How to Release Music on TikTok

Getting your music on TikTok isn't just a good idea anymore, it's a fundamental part of a modern release strategy. This is where songs are born, old tracks are revived, and music careers can change overnight. This guide will walk you through the entire process, from the technical requirements of getting your track uploaded to the platform to the creative strategies for helping it catch fire.

So, You Want Your Song to Go Viral on TikTok?

Every artist's dream is to see millions of people using their song as the soundtrack to their lives. TikTok has become the number one platform for music discovery, single-handedly launching artists and sending songs up the Billboard charts. Unlike traditional radio, the barrier to entry is wide open - if the song connects, it can explode, regardless of whether you're signed to a major label or recording in your bedroom.

But virality isn't just dumb luck. It's a combination of two things: making your music available for people to use and then actively promoting it with a smart content strategy. We’ll cover both.

Part 1: The Technical Stuff - How to Officially Get Your Music on TikTok

You can't just upload an MP3 to TikTok and have it appear in the official music library for everyone to use. To do it right and get paid for streams, you need to go through a digital music distributor. Think of them as the go-between that sends your music to all the major platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and, most importantly, TikTok.

Step 1: Choose a Digital Music Distributor

There are many distributors out there, and most offer similar core services. The biggest difference usually comes down to their pricing model. Here are a few of the most popular options for independent artists:

• DistroKid: Known for its simple, subscription-based model. You pay an annual fee and can upload unlimited songs and albums. It's popular for its fast delivery times to stores and for being creator-friendly.
• TuneCore: This platform typically uses a pay-per-release model, where you pay an annual fee for each single or album you upload. It's a solid, long-standing option with great analytics and services.
• CD Baby: CD Baby charges a one-time fee per release, with no recurring annual payments. They are great for artists who want to "set it and forget it" without worrying about ongoing subscriptions to keep their music live.

Do your research, but don't get paralyzed by choice. All three of these (and many others) do the fundamental job well: they get your music onto TikTok's sound library.

Step 2: Prepare Your Audio and Artwork Files

Before you upload, you'll need two things in the correct format. This is non-negotiable, as distributors have quality control standards.

• Your Audio File: Always upload the highest quality audio file you have. This means a WAV file, not an MP3. Most distributors require at least a 16-bit, 44.1 kHz stereo WAV file. Exporting directly from your recording software (DAW) is the best way to get this.
• Your Cover Art: Your artwork needs to be a perfect square and high-resolution. The industry standard is 3000x3000 pixels in a JPG or PNG format. Don’t try to upscale a small, blurry image, it will get rejected.

Step 3: Upload Your Music and Metadata

Once you’ve signed up with a distributor, the process is pretty straightforward. You'll create a new release and follow the dashboard prompts:

1. Enter your artist name and song title.
2. Fill in the metadata (genre, songwriters, publisher information, etc.). If you wrote and composed everything yourself, you'll be listing yourself in these roles.
3. Upload your high-quality WAV file and your 3000x3000 pixel cover art.
4. Select the streaming platforms where you want your music sent. Make sure that TikTok is checked! It's usually included by default with services like Spotify and Apple Music.

Step 4: Select Your TikTok Clip Start Time

This is arguably the most important step for your TikTok release. Your distributor will ask you to specify which part of your song will become the default sound clip on the platform. You get to choose when the clip starts. Some distributors let you pick a specific 15-second, 30-second, or 60-second clip.

Do not just let it default to the beginning of your song.

Think like a TikTok creator. What is the catchiest, most memorable, and most loop-able moment of your song? Is it the chorus? The beat drop? A clever lyrical phrase in the second verse? Choose the part that has the most energy and instantly grabs a listener's attention. This moment is what hundreds, thousands, or even millions of people will be making videos to.

Step 5: Submit, Wait, and Confirm

After you submit everything, your distributor will review your release to make sure it meets all the technical requirements. This can take anywhere from a couple of days to a couple of weeks. Once approved, it gets sent out to the platforms. It’s always best to upload your music at least 3-4 weeks before your release date to avoid any delays.

