Previously, we shared why you should consider creating a TikTok for your radio station. For those of you wondering how to start your own account on the mega-popular video app, this guide is for you!
Creating your own content on TikTok can be complicated due to how many features there are, but fortunately, it doesn't take much effort to build your own account. Whether you're one of those people looking to create short funny clips on the platform or just want to make a TikTok to see what kind of new music is trending, we've got you covered. Here's how to start a TikTok for your radio station!
How To Create a TikTok Account
First, download the TikTok app onto your mobile phone or head over to tiktok.com to get started. To sign up, you can either use your phone number, email, Facebook, Instagram, Apple account, Google account, or Twitter to make an account. If you don't have any of those other accounts for your radio station specifically, we recommend just sticking to phone number or email.
If you already have a personal TikTok account and are looking to make a new one specifically for your station, just tap "Profile" at the bottom-right of your screen, then tap your username at the very top and press "Add Account."
After picking a way to sign up, (and submitting a birthday and passcode if you're using the phone/email method), you'll be asked to create a username. You can always change it later, but since this TikTok will be for your radio station, we recommend having your username reflect your station's name in some way! It makes it easier for listeners to find your account. Also, ideally your usernames across social media should be consistent. So, if you've followed a certain pattern to shorten your station name to a username length on another social media platform, you should follow suit with your username on TikTok.
After creating a password and picking out some interests, you'll be all set to use your new account! Make sure to add anyone you know on TikTok, and check out some videos on the "For You" page if you're eager to learn how the platform works.
Fleshing Out Your Profile Page
Once you have an account for your radio station on TikTok, it's important to make your profile page as presentable as it can be. You want your faithful listeners to know your page is indeed for your station, but you also want to make it engaging enough for those who randomly stumble upon your work to be intrigued. By tapping "Edit profile" on your profile page, you'll be led to an editor that will allow you to change a few things...
Profile Picture
As with other social media profiles designated for your radio station, we recommend making your TikTok profile pic related to your station in some way. Official logos work best, but you could also put in a behind-the-scenes photo of your crew, workstation, or even just a picture of yourself if you exclusively run your station.
Name and Username
You may notice that TikTok gives you a choice of both name and username. Your username is the "@username" other TikTok users can use to tag or find you. A nickname is the name visible to users who look at your profile.
Since your TikTok page is for your radio station, we recommend making your TikTok name the same name as your station's. In some cases, your station name may be a bit long for your username. So, you may find that your full station name is best for your TikTok name and a shorted adaptation of your station name is ideal for your username.
Bio
This is the space where you can describe your station or explain what it is you do on TikTok! However, TikTok only gives you 80 characters to do this, so make sure your bio is short and sweet. You can also add a link to your radio station in your bio - however, you will have to switch over to a business account to do that. Keep reading to find out how!
Nonprofit & Social Media Links
TikTok allows you to plug in your Instagram and YouTube page - as well as a nonprofit of choice - within your profile. If you have an Instagram or YouTube for your radio station specifically, go ahead and put it in! Doing so will help you drive up traffic for your accounts on those platforms.
As for a nonprofit, if you so choose, pick an organization that your station works closely with, or find a charity that interests you to feature! There's nothing more important than giving back to those who need it.
Switching To a Business Account
It's perfectly okay to keep your new TikTok radio station account as "personal." But if you're looking to give your brand some more prestige and would like to unlock more features (like putting your radio station link in your bio), it may be in your best interest to switch to a business account.
Doing so is very simple! While on your profile page, tap the three vertical lines you'll see in the top right corner of your screen.
Next, tap "Manage account." Under "Account control," you'll find an option that says "Switch to Business Account."
After tapping that, you'll be able to select what kind of category you would like your business account to be. For a radio station, we recommend choosing the "Media & Entertainment" option near the bottom of the list. Once you've done that, you will be able to see two new options when you edit your profile: a space to put your website link, and a space to put your email address!
That's about it for our advice today. We'll be making more TikTok and radio station-related content soon, including how to manage your new account and make videos that relate to your station. Until then, make sure to check out our other guides on starting and managing social media pages for your radio station.
Stay tuned, and in the meantime, happy broadcasting!
Ready to start your own station? Contact one of our Product Consultants or visit our website today.
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Article Image: A smartphone showing the TikTok logo on a wooden table with AirPods nearby. (gargantiopa1 via DepositPhotos.)
