How To: Use the Right Part of Your Song for TikTok
Picture the scene: you spent weeks writing your latest track, agonising over every lyric and minor detail. (You even lost sleep over that key change in the bridge!) But you laid down the song in the studio, and everything is finally mixed and mastered.
Phew, the hard work is finally over. Except it’s really just beginning. Because now you have to make sure you get your masterpiece into as many ears as possible, and that means creating an effective strategy to promote it successfully.
TikTok can be an incredibly powerful tool for promoting your music, but success on the platform may come down to one crucial decision: choosing the right part of your song to use as a TikTok Sound. And that could be the difference between whether you go viral or completely flop…but, y’know, no pressure or anything.
Below we’ll cover a few “must know” tips for using TikTok to tease your upcoming release and, just maybe, become the next viral sensation. Again, no pressure.
Why the Right TikTok Sound Matters
TikTok thrives on earworms that are instantly recognizable.
Although the typical user spends an average of around one hour on TikTok per session, research suggests you only have a couple of seconds to hook a user before they scroll away. That’s why picking the perfect moment is so crucial.
Creating a compelling sound can intrigue new viewers, encourage engagement with your existing followers, and build anticipation for your full release. In other words, it shapes how fans (new and old alike) interact with your music.
Here’s our advice on choosing the best part of your song for TikTok:
- Focus on a Hook
Find the catchiest part of your song – an anthemic chorus, standout lyric, or a huge beat drop – and let it do the heavy lifting for you. - Keep it Short and Sweet
Once you’ve chosen a clip that grabs the attention, make sure it doesn’t overstay its welcome. Always leave your listeners wanting more! - Hit Viewers in the Feels
Think about the emotion you’re trying to convey with your clip: do you want to get their feet moving or their tear ducts working? Make sure the vibe is right.
Pro Tip: Don’t be afraid to test a few different snippets to see which one(s) resonate best with early listeners. You can always put under-performers on the backburner.
Analysing the Success of TikTok Sounds
You’ve chosen the right clip, created a great video to go along with it, and your TikTok Sound is live. The hard work MUST be over now, right? Not quite, but we’re getting close. Next, it’s time to think about tracking your Sound’s performance.
Pay attention to the following to get a feel for your success:
- How many TikToks are being created with it?
- Are people liking your post? Sharing? Commenting?
- What does early feedback in the comments look like?
You can’t expect to create the next big dance trend every time you post, but there’s no doubt that picking the right snippet can inspire folks all over TikTok to engage. Just look at Fleetwood Mac, The Cramps, or Yeah Yeah Yeahs for proof that those viral moments hit harder when accompanied by just the right audio clip.
Trust your gut when creating your TikTok sound – you know your music better than anyone else – and don’t be afraid to experiment, then use your insights to refine your strategy leading up to launch day. We hope to see you on our FYP soon!
Ready to craft the perfect TikTok sound?
Head back to the un:hurd app for more excerpt tips and resources on how to use TikTok to promote your music and reach new audiences.
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