Once your music is live, search for it on TikTok's sound library to confirm it's there and that the right clip is selected. Now, the real work begins.

Part 2: The Creative Strategy - How to Promote Your Music on TikTok

Having your music on TikTok is one thing, getting people to use it is another. You can't just upload it and hope for the best. You need to be the single biggest champion of your own sound.

Tease Your Song Before It's Even Out

One of the most effective strategies is to build hype *before* the song officially drops. You don't need the song to be on the official audio library to do this.

How to do it:

• Film a short video of yourself in your studio, your car, or your room listening to a snippet of the unreleased song.
• Use a compelling caption like, "Wrote this about a really bad breakup... should I release it?" or "I don't know if this is any good, what do you think?"
• When you create the video, instead of selecting library audio, upload the screen-recorded snippet of your song as your own "original sound."

This does two things: It activates your existing fans and validates your song idea. If the teaser video starts getting traction and comments like "DROP THIS NOW," you already know you have something that connects with people.

Create Your Own Content Using Your Sound

On your release day, you need to be the first person creating content with your official sound. Don't wait for a trend to happen - start one yourself. The goal is to make content that is easily replicable and gives other people ideas of how they can use your sound.

Actionable Content Ideas for Your Song:

• Tell the Story Behind the Song: Use on-screen text to share the inspiration, lyrics, or a personal story tied to the music. People connect with authenticity.
• Start a Simple Trend: Don't try to invent a complicated dance. Think of something simpler. Can people point to text bubbles that appear on the beat? Can they show a "before and after" transition when the beat drops? Remove the friction for creation.
• Behind-the-Scenes Footage: Show clips from the recording studio, the music video shoot, or you just jamming out to your own tune. This builds a deeper connection with your audience.
• Lip-Sync Videos: It sounds basic, but a passionately performed lip-sync of your own track, showing the emotion behind the lyrics, is incredibly effective. Look at the camera and connect.

Post multiple videos using your sound, not just one. Hit different angles, try a few different trend ideas, and see what sticks.

Engage with Every Single Person Who Uses Your Sound

When someone finally uses your sound to make a video, it’s a big deal. You now have an opportunity to turn a listener into a fan.

• Leave a positive comment on their video ("This is amazing! Thanks for using my song!").
• Follow them.
• Use the "Stitch" or "Duet" features to react to their video, showing your appreciation to your own audience.

This kind of engagement encourages more people to use your sound. When others see the original artist is active and supportive, they're more likely to join in.

Think in Moments, Not in Songs

Remember that TikTok operates on 15 to 30-second clips. The most successful songs on the platform often have one perfect, undeniable "moment." This could be a powerful vocal run, a huge beat drop, or a relatable lyric. When you’re writing and producing, start thinking about where that TikTok moment might live in your own music. Sometimes, an explosive, catchy pre-chorus is more valuable for TikTok discovery than a slow-burning chorus.

Don't be afraid to lean into trends like sped-up or slowed + reverb versions. If you notice fans creating their own sped-up remixes, beat them to it! Release an official "Sped Up version" through your distributor to capitalize on the trend and get paid for it.

Final Thoughts

Releasing music on TikTok is a powerful two-step process: you handle the technical logistics through a distributor and then drive the creative marketing by making your own content and engaging your community. It’s not a passive process, but it’s one where your hard work can pay off with a visibility that was once unimaginable for independent artists.

Once your music is live and you're ready to promote it, the daily task of creating and posting content for it across TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts can become overwhelming. At Postbase, we designed our platform specifically for the short-form video era. We help you plan your entire video release schedule on a visual calendar, allowing you to prep and schedule all your promotional content from one clean dashboard. This saves you hours of time, so you can focus on what's most important: making great music and connecting with the fans who discover you on TikTok.