May 31st | TikTok Update, Creator Tools, Rostr Stack

Hey everybody,

Welcome to another edition of the Indie Insider newsletter, your weekly roundup of everything that’s happened in the music industry over the last seven days. First a quick housekeeping point.

It’s nearly June, and that means A2IM (American Association of Independent Music)'s Indie Week is right around the corner. If you’re planning on attending this year’s conference, let’s set up a time to grab a coffee and talk about the future of our industry. You can use this link to schedule some time with me. If you’re unsure whether Indie Week is worth it or not, I’d highly recommend making the trip. Indie Week is my favorite music conference. It’s got a great sense of community surrounding it and I’ve personally met some of my favorite music folks there. I’ll be there representing my company Habitat Financial. For labels who are attending, we have a special Indie Week deal. Labels attending Indie Week can receive six free months of Habitat’s Pro plan. Our Pro plan includes royalty processing, payments, contract signing, invoicing, tax prep, and more. We’re also giving away free concierge onboarding services to anybody attending. I’ll be there looking to chat with small and medium-sized music distribution companies who want to provide their clients with the most effective financial operations tools that labels can get their hands on. Now, let’s get into this week’s news.

US Appeals Court Sets Accelerated Schedule to Hear TikTok’s Challenge to Divest-or-Ban Law in September

TikTok and its parent company ByteDance are gearing up for a significant court battle against the US government’s new law that could force them to sell the app or face a ban.

This week, the US Court of Appeals announced that they are fast-tracking the hearing to September, giving both sides a tight timeline to present their cases.

The crux of the case revolves around a belief that TikTok could be/is being weaponized in the great power competition between the US and China. TikTok on the other hand, argues that this law infringes on its First Amendment rights, and the rights of millions of its users in the US.

Why Should You Care? TikTok is a cornerstone for music discovery and promotion. It offers indie artists an efficient line to fan engagement and its recommendation algorithm has the potential to help break even the earliest acts. A ban or divestiture could disrupt this ecosystem, making it harder to reach new audiences—especially for artists who have spent the past few years cultivating fanbases on the platform.

Recommendations:

• Diversify: Don’t put all your eggs in the TikTok basket. Explore other social media platforms like Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, and Snapchat.
• Build Direct Fan Relationships: Use tools like email newsletters and Discord communities to maintain direct contact with your audience. This is a direct line to your most passionate fans, and in the case of a mailing list, will make sure you can reach them even as platforms change.
• Stay Informed: Follow updates on this case closely. Understanding the legal landscape can help you anticipate changes and adapt your strategy accordingly.

Rostr Launches ‘Stack’ Directory of Music Tools and Resources

ROSTR, known for its industry directory and signing insights, has unveiled ‘Stack’—a comprehensive directory of tools, resources, and curated recommendations for musicians and industry pros. This new feature boasts over 125 categories, ranging from distributors and PR agents to production tools and podcasts, all curated by industry experts.

Why Should You Care? Navigating the music industry can be daunting, especially for independents. Having a centralized directory of vetted resources can save time and provide valuable insights into the best tools and services available. Rostr is slowly becoming a proto-social-media hub for the music industry. While I’ve noticed more of my industry contacts joining LinkedIn, Rostr is another space to watch.

Recommendations:

• Explore and Utilize Stack: Dive into the Stack directory to discover new tools and services that can enhance your music career. Whether you need a new distributor, a reliable PR agent, or the latest royalty processing software (Habitat Financial), Stack has you covered.
• Expand Your Network: Engage with the industry folks that you connect with via Rostr. Their insights can provide valuable connections and advice tailored to your needs.

TikTok Launches a New TikTok Studio Tool for Its Creators

TikTok is rolling out TikTok Studio, a new tool that will replace existing creator tools within the app and on its website. This standalone app will allow creators to upload, film, edit, and post content directly. It includes features like auto-captioning, photo editing, and advanced community management tools, along with personalized recommendations for monetization programs.

Why Should You Care? TikTok Studio aims to streamline content creation and management, making it easier for artists to maintain a professional presence on the platform. Enhanced tools mean better content quality and improved engagement with fans. For as long as TikTok remains available in the US, I highly recommend that artists take advantage of it.

Recommendations:

• Maximize Use of TikTok Studio: Leverage the new features to create polished, engaging content. High-quality videos can attract more viewers and followers.
• Engage with Your Community: Use the community management tools to interact with your fans. Responding to comments and engaging with your audience can build a loyal fanbase.
• Explore Monetization Options: Take advantage of personalized recommendations for monetization programs. Finding new revenue streams can support your music career financially.

That’s it for this edition of Indie Insider! Again, If you’ll be at Indie Week drop me a message. Let’s meet up and talk shop!

Cheers,

Calvin Windschitl