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Start with sound: using music to supercharge campaign success on TikTok

Introduction

In today’s digital landscape, sound is more than just an auditory element—it's a vital component of content creation, especially on platforms like TikTok. In this article, we'll explore how leveraging music can not only enhance audience engagement but also drive brand success through effective campaigns. We’ll be taking insights from TikTok's recent data and collaborations with Adobe to encompass a comprehensive understanding of sound's power in marketing strategies.

The Power of Sound on TikTok

TikTok, a platform that thrives on creativity and user engagement, has integrated sound as a core element of its user experience. With music content viewed over six trillion times in 2023, it is clear that sound resonates deeply with users. In fact, 52% of TikTok users actively seek music and concert content, which positions music in the top 10 most engaged content verticals on the platform.

A study by Canar in 2021 revealed that 72% of respondents were more likely to engage with an advertisement featuring audio, and a staggering 40% stated they would remember a brand better if it utilized a song they liked. This connection is vital, as it translates to measurable impacts on brand awareness, user sentiment, and even sales conversion rates.

User Engagement and Brand Connection

Consumers often connect with brands through sound, and TikTok users are no exception. Understanding this connection can lead to enhanced campaigns that do more than just showcase products; they create an emotional linkage between audiences and brands. For brands looking to tap into TikTok's audience, aligning with music trends is crucial. A recent report indicated that sound contributes eight times more than visual elements, such as logos or colors, to a consumer's affinity for a brand.

Leveraging case studies can illustrate this point clearly. For instance, American Eagle's partnership with artist Katherine Lee resulted in one of the most viral campaigns to date, earning significant media coverage for its effective utilization of sound. Similarly, Trident’s campaign featuring Chloe Bailey garnered impressive sales figures, amounting to over 120 million units sold, highlighting the massive potential of sound in brand marketing.

The Influence of Fandom and Subcultures

TikTok serves as a melting pot for diverse music fandoms and subcultures, where users can easily discover and share music across various demographics. Interestingly, a 2023 report by Luminate found that over 90% of music fans are more likely to discover new music on TikTok than on other platforms, further emphasizing its unique role in music consumption culture.

This trend is exciting for brands that seek to engage with specific subcultures. By understanding the nuances of these communities, brands can craft content that resonates deeply, utilizing genre-specific sounds and themes that link back to the shared experiences and interests of their target audience. From K-pop to electronic music, every genre hosts its own culture, inspiring varied content styles that should be capitalized upon by marketers.

How to Get Started with TikTok’s Commercial Music Library

Brands looking to step into this sound-centric world should consider the value of TikTok's commercial music library. This extensive library offers over one million songs that can be used safely for commercial purposes, effectively removing the legal uncertainties often tied to music utilization.

Adobe's integration of TikTok’s commercial library into Adobe Express makes it easier for brands of all sizes to leverage sound within their campaigns. The platform is designed with intuitive features that lower barriers for creators, allowing for seamless content creation and publication. By tapping into trends and using music strategically, brands can produce emotionally-driven content that engages users more effectively.

Conclusion

As brands navigate the TikTok landscape, embracing the audio experience becomes essential. Sound isn't just an afterthought—it's a foundational aspect of the storytelling process that can supercharge campaign success. By utilizing the insights on sound, user engagement, and the commercial music library, businesses can create campaigns that resonate better with their audience, ultimately achieving their advertising goals.


Keyword

  • Sound
  • Music
  • TikTok
  • Engagement
  • Brand Awareness
  • Commercial Music Library
  • Campaign Success
  • User Sentiment
  • Fandom
  • Subcultures

FAQ

  1. What is the importance of sound in TikTok campaigns?

    • Sound significantly enhances user engagement, with evidence showing that ads containing audio are more likely to attract audience attention and increase brand recall.
  2. How can I leverage TikTok's commercial music library?

    • TikTok's commercial music library provides a collection of over one million songs that are safe to use for commercial purposes, eliminating legal complications often associated with music licensing.
  3. What role does music play in brand recognition?

    • Music contributes significantly to a consumer's affinity for a brand, often impacting brand favorability and purchase intent.
  4. How do subcultures influence marketing on TikTok?

    • Engaging with subcultures on TikTok allows brands to create targeted content that resonates deeply with specific audiences, helping to foster a stronger emotional connection.
  5. What tools are available to help create sound-driven content?

    • Adobe Express, along with the TikTok commercial music library, offers tools to help users seamlessly integrate sound into their content and efficiently publish it across platforms.