SEARCH DATE RANGE

SEARCH TERM OR WORD

  • Global Stage, Local Talent – Artists from 23 regions compete for a career-changing opportunity on TikTok LIVE.
  • Hosted by TikTok sensation Sam Ryder – From TikTok creator to international star, championing the next wave of music talent.
  • Powered by SoundOn – Winners receive song production and promotion from TikTok's music distribution platform

TikTok LIVE
 is proud to announce Music On Stage 2025, a new global music competition designed to spotlight and support emerging artists and music creators on TikTok LIVE.
 
TikTok LIVE has become a powerful stage for emerging artists to connect with global audiences, share their artistry in real time, and turn moments into milestones. TikTok LIVE allows creators to build direct, two-way relationships with fans, turning viewers into loyal supporters and active participants in an artist's journey. It's where musicians can share new music, build genuine connections with fans, and reach audiences far beyond their home cities.
 
This year's Global Finale will be hosted by none other than Sam Ryder (@samhairwolfryder), the chart-topping singer-songwriter who first made his mark sharing music on TikTok during lockdown. Since then, Sam has built a global fanbase, represented the UK at Eurovision, and become a vocal champion for emerging talent. His own journey from TikTok creator to international star makes him the perfect host for a competition dedicated to discovering the next wave of artists.
 
Sam Ryder said"TikTok changed my life as an artist and I'm stoked to see how it can shape the lives of others. Music On Stage is all about giving that same spark of opportunity to the next wave of talent, and I can't wait to watch their journeys unfold!"
 
Music On Stage is TikTok LIVE's first official global competition for music creators, giving artists from 23 regions the chance to perform live, connect with new fans, and take their careers to the next level. The competition is designed to help creators who meet TikTok LIVE's music quality standards to grow their audiences, earn rewards through LIVE, and access career-changing opportunities, in collaboration with TikTok's music distribution platform, SoundOn.
 
Following weeks of exciting performances, the Regional Finals will take place between August 29th to 31st, bringing together the best local talent in LIVE, interactive shows. Contestants will go head-to-head in "Take the Stage" battles, with audience votes, small gifts, and judges' bonus points helping decide who moves on. The winners of these Regional Finals will advance to the Global Finals LIVE hosted from Seoul (September 19th for APAC), and London (September 27th for EMEA & AMS), where Sam Ryder will host and help shine a spotlight on the world's next music stars.
 
Global winners will receive song production, publishing, and promotional support from SoundOn, plus the opportunity to perform at TikTok LIVE Fest in 2026. Last year's TikTok LIVE Fest was headlined by pop powerhouse Zara Larsson (@zaralarsson) and hosted by global superstar Jason Derulo (@jasonderulo), bringing together top creators, emerging artists, and music fans from every corner of the world. Held in London and streamed to millions via TikTok LIVE, the event showcased the platform's biggest breakout talents alongside established chart-toppers.
 
Shen Gao, Head of LIVE Operations at TikTok LIVE, said: "TikTok LIVE is one of the most exciting spaces for artists right now as a launchpad for musical talent. It's where fans can connect with music in real time, share moments, and support their favourite performers directly. Music On Stage takes that energy global, and with Sam Ryder and Jeon Somi as as our hosts, we're so excited to be bringing inspiration and opportunity to creators everywhere."
 
Nichal Sethi, Head of SoundOn EMEA at TikTok, said: "Music On Stage is about more than a competition - it's about giving talented creators the platform, tools, and audience to build long-lasting careers. At SoundOn, we're passionate about supporting emerging artists from their very first release through to global recognition, and we can't wait to see the incredible talent that takes the stage this year."
 
The Regional Finals will stream LIVE in-app in the lead-up to the Global Finals later this year, where viewers around the world can cheer on their favourites and help crown the first-ever Music On Stage champions.
 
TikTok LIVE creators like DJ AG (@djagonline) - the London street DJ whose spontaneous outdoor sets have attracted everyone from passersby to global superstars like Ed Sheeran and Jessie J - are using LIVE to give working-class and grassroots talent a global platform. From Philippine Idol Season 2 runner-up Ryssi (@imryssi), to Fiaa Hamilton (@fiaahamilton), winner of TikTok Gimme The Mic's Most Inspiring Award, and street performers like Jourdan Blue (@jourdanblue) currently starring in America's Got Talent, artists are transforming into LIVE fan favourites, proving that on TikTok LIVE, talent can rise from anywhere and reach everywhere.
 
