TikTok launches new distribution service 'SoundOn'

TikTok has just launched a new music marketing and distribution platform SoundOn.

Musicians can upload tracks directly to TikTok and then distribute it out to other streaming platforms. The parent company, ByteDance, will not be charging artists any distribution or transaction fees.

Read this next: How emerging DJs are using TikTok to reach millions

What is SoundOn? SoundOn is a music distributing platform which allows registered users to upload their tracks so it can be used on TikTok and be sent to other streaming services.

SoundOn promises to give 100% of royalties straight to musicians in the first year, and then 90% after that for music that they share to other streaming services such as Spotify, Apple Music, and Pandora. Other music distribution companies pay artists 100% of royalties, however, they often charge a distribution or transaction fee.

But as an incentive to upload music onto TikTok itself, when TikTok users use audios by musicians, they get to keep 100% of the royalties from those uses too.

SoundOn users will have the option of uploading their music to one or more streaming providers. They'll also get access to audience data, SoundOn marketing assistance, and TikTok promotional help.

Read this next: Kölsch: "I truly believe social media has saved electronic music"

They'll also be verified on TikTok, and other users will be able to view their profile under their tracks' song pages. Artists will retain full rights to their music, according to SoundOn's FAQ website, and they are not required to utilise the platform exclusively.

Because of viral videos on the app that tend to utilize the same catchy melodies, TikTok has already had a significant impact on the music industry as a whole.

The SoundOn platform, which has the potential to expand TikTok's influence on today's music environment even further, is now available in the United States, the United Kingdom, Brazil, and Indonesia, and musicians in those territories may register on the company's website.

Read this next: Only 0.4% of musicians could potentially make a living from streaming, study reveals

“TikTok creators are the lifeblood of our platform and the reason sounds become hits,” the website explains.

“When you release through our platform, our team will activate diverse creators to make videos with your track. This helps you broaden your fanbase and reach new communities that these creators are a part of.”

In a statement about the launch Ole Obermann, global head of Music at TikTok said: “New artists and musical creators are a vibrant community within TikTok and SoundOn is designed to support them as they take the first steps in their career.

“Our SoundOn teams will guide creators on their journey to the big stage and bring the expertise and power of TikTok to life for the artist. We’re incredibly excited about how this will surface and propel new talent and how SoundOn will contribute to an increasingly diverse and growing global music industry.”

Read this next: ABBA's Bjorn reveals 'Credits Due' program to reveal music royalty problem

For more information about SoundOn or to register, visit their website here.

[Via: Tech Crunch]

Aneesa Ahmed is Mixmag's Digital Intern, follow her on Twitter