It’s time for a reality check: Most musicians who take their craft seriously would rather change a string mid-solo than film themselves doing a “trending” dance in their kitchen.
If you’ve been avoiding TikTok because you think it’s just a digital playground for teenagers and lip-syncing, I have good news. You don’t have to learn a single 16-bar routine to get your music heard. In fact, for the “serious” musician, the best strategy is actually the exact opposite of what the gurus tell you.
It’s time to stop dancing and start storytelling.
The “Trend” Trap
The biggest mistake artists make is trying to fit into a mold that doesn’t belong to them. When you force a “vibe” that isn’t yours, the audience smells it instantly. TikTok’s algorithm isn’t actually looking for dancers; it’s looking for retention.
People stop scrolling for two things: high-octane energy or extreme vulnerability. Since most of us aren’t circus performers, vulnerability is your greatest asset.
Forget the Studio: The Power of the “Car Confessional”
You’ve probably seen these videos without realizing their power: a songwriter sitting in the driver’s seat of their car, phone propped up on the dashboard, looking slightly tired.
They don’t start by saying, “Check out my new single on Spotify!” (That’s a great way to make people scroll away).
Instead, they say:
“I wrote this line when I was sitting in my driveway at 3 AM because I couldn’t handle going inside and seeing my house empty after the divorce. I didn’t think I’d ever share it, but here it is.”
Then, they play a raw snippet of the song. No vocal tuning, no fancy lighting—just the story and the song.
Why this works:
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Context gives the song value: Without the story, it’s just another melody. With the story, it’s a shared emotional experience.
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Low stakes, high reward: You don’t need a $2,000 camera. The “raw” look actually performs better because it feels like a FaceTime call from a friend, not an advertisement.
3 Story-First Ideas for Musicians Who Hate Trends
If you’re staring at your phone wondering what to post, try these “no-dance” formats:
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The “Lyric Origin” Story: Pick your most painful or specific lyric. Look at the camera and explain exactly what happened the day you wrote it. Use the “Green Screen” effect to show a photo from that time in your life.
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The “Work in Progress” Pull-Back: Show a screen recording of your DAW (Logic, Ableton, etc.). Mute everything except the vocal and one instrument. Explain the “happy accident” that happened during the recording session.
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The Direct Connection: Use the “Stitch” or “Duet” feature to respond to someone else’s story. If someone is talking about grief, and you have a song about grief, play a 15-second clip as a “musical hug.”
Authenticity is the New Viral
The music industry is tired of “manufactured” moments. Listeners are craving artists who feel like real humans.
You spent years learning how to write songs that mean something. Don’t throw that away for the sake of a trending audio. Use the platform to show the world why you write, not just what you play.
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