We can't wait to bring you our most exciting global music event yet and celebrate the incredible talent on TikTok LIVE. Whether you're an artist, music fan, or part of our creator community, tune in to Music On Stage to discover emerging performers from around the world, connect with them in real time, and show your support as they chase their dreams.
 
Discover TikTok LIVE and join our community by simply downloading the app for free via the Apple App StoreGoogle Play or Amazon.
 
*Please refer to our Virtual Items Policy for more information about Diamond rewards.

29 Aug 2025 | Press release

BMG achieves all-time high EBITDA margin in first half 2025

  BMG has reported a solid financial performance for the first half of 2025, highlighted by a strong EBITDA margin of 29%, an increase of 2%-points compared to H1 2024. This growth was driven by a more profitable business mix, resulting from a...more

29 Aug 2025 | Press release

The Featured Artists Coalition (FAC) announces free ARTIST DAY events in Bristol, Newcastle, Leicester and Leeds

  The one-day events will encourage artists in each city to come together alongside established artists, to share experiences and knowledge, and receive tips from music businesses and industry experts The 2025 ARTIST DAY series kicks off at Bristol Beacon on Saturday...more

29 Aug 2025 | Press release

Singer-songwriter MOLIY has signed a global publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music

Singer-songwriter MOLIY has signed a global publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music, the music publishing arm of Warner Music Group, covering her catalogue and future works.   MOLIY first found success in 2020 when her debut EP Wondergirl received airplay in her home country...more

29 Aug 2025 | Press release

Beatport - The World's Largest Music Store for DJs - In partnership with Warner Music Group, announces Global Remix Challenge for Madonna's Iconic 'Ray of Light'

Producers worldwide are invited to reimagine one of pop music's most groundbreaking electronic records, originally produced by Madonna and William Orbit.   The grand prize, worth over $12,000, includes cutting-edge production hardware, premium software, and a signed vinyl from Madonna herself. Beatport, Warner Music...more

28 Aug 2025 | Press release

Music icons named to lead NewcastleGateshead Music City board

  Ambitious Music City plan to grow the North East music industry, backed by landmark research project, reveals £360m+ economic potential   Initiative backed by North Shields’ BRIT Award-winning artist Sam Fender   Full research report to be published later in 2025     Two of the most influential and...more

28 Aug 2025 | Press release

UK management company PARADE expands to North America following signings of Jamie Woon and Berwyn

  Parade, founded by Leon Wright, have recently added Jamie Woon and Berwyn to their roster. Loies Kim will co-lead the London-based company’s NYC office. London-based management company Parade has announced an expansion into North America. Founded by Leon Wright in 2023, Parade has...more

28 Aug 2025 | Press release

The Cat's Mother Network teams up with UTA for 'Breaking Into Live' event

The Cat's Mother Network teams up with UTA for 'Breaking Into Live' event on Tuesday 2nd September Exclusive evening of insight and connection in partnership with UTA’s La Femme Majeure group to support young female identifying people looking to develop career...more

28 Aug 2025 | Press release

PRS Members' Fund and Music Support launch Soul Resonance

PRS Members' Fund and Music Support launch Soul Resonance – a unique wellness day designed to support music creatives through rest, reflection, creativity, and connection. PRS Members’ Fund, the charity that provides funding to PRS songwriters and composers during difficult...more

28 Aug 2025 | Press release

Italian music market: Growth by 10% in the first half of 2025

All the data from the Italian Federation (FIMI), from the strong rooting of Streaming to the confirmation of Vinyl    The Italian music market has seen solid growth in the first half of 2025, with a turnover of over €208 million, up 9.7% thanks to...more

28 Aug 2025 | Press release

Layton Giordani Unveils New York-Based Label: MADMINDS

Launching in tandem with Armada Music, Giordani’s NYC roots heavily influence the new label Amid a landmark year, renowned DJ, producer and New York City-native Layton Giordani today announced the launch of his label MADMINDS, in partnership with Armada Music. The sonic ethos of MADMINDS...more

