The news: TikTok launched a beta suite of Songwriter Features, designed to credit and showcase the creators behind hit songs. 

Songwriters can now tag their profiles, curate music in a dedicated tab, and share the stories behind their work within TikTok’s music discovery ecosystem.

Created based on feedback from 871 songwriters, Songwriter Features could stoke deeper fan connections and help attract songwriting communities, music enthusiasts, and industry professionals.

TikTok rewinds: Music was TikTok’s original business focus—first through lip-syncing on Musical.ly, then through viral audio trends that powered global chart hits. 

By giving songwriters greater visibility, TikTok returns to its roots while expanding its utility as a platform for discovery, storytelling, and interaction. This launch helps TikTok turn fandom into following—and following into revenue.

Noteworthy musical numbers: 

• 80% of songwriters already use social media to promote their work, per MIDiA.
• 53% of full-time songwriters who post do so on TikTok.
• Industry-leading songwriters are backing the rollout at a time when independent artists drive 48% of streaming revenues.

“We're seeing a growing trend of music fans wanting to discover and follow the creators behind their favorite songs,” said Laura Willoughby, director of Warner Chappell Music, one of the many labels adding their songwriters to TikTok.

Diversifying under pressure: TikTok’s Songwriter Features signal that the company is expanding well beyond short-form video—even as a potential US ban looms. 

It’s also exploring connected TV (CTV) apps and long-form video, as well as mixed reality (MR) as alternative paths to reach users that aren’t focused on mobile.

By building creator spaces, TikTok can expand into communities, driving up engagement and time spent on the platform.

Our take: For marketers, this opens fresh ground—a chance to tap into niche music communities, support rising talent, and tell richer stories through the voices behind the hits. 

As TikTok deepens its creator tools, savvy brands will find opportunities to meet audiences in thriving creator spaces.

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