To get your music on TikTok, you need a digital distributor. Unlike Spotify or Apple Music, TikTok does not accept direct uploads from artists. Your music must be delivered through a distribution service that has a partnership with TikTok's Sound Library. The major distributors (DistroKid, TuneCore, CD Baby) all deliver to TikTok, as does TikTok's own service, SoundOn.
What Are Your Distribution Options?
Third-Party Distributors
DistroKid charges $19.99/year for unlimited releases. Music typically reaches TikTok within 1-7 days. DistroKid retains 20% of social platform revenue (TikTok, YouTube Content ID, Instagram/Facebook).
TuneCore offers plans from $24.99/year to $54.99/year for unlimited releases. TuneCore keeps 20% of social platform revenue. The free plan was discontinued in June 2025, so all plans now require a subscription.
CD Baby charges per release (not subscription) and keeps 9% of distribution revenue. Processing takes 2-3 weeks, slower than subscription services. Music stays on TikTok indefinitely without renewal.
TikTok's SoundOn
SoundOn is TikTok's in-house distribution service. It delivers to TikTok and Resso by default, with optional delivery to Spotify, Apple Music, and other DSPs. SoundOn reviews submissions in 1-3 business days. The service adds a Sounds tab to your TikTok profile, making it easier for users to find your music within the app.
SoundOn is free with 100% royalty retention in year one. After year one, TikTok takes a percentage (terms vary by region).
What Are the Timeline and Requirements?
Schedule your release at least 2-4 weeks before you plan to promote on TikTok. Distribution processing takes time, and you want your track searchable in TikTok's Sound Library before any organic or paid push.
Technical requirements:
- Audio file: WAV or high-bitrate MP3 (128kbps minimum, 320kbps recommended)
- Cover art: Square image, typically 3000x3000 pixels
- Metadata: Accurate artist name, track title, and ISRC code
- Rights: Sample clearances and collaborator agreements in place
What Is the Critical Detail About DSP Linking?
Getting your music on TikTok is necessary but not sufficient for marketing success. For TikTok views to convert to Spotify or Apple Music streams, your Sound Page must display the "Add to Music App" button. This button only appears when:
- Your track was delivered to TikTok through a distributor (not uploaded directly)
- The same distributor delivered to DSPs (Spotify, Apple Music)
- Metadata matches across platforms
If you use SoundOn for TikTok but a different distributor for DSPs, the "Add to Music App" integration may not work. Using one distributor for all platforms ensures consistent linking.
Which Service Should You Choose?
For labels and managers releasing frequently, DistroKid's unlimited model offers the best value. For artists releasing occasionally who want music to stay up without annual fees, CD Baby's one-time pricing makes sense. SoundOn works well for TikTok-first strategies where the platform integration features matter more than broad DSP reach.
Whichever service you choose, verify your track appears in TikTok's Sound Library and test the "Add to Music App" flow within 48 hours of release.