Grow On TikTok: Five Key Takeaways

At the end of August we were joined by Stevie McMinn, founder of indepedent record label Akira, for a discussion all about TikTok, and it's relevance to the modern music industry. We loved diving into the strategies that help artists and creators use storytelling to connect and build their communities on the short form video platform.

From viral trends to authentic storytelling, Stevie broke down how artists and labels can use short-form video to connect with fans, boost visibility, and grow sustainable music careers.

Stevie also practices what he preaches — he’s built a loyal following on TikTok by sharing real, practical advice for music creators. If you’re not already following him, you’re missing out on some top-tier insights.Drop him a follow.

Didn’t catch the live session? If you missed it, catch-up on a full recording of the session at the bottom of this article, or alternatively head to our socials to view a few of the highlights and clips.

Here are the five key takeaways that really stood out:

1. Consistency is king – Success on TikTok isn’t about one viral hit — it’s about showing up regularly.Post content that’s on-brand, authentic, and consistent with your story. The algorithm rewards creators who stay active, and fans do too. Consistency is how you find your tribe — and how they find you.

1. Ride the wave of trends – Tap into TV shows, movies, and cultural moments to spark inspiration and connect with audiences already engaged in those conversations.

2. Find your community – Support and interact with artists like yourself on a regular basis. Engaging authentically boosts visibility in the algorithm.

1. Leverage TikTok tools – Use the location tag to promote your tour dates and the carousel feature to share posters and key updates.

2. Double down on what works – When you see your content performing well, lean into it. Reuse your popular sounds, scale up that content style, and consider running targeted ads.

Catch-up on the full session here: