How to Get an Artist Account on TikTok Guide for Musicians

Alex Mitchell-Hardt -


What is a TikTok Artist Account?

A TikTok Artist Accounts a special type of account that offers musicians access to music-centric tools that can increase your discoverability and fan engagement.

Exclusive tools & features that a TikTok Artist Account unlocks:

  • "Artist" Tag on Your Profile: A visible badge under your name, showing you're a verified artist. Note, this is different from getting blue check mark (that must be done separately).
  • Music Tab: Automatically curates your catalog and makes it easy for fans to discover and play your songs.
  • New Release Tag: Highlights a song up to 14 days before release and for 30 days after, boosting visibility on discovery pages.
  • By Artist: Lets you pin one of your videos (or a video featuring your music) at the top of your profile or discovery page.
  • Behind The Song / Song Story: Share insights into your creative process with storytelling posts attached to your music.

This collection of tools elevates your profile, allowing for a better fan experience and making your music stand out on a very competitive platform.

Related article: How does TikTok for Artists work?

2. How to Apply for a TikTok artist account?

Follow the steps below or go straight to the TikTok Artist Account Application.

  1. Log in to TikTok on your mobile device.
  2. Go to your Profile, tap the ☰ menu, then select TikTok for Artists or Creator Tools → Artist Certification.
  3. Tap Apply Now, then search your artist name in TikTok’s music library.
  4. When your name/profile appears, select it, and upload verification. TikTok accepts:
    • Login via Spotify for Artists, Apple Music for Artists, or your music distributor.
    • Screenshots showing your artist name, tracks/albums clearly visible — no selfies or IDs.
  5. Submit and wait for TikTok's review.

3. After Approval: Activate Your Features

Once TikTok certifies you as an artist:

  • Your Music Tab will appear and auto-populate with your tracks.
  • Use the New Release tag around launch time to amplify visibility.
  • Pin key content using By Artist, and add creative context with Behind The Song.

Note: Your features will become available only after you have distributed 4 songs to TikTok via your distributor and at least 100 TikTok videos have been made using your songs.

Related article: How many streams to go platinum or gold?

5. Why It's Worth It

  • Authenticity & Credibility: The Artist badge signals legitimacy to fans and discoverability tools.
  • Increased reach: TikTok’s algorithm favors verified artist profiles with music features.
  • Fan connection: Behind The Song and pinned posts foster deeper engagement.
  • Release promotion: Early spotlight with New Release tags drives traffic and hype.

Related article: How to Get a Record Deal?

TikTok Artist Account FAQs:

What is a TikTok Artist Account?

A TikTok Artist Account is a special profile type designed for musicians. It unlocks exclusive features like the Artist Tag, Music Tab, New Release tags, and storytelling tools to help boost music discovery and fan engagement on TikTok.

Is a TikTok Artist Account free?

Yes, TikTok Artist Accounts are completely free to apply for and use. However, your music must be available on TikTok through a distributor, and you need to meet minimum eligibility criteria to qualify.

What is the Artist Tag on TikTok?

The Artist Tag is a visual label that appears under your username on TikTok, marking you as a certified artist. It becomes visible after you upload at least 4 songs to TikTok via a music distributor and 100 video have been made with your songs.

What is the TikTok Music Tab?

The Music Tab is a dedicated section on your profile that displays all of your tracks available on TikTok. It’s auto-generated and helps fans easily find and use your music in their own videos.

Final Thoughts

The TikTok Artist Account offers more than verification—it's a comprehensive set of tools designed to help your music reach the right audience on a platform where tracks can gain serious momentum overnight.

The focus is straightforward: streamlined discovery, meaningful fan engagement, and strategic content amplification. When you're ready to expand your reach, verify you meet the requirements, complete the mobile application process, and leverage these features to showcase what sets your music apart.

It's a direct path to getting your sound heard by the people who matter.

Looking to Promote Your Music?

Try our  Spotify Playlist Pitching and TikTok Music Promotion services.