This TikTok ban and sudden return (with a 75-day extension?!?) has left so many musicians wondering—what now?
Some people have grown massive followings on TikTok. Others have been slowly building a niche community. And then others have been using it as their start to social media.
This entire situation leaves the fate of musicians on TikTok unclear because we don't know if it will be sold or not!
Now, it’s easy to get caught up in the latest news but this situation highlights a bigger issue that honestly goes beyond just TikTok.
Social media has become a necessary tool for musicians, but the old saying “If you build it, they will come” just doesn’t hold up.
Yes, viral hits happen, but building a meaningful community of listeners who truly connect with your music takes more than just posting that music online.
People connect with vulnerability, authenticity, and your natural presence—and you’re expected to do all of this WITHOUT burning out?!
It’s a lot, and it’s not what most musicians signed up for.
But there are ways to make social media work without feeling overwhelmed.
🤔 Social Media Still Matters—But Smart Choices Matter More
In 2025, your online presence is important, but it doesn’t mean you need to be everywhere.
Focus on platforms that align with your strengths and where your audience actually engages with you. Do you like text posts, photos, video, etc? Maybe a mix?
Platforms all have their strengths and weaknesses. So see how they fit with your own comfort level! Which platform is the one you actually enjoy yourself?
👥 Understand Your Audience’s Preferences
Know where the people you want to connect with consumes content.
If they’re moving off TikTok, where are they going? Ask people directly and see what fits your own preference. If you’re someone in your 30’s, consider WHO you’re even trying to reach! Gen Z? Gen X? Other musicians? Specifically filmmakers?
Think like your audience!
🤝 Don’t Just Post—Connect
The reason why people usually find that certain platforms “don’t work” for them is because more often than not, they aren’t actually posting for the platform itself.
How many times have you just blast posted on every platform hoping for the best?
I know I have and that’s usually when I get the worst results. Every platform has a specific audience. And if you’re just repurposing one post... everywhere, people will see through that.
So assuming you found the platform you like and you know the person you’re trying to reach, now is the time to not only to just share your music but share yourself!
It could be through storytelling, behind-the-scenes content, or personal insights—people want to know you.
👉 Build Direct Relationships
We’ve seen so many social platforms come and go (MySpace, AIM, Vine, etc). And now TikTok is on the chopping block unless there’s a sale.
But honestly, if you want to build direct relationships with your audience then I can’t recommend starting an email list enough. This is still the best way to promote your ideas, your music, your work without relying on someone else’s social media platform and their algorithm!
And if the email provider shuts down in the future, your list still stays with you.
It’s how you can connect with fans and collaborators- on your own terms!
Even with this Composer Odyssey Newsletter, I get some incredible replies back. I love being able to directly connect through my emails!
I recently had a conversation on Threads with another musician going through the same struggle. They shared how hard it is to manage multiple platforms and whether fans would follow them elsewhere. Here’s a quick screenshot:
The takeaway? You honestly don’t need to do it all. Focus on what works for you and where your audience feels most connected!