There is one app in particular that everyone knows about, even if you do not have it yourself. That app is TikTok, which has quickly taken over the eyes of 1 billion users worldwide since its launch in September 2016. TikTok is a place where many people like to post or watch funny and creative videos. TikTok is one of the few platforms that allows you to become popular by doing any talent, not just singing or dancing, but comedy, acting and many others as well.
When you are swiping on the “For You Page,” you have likely noticed that the same song can appear multiple times. A song from decades ago or a song that came out yesterday can go viral in an instant, and everyone on the platform will know about it. Some people make dances for the songs, some create a trend for others to follow and some try to make the song their own through singing or playing it themselves.
“I would recommend students to post their musical talents on TikTok, but I do think you need to be cautious with TikTok,” said Debra White, communications professor. “I know people get really famous from it, so if it is a venue you can use to promote your talent, why not?”
Currently, many users utilize TikTok and its power to expand their popularity. Many artists hoping to create interest in their music post songs on TikTok. In fact, many well-known artists launched their careers on TikTok.
Lauren Spencer Smith is an example of TikTok fame. She got her start by going viral on YouTube and then went on to “American Idol.” Even though she did not win the show, she gained a large following. That inspired her to start posting covers of already popular songs, and she went viral on TikTok for her cover of “All I Want” by Olivia Rodrigo.
Now she is currently releasing her own music, and her fans could not be happier. Her newest song, “Fingers Crossed,” currently has 14 million streams. In the months leading up to the release of the song, she posted clips of the song on TikTok to create buzz around the song. Now, her music even gets played on the radio.
“I heard the song, ‘Fingers Crossed,’ on TikTok and was extremely happy when it was released,” said Amelia Motley, freshman pre-nursing student. “I related to that song from past experiences, and I was glad to hear a song that resonates with me.”
Whether you are a music major or just someone gifted with musical talent, your music can become just as popular as artists like Dixie D’Amelio and Priscilla Block if you post your songs on TikTok.
“Some of my favorite music comes from the people that really push their songs on TikTok, which inspires me to do the same,” said Isaac Reinherz, sophomore applied theology major. “I’ve been making music since the start of high school and have been posting on TikTok since summer 2021.”
Sudents like Reinherz can put their music out on TikTok and get noticed. So far, he only has 157 followers, but that is enough to start getting noticed. It only takes one song to go viral in order to gain a name for yourself and your music.
TikTok and the “For You Page” are all based on algorithms. What type of hashtags are posted in the videos you like, and what song is in the background of the video is what makes things go viral. When enough people repeatedly like the same song or hashtag, it will show up on more people’s pages. That’s why getting recognized is so easy on TikTok.
By utilizing TikTok and its effect on society today, artists’ gifts can be shared in the world, and they can receive recognition for their hard work and talent. The more you post and use popular hashtags and songs, the more you will be recognized and the quicker you will go viral. So if you are a talented student wondering how to get noticed, start posting on TikTok and share your gifts with the world.