28 Aug 2025 | Press release

Beatoven.ai Unveils Maestro, the Largest Fully Licensed Generative AI Model for Music that Pays Artists for Every Output

In contrast to other AI music licensing deals, this model will result in ongoing royalty payments to artists, composers, and rightsholders Beatoven.ai is announcing Maestro, its new generative AI foundation model for music. It’s the first such model to be fully licensed...more

28 Aug 2025 | Press release

Pure Dance returns to the airwaves after 18 years

Iconic 2000s dance station relaunches on small-scale DAB in Milton Keynes and Loughborough this September Pure Dance, the independent station that became a household name on Sky Digital in the mid-2000s, is returning to the airwaves this September with launches on...more

27 Aug 2025 | Press release

Closures in Britain's late-night venues reach all-time high with one in four businesses lost since 2020

  26.4% drop in late-night venues since March 2020 Nearly 800 late night venues closed in five years Three net closures a week in the last three months The Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) has raised concern about the contraction in Britain’s nightlife scene...more

27 Aug 2025 | Press release

Latin American creators and industry leaders rally behind JusticIA campaign

Over 30 organisations call on policymakers to uphold, protect and preserve the intellectual property rights of authors, artists, producers and publishers    A coalition of 35 creative and cultural organisations across Latin America have today issued a joint statement urging governments, technology...more

27 Aug 2025 | Press release

TikTok for Artists launches in Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, South Africa and Finland

TikTok for Artists is the new all-in-one music insights platform for artists  TikTok for Artists has been designed to help artists build their careers and fanbase on TikTok Artists in Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, South Africa and Finland can now access data and...more

27 Aug 2025 | Press release

Vocana: A home for music's beating indie heart that pays, informs, and connects artists and fans better

  Streaming music feels broken. What would make it better? Many music lovers already know the answer: Artists getting paid more. Fans finding more new music. More interaction and sharing. More humans, fewer algos. These responses have shaped Vocana, a new music service...more

27 Aug 2025 | Press release

Newcastle to come alive for the 2025 Mercury Prize

POWERED BY LOCAL MUSIC AGENCY GENERATOR, THE CITY WILL BE A HUB OF MUSIC AND CULTURE THIS OCTOBER WITH FRINGE PROGRAMME PLUS EXCITING ACTIVITY FROM NEW PARTNERS LNER, ADIDAS, FENWICK AND MORE 2025 HOSTS AND JUDGING PANEL ALSO ANNOUNCED 2025 'ALBUMS OF THE...more

26 Aug 2025 | Press release

Amuse Unveils Notable Product Updates, Including Auto-Save Links and Trolley-Powered Business Payouts for Professional Plan

Announcing new premium features and partnerships for self-releasing artists and teams, including Trolley business payouts, Easy Song cover licensing and amra publishing royalty management Music industry challenger Amuse today announces a big update to their self-service digital music distribution, introducing a...more

22 Aug 2025 | Press release

Ticketmaster's 2025 State of Play report reveals a multigenerational shift

73% of parents say music festivals beat traditional family trips - Ticketmaster’s 2025 State of Play report reveals a multigenerational shift   - New findings by Ticketmaster outline the shift in festival trends and culture, as it launches its 2025 State of Play Report - Two-thirds...more

22 Aug 2025 | Press release

Legends of Football Appoints PPL CEO Peter Leathem OBE as New Chair

  Legends of Football are delighted to announce that Peter Leathem OBE has agreed to take over as Chair from Geoff Shreeves with immediate effect. As CEO of PPL (Phonographic Performance Limited), Peter is without doubt both one of the most...more

22 Aug 2025 | Press release

ERA extends membership to wider entertainment industry

ERA adds a host of new benefits to its affiliate membership scheme     Digital entertainment and retail association ERA has opened membership to the wider entertainment industry for the first time in response to growing demand for its insight, analysis and event...more

22 Aug 2025 | Press release

Security Industry Crackdown Begins - Government Clearly Signal an End to Exploitation & Self-Employment Abuse Says Sector Trade Bodies

