6 Creative TikTok Ideas to Engage Your Audience and Grow Your Community
As an independent or emerging artist, standing out on TikTok can be challenging but incredibly rewarding. Many artists have been able to get recognition for there music on through the platform. Here are six creative, out-of-the-box ideas that can help you engage your audience, grow your community, and leave a lasting impression.
1. Reverse Remix Collaboration
Involve your followers in your creative process by inviting them to send you random sound bites or noises. Use these submissions to create a full song or beat, documenting each step from selecting the sounds to producing the final track. This not only showcases your creativity but also makes your fans feel like they’re part of your artistic journey.
Example: DJ and producer Andrew Huang has used similar techniques, creating songs using everyday sounds submitted by his followers. His interactive approach not only keeps his audience engaged but also highlights his unique production skills.
2. Live Music Composing with Audience Input
Go live on TikTok and let your audience influence the creation of a song in real-time. Ask viewers to suggest lyrics, chords, or instruments, and build a track on the spot based on their suggestions. This real-time collaboration makes your fans feel deeply involved in your creative process, fostering a strong sense of community and loyalty.
Example: Artist and TikTok creator Laufey often goes live to write music with her fans, asking them to contribute lyrics or themes. This interactive method has helped her build a dedicated fanbase that feels personally connected to her music.
3. Musical Scavenger Hunt
Turn your TikTok content into a game by creating a musical scavenger hunt. Each video in the series contains a clue, such as a note, lyric, or sound, that leads your audience to the next video. The end goal could be the reveal of a new track, an exclusive snippet, or even a secret unreleased song that fans have to piece together.
Example: Electronic duo ODESZA created a similar concept for one of their album releases, using social media to drop hints and clues about their new music, which fans eagerly pieced together. This built anticipation and engagement leading up to the release.
4. Cover Roulette Challenge
Put a twist on cover songs by creating a “Cover Roulette” challenge. Randomly pick a popular TikTok song and immediately create a unique cover in your own style. This spontaneity and surprise element make for entertaining content, showcasing your versatility as an artist while engaging your audience with unpredictable performances.
Example: Singer and TikTok creator Elise Ecklund has gained popularity by randomly selecting songs to cover on her ukulele, often adding her unique twist to well-known tracks. This has helped her build a strong, engaged community on the platform.
5. Storytime Songwriting
Share personal stories or experiences with your audience and turn them into songs. You can ask your followers to suggest story elements or vote on different parts of the story to create a collaborative narrative. This not only brings your audience closer but also gives them a sense of ownership in your creative process.
Example: TikTok creator Jax gained traction by writing songs based on her experiences or her followers' stories. This approach allowed her to connect with her audience on a deeper level, making her content both relatable and engaging.
6. Crowdsourced Album Art
Engage your fanbase by running a challenge where they submit artwork based on a song or album theme. Participants would need to create a TikTok using the official sound. Generating momentum for your songs. The winning design could become your official album cover or be featured on limited-edition merchandise. Document the submission process and share your reactions to the artwork, making your fans feel valued and involved in your creative journey.
Example: The band Twenty One Pilots ran a similar challenge, inviting fans to design the cover for their single “Level of Concern.” The band selected the winning entry, which became the official artwork, further deepening their connection with fans.
Key Takeaways:
Creativity is Key: Think outside the box with your TikTok content to stand out in a crowded platform. Whether it’s a "Reverse Remix" or "Storytime Songwriting," originality captures attention.
Engage Your Audience: Interactive ideas like "Live Music Composing" or "Cover Roulette" encourage followers to participate in your creative process, deepening their connection with you.
Leverage Real-Time Feedback: Incorporating audience input, as seen in "Live Music Composing," not only creates engaging content but also helps you understand what resonates with your listeners.
Consistency Matters: Regularly posting unique content, such as "Storytime Songwriting" or "Crowdsourced Album Art," keeps your audience engaged and eager for more.
Start Small: Even as an independent artist, you can create impactful TikTok content with simple, cost-effective ideas that don't require big budgets or advanced technology.
Build Community: Each of these strategies not only helps you grow your audience but also fosters a loyal community of fans who feel personally connected to your journey as an artist.
At Crate, we’re here to support you as you explore new ways to engage your audience and grow your community. Whether through blog posts, social media, or one-on-one advice, we're committed to helping you thrive. If you’re facing challenges or need guidance, we’d love to hear from you. Share your struggles, pitch your ideas, or let us know what you’d like to see in our upcoming content. Your input is invaluable, and together, we can find creative solutions to help you succeed in the music industry.