TikTok launches new tools for songwriters

TikTok is taking a significant step toward recognizing the creative forces behind its most viral hits by launching a new set of features designed specifically for songwriters and producers. The social media platform, widely known for turning songs into global sensations, is now giving more visibility to those who pen and produce the music that fuels its content.

Announced on Thursday, the platform is introducing a new “Songwriter” label that will appear beneath the usernames of creators who have written or co-written tracks. Additionally, a dedicated section within each songwriter's profile, found under a new “Music” tab, will allow them to showcase a list of the songs they've contributed to. This is similar to how artists already have their discography displayed on the app.

These updates build on TikTok’s broader efforts to support the music ecosystem on its platform. Over the past few years, TikTok has been expanding the ways it connects users with the music they love, not just through sound snippets and trends, but by elevating the visibility of the artists and now, the songwriters behind those tracks.

While these features are still in closed beta and only available to a limited number of TikTok’s publishing partners, the company has opened a waitlist, giving songwriters and publishers the opportunity to request access ahead of a broader rollout.

TikTok's move comes at a time when the role of songwriters is gaining more recognition in the industry. Traditionally working behind the scenes, songwriters often receive far less public attention than the artists who perform the music. With this update, TikTok is aiming to shift that narrative by putting songwriters front and center on one of the world’s most influential platforms for music discovery and promotion.

In addition to the new profile features, TikTok is continuing to enhance its music-related offerings. The app already includes a “New” tag to spotlight recently released tracks and a feature that allows users to save music directly to their preferred streaming platforms. In May, the platform also integrated with SoundCloud, enabling users to save TikTok tracks to their SoundCloud libraries seamlessly.

Another notable initiative is TikTok’s “BehindTheSong” hub, launched in 2023, which provides a space for songwriters, producers, and artists to share stories about the creative process behind their music. This was further complemented by the “Off the Record” video series, where high-profile artists like Shakira, Charli XCX, and Meghan Trainor discuss the making of their latest songs.

These features are part of TikTok’s larger strategy to cement its role as more than just a social video app. It has increasingly positioned itself as a hub for music promotion and discovery, helping both emerging and established artists reach massive new audiences. Whether it’s turning a little-known indie track into a chart-topping hit or propelling unknown creators into stardom, TikTok has become a major player in shaping the music industry.

Although TikTok experimented with a standalone music streaming app in 2023, the service was discontinued in 2024. Despite this, the company continues to find new ways to integrate music more deeply into the TikTok experience, often with features that support artists, songwriters, and fans alike.

With the latest update, TikTok is now taking a more inclusive approach by recognizing the contributions of those behind the scenes. By giving songwriters a platform to showcase their work and receive public credit, the app is not only enriching the experience for users but also aligning with ongoing conversations in the music industry about fair recognition and compensation.

As these songwriter features roll out more broadly, they could pave the way for a shift in how social platforms acknowledge music creators beyond performers. Whether you're a professional songwriter or a curious listener, TikTok’s new tools promise a deeper look into the music that shapes the culture on its platform.