TikTok for Artists: It’s Still King, But You Have to Make It Weird

TikTok is still one of the most powerful tools for music discovery.

It has helped break unknown artists, send old tracks viral, and launch entire careers from bedrooms.

But the thing most people get wrong?

They try to make content that looks like everyone else’s.

If you’re not weird with it, it’s probably not going to work.

What Actually Works on TikTok in 2025

People go to TikTok to feel something.

They want to laugh, cry, learn, or obsess over something new.

They don’t want a press release. They want presence.

The artists who grow on TikTok aren’t always the most polished.

They’re the ones who show up consistently, post with energy, and make content that feels like a window into their world.

It could be a demo recorded at 1am.

A rant about your least-streamed song.

A tour diary, but only the unhinged bits.

A behind-the-scenes look at a tiny win that meant everything.

TikTok rewards moments that feel real, unexpected, or oddly specific.

You don’t need to be good at video. You just need to be interesting.

You Don’t Need to Be Loud, Just Clear

One of the biggest myths is that TikTok only works if you’re extroverted or funny.

The truth is, there’s a lane for every kind of artist.

Quiet. Dramatic. Experimental. Awkward. Nerdy. Angry. Confused.

What matters more than energy is clarity.

People should know what you’re about within the first few seconds.

If they don’t, they scroll.

When your content feels like you, it stands out.

When it feels like a copy of someone else, it disappears.

Turning One Idea Into Five Posts

Don’t overthink it. You can turn almost anything into a mini-series.

For example:

• A song release can become five videos: the story, the process, a lyric deep-dive, your reaction, and someone else’s reaction.

• A tour can become ten moments: the weird meals, the greenroom chaos, the crowd clips, the merch you forgot, the thing that went wrong.

Repetition isn’t annoying if you shift the angle.

It helps your audience catch on and care.

Questions You Might Have After Reading This

Q1: I feel awkward on camera. Should I even bother?

Yes. You don’t need to dance or act. You just need to show up. Film your hands. Use voiceovers. Talk like you’re texting a friend. It gets easier the more you do it.

Q2: What if I post and nothing happens?

That’s normal. Most TikToks don’t blow up. But posting regularly builds momentum. You’re learning what clicks. You’re becoming searchable. You’re showing that you’re active and alive.

Q3: How often should I post?

Start with two or three times a week. Batch when you can. Don’t wait until it’s perfect. Momentum comes from doing, not from planning the ideal grid.

Want Help Creating TikToks That Actually Feel Like You?

I offer custom TikTok calendars, post ideas and strategy plans that help artists show up without burning out.

It’s not about going viral. It’s about building presence in a way that feels sustainable.

Book a discovery call here if you’re ready to take TikTok seriously without selling your soul.