TikTok has unveiled a new feature called the Listening Party, currently in beta, that enables artists to engage fans through real-time streaming of their music via Apple Music. This development offers independent artists, music marketers, and record labels a powerful tool to foster community interaction, moving beyond the traditional reliance on viral 15-second clips. With this feature, fans can stream entire albums while participating in live chats, enhancing the listening experience significantly.
Key Features and Requirements
The Listening Party feature allows artists to create synchronous listening sessions. During these events, participants can interact in real-time, sharing insights and experiences related to the music. This innovation comes at a time when platforms like Spotify have opted for other forms of engagement, without incorporating synchronized listening into their TikTok integrations.
To utilize this feature, artists must meet specific requirements. Firstly, they need to be verified on TikTok, which involves claiming their TikTok Artist Profile and linking their catalog through the Artist Hub. Currently, artists can only initiate these sessions using the TikTok app on iOS devices.
Setting Up a TikTok Listening Party
Once verified, artists can start the process by linking their Apple Music account. This can be done by navigating to Settings and Privacy within the TikTok app, selecting Music, and then opting to add to the music app, choosing Apple Music as the platform.
To commence a Listening Party session, artists can find the option in either the Artist Hub or their dedicated music tab. Engaging with the audience is key during these events; artists can post messages, share behind-the-scenes stories, and respond to fans’ comments in real-time.
Artists are encouraged to gamify the experience by setting collective streaming goals, which can unlock exclusive content or personalized shoutouts during the session.
Promoting these events is crucial for success. Artists should inform fans that only those with an active Apple Music subscription can listen to the full-length tracks. Non-subscribers can still participate in the chat and enjoy 30-second previews of the music. Additionally, fans can save tracks directly to their Apple Music library using the Add to Music App button featured on TikTok videos during the event.
The integration of TikTok’s Listening Party with Apple Music addresses the “discovery gap” in the music industry. By retaining fans within the TikTok ecosystem while they explore an artist’s complete body of work, this feature holds the potential to enhance both engagement and growth for artists. To evaluate the long-term impact of these parties, users are advised to monitor their analytics on Apple Music for Artists.