NO MORE EXCUSES: Security Industry Crackdown Begins - Government Clearly Signal an End to Exploitation & Self-Employment Abuse Says Sector Trade Bodies   Issued by the UK Door Security Association (UKDSA), Night Time Industries Association (NTIA), International Professional Security Association (IPSA) &...more

22 Aug 2025 | Press release

Noctil Launches OrgLink: Hierarchical Account Structuring for Smarter Metadata Governance

Noctil, the leading no-code metadata platform for the music and audiovisual industries, has launched OrgLink: a powerful new feature enabling flexible organizational hierarchies and secure, policy-based data sharing. Designed for complex ecosystems such as record labels, publishers, performance rights organizations, and...more

22 Aug 2025 | Press release

Virgin Music Group Partners with Independent Label Mom+Pop Music

Acclaimed independent label Mom+Pop Music and Virgin Music Group, the world’s leading partner to independent artists, labels, and entrepreneurs, today announced a global partnership to support the continued growth of Mom+Pop. The label is wholly owned and operated by founder...more

22 Aug 2025 | Press release

Spotify and amra have entered into a direct multi-territorial, multi-year licensing agreement

Spotify and amra, the world’s first and only global digital licensing collection society, have entered into a direct multi-territorial, multi-year licensing agreement designed to deliver greater flexibility and value to amra’s songwriter and publisher clients. The deal represents a broad...more

22 Aug 2025 | Press release

Youtube and Bandsintown launch exclusive concert listings partnership to turn viewers into concertgoers

New Bandsintown Integration Brings Live Music Discovery Directly Into YouTube Videos, Shorts, and Artist Channels for Billions of Users Worldwide Partnership Kicks Off with Pop Icon Sabrina Carpenter as the Featured Artist   Bandsintown, the leading global live music discovery platform, has become the...more

22 Aug 2025 | Press release

DJ Awards announce 2025 nominees and brand new categories

Voting for the 2025 edition of the DJ Awards is now open  The DJ Awards is the longest-standing celebration of global electronic music culture and it now unveils the 2025 genre-specific, voted for categories and nominees alongside the public voting launch...more

21 Aug 2025 | Press release

IFPI CEO Victoria Oakley urges action to secure India's music future

  IFPI Chief Executive Victoria Oakley told the All About Music conference in Mumbai today that India's music industry has "extraordinary potential" to drive the next wave of global growth but must tackle key challenges to secure its future.In a keynote speech to...more

21 Aug 2025 | Press release

Inflation Rises to 3.8% in July - NTIA Warns There is No More Fat to Trim - The Sector is Facing Job and Business Losses

Michael Kill, CEO, Night Time Industries Association “Today’s inflation figures, with prices rising to 3.8 per cent in July, underscore the relentless pressure on the UK’s night-time economy. Hospitality and night time economy businesses are facing sharply higher costs for food,...more

21 Aug 2025 | Press release

Small Pond announce 'Emerging' initiative release

Small Pond is excited to announce that their “Emerging” project is back for 2025. The initiative is giving 20 talented young acts (aged 16-25) in Brighton, Crawley, and surrounding areas, the opportunity to rehearse, record and release their music via...more

29 Aug 2025

  • The life of a cultural narrative: Where are 2025’s iconic moments? (see Comment)

28 Aug 2025

  • Anthropic settles authors’ copyright lawsuit after piracy claims (see News)

27 Aug 2025

  • Mercury Prize details announced (see News)

  • Robbie Williams faces royalties challenge against 'Angels' (see News)

26 Aug 2025

  • Drake gets ahold of Kendrick Lamar's UMG contract as ugly 'Not Like Us' battle intensifies (see News)

  • Spotify has signalled further price rises (see Digital)

22 Aug 2025

  • The unflattening of streaming (and the case for friction) (see Comment)

21 Aug 2025

  • Ghost artists and the rise of Perfect Fit Content on streaming (see Comment)

20 Aug 2025

  • How music-backed securitisation can strike a bum note (see Comment)

19 Aug 2025

  • Taylor Swift: What we lose in the gamification of music (see Features)

18 Aug 2025

  • Is Taylor Swift’s Showgirl era set to propel her to even greater heights? (see Features)

15 Aug 2025

  • Why aren’t all songwriters being paid for their songs in live concerts? (see Comment)