIP plan offers a powerful boost. This service streamlines music marketing by pitching your track to thousands of playlists across Spotify, YouTube, and TikTok with just one click. Tailored to your song’s genre and popularity, the VIP plan connects you with curators and enhances visibility, potentially sparking viral momentum. While it’s a paid feature with pricing based on your artist profile, it’s a hands-off way to maximize reach—perfect for complementing your organic TikTok efforts. Click down below to get started with VIP Plan

Step 7: make your sound shareable

The magic of TikTok lies in user-generated content. If your song becomes a “sound” that thousands use, you’re golden. Encourage fans to create with it by:

• Starting a challenge: “Use my song to show your morning routine!”
• Offering incentives: “Best video using my track wins a shoutout!”

The more your sound spreads, the higher your chances of landing on the FYP and going viral.

Step 8: cross-promote on other platforms

TikTok doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Share your TikTok videos on Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, and Twitter to maximize reach. Link your TikTok profile in your Spotify bio or website, driving fans to hear more of your music.

Step 9: stay patient and authentic

Going viral on TikTok isn’t guaranteed, even with the perfect strategy. The algorithm is unpredictable, and trends shift fast. Keep experimenting, stay true to your sound, and enjoy the process. Authenticity shines through—users can spot a forced trend-hopper a mile away.

Success stories to inspire you

Need proof TikTok works? Look at artists like Tai Verdes, who turned “Stuck in the Middle” into a hit via TikTok, or PinkPantheress, whose lo-fi beats exploded thanks to the platform. These artists didn’t just post and pray—they engaged, collaborated, and leaned into TikTok’s creative chaos.

Final thoughts: your TikTok music journey starts now

Promoting your music on TikTok in 2025 is about blending strategy with creativity. Craft a killer hook, ride trends, engage your audience, and don’t shy away from collaborations. Whether you’re an indie artist or a seasoned pro, TikTok offers a level playing field to get your music heard—and maybe even go viral.

Looking for an extra edge in music promotion? Matchfy offers a game-changing platform for artists, connecting you with playlist curators across Spotify, YouTube, and TikTok. With its innovative VIP plan, Matchfy simplifies pitching your tracks to thousands of playlists with one click, helping you boost visibility and reach new listeners effortlessly. Whether you’re building a fanbase or aiming for viral success, Matchfy’s tools and community make it a must-try for musicians navigating the digital landscape in 2025. Get started now by clicking the button below!