TikTok Launches Global Music Competition ‘Gimme The Mic’ for Unsigned Artists
TikTok has recently unveiled its newest music-centered expansion with the launch of a global music competition called Gimme The Mic. This announcement comes just weeks after the introduction of TikTok’s music streaming service and a program aimed at supporting emerging artists financially. Despite facing threats of a ban in the United States and other countries, TikTok remains undeterred in its efforts to expand its presence in the music industry.
Through various initiatives such as a partnership with Warner Music Group and the development of a global music discovery hub, TikTok has been steadily making strides in the music world. Now, with Gimme The Mic, the platform aims to discover new musical talent and provide support to aspiring music creators.
The competition is open to anyone aged 18 or older who is not signed with any record label or subject to a recording agreement. Contestants are required to complete the in-app registration and post a 30-second (or longer) submission video to TikTok. While covers are allowed, participants must own the rights to the performed tracks or have obtained the necessary consents and licenses.
The submission deadline is set for August 16th at 9 PM PST. The top 30 submissions from creators in the United States, determined by the number of likes, will move on to the semifinals. The semifinals will take place live on September 1st, 2nd, and 3rd, where participants will go head-to-head in matchups decided by TikTok. The field will then be narrowed down to 10 finalists through voting, with each vote from TikTok users worth 10 points.
The final live event, featuring performances from the remaining entrants, is scheduled for September 10th. The top five participants will have the opportunity to compete against finalists from the EU, MENA, and Brazil in a global final on September 22nd and 23rd.
TikTok has promised prizes of varying sizes to the top five stateside finalists, with the first-place artist receiving a trophy and 50,000 Diamonds. Diamonds are part of TikTok’s digital currency system and can be converted into actual money. The monetary compensation will be calculated based on the number of Diamonds a user has accumulated.
With the launch of Gimme The Mic, TikTok continues to demonstrate its commitment to supporting emerging artists and providing a platform for undiscovered talent. This competition serves as an opportunity for unsigned musicians to showcase their skills and potentially gain recognition in the music industry. As TikTok continues to expand its presence in the music world, it remains to be seen how this global music competition will impact the careers of the participating artists.
