TikTok launches beta tools to give songwriters more credit and visibility

TikTok is expanding its commitment to music creators with the beta launch of TikTok Songwriter Features, a new suite of tools designed to help songwriters showcase their work, connect with fans, and receive recognition directly on the platform.

Announced today, the new Songwriter Features introduce a dedicated Songwriter label for user profiles, along with a Music Tab where songwriters can highlight tracks they’ve written or co-written. Similar to artist profiles, this feature allows songwriters to present their catalog side-by-side with the content they share, giving fans a deeper look into the creators behind the music they love.

Major names including Lauren Christy, Toby Gad, Justin Tranter, and KOLE are among the first to adopt the new features. TikTok says the update stems from extensive feedback gathered through a songwriter survey of more than 870 respondents and in-depth interviews, paired with insights from MIDiA Research showing over half of full-time songwriters already use TikTok to grow their profiles.

“Traditionally, licensing IP for game development has been a complex, time-consuming process, limiting opportunities to larger studios,” TikTok said in its statement, referencing how this new feature aims to solve similar barriers for songwriters in the digital space.

Jordan Lowy, TikTok’s Global Head of Music Publishing Licensing and Partnerships, said the new tools were built “to celebrate and elevate songwriters and their work” by giving them a space to share stories about their craft and deepen engagement with their audience. “TikTok is unique in its ability to let songwriters highlight their musical works alongside their own content, helping them tell stories about their music, their craft, and their lives,” he said.

Industry voices are welcoming the move. Songwriter Lauren Christy called the feature a “pathway to success” for emerging writers, while Toby Gad noted that the tools help creators “step out from behind the curtain.” Major publishers and rights organizations, including Kobalt, Reservoir, Sentric, and Warner Chappell Music, have also endorsed the initiative as a meaningful step forward for songwriter credit and visibility in a social media landscape that still heavily favors performers.

The new Songwriter Features build on TikTok’s existing music-focused tools such as #BehindTheSong, the New tag for fresh releases, and the Add to Music App option that lets fans save songs to their preferred streaming service.

Currently, the features are launching as a closed beta with select publisher partners. Songwriters and publishers who want to join the program can register through a waitlist.

While TikTok shut down its standalone music streaming app last year, the main platform remains a critical discovery channel for music. With these new tools, the company aims to keep driving its reputation as an essential space for artists and songwriters alike — ensuring that not just the performers, but also the writers behind today’s viral hits get their moment in the spotlight.