TikTok, ARN’s iHeartRadio partner to launch radio station

Mariam Cheik-Hussein
By Mariam Cheik-Hussein | 27 April 2021
 

TikTok has partnered with ARN’s iHeartRadio to launch a digital radio station, TikTok Trending on iHeartRadio.

The pop-up station will be broadcast to Australian listeners 24/7 for three months from today, both on air and online through music and podcast platform iHeartRadio.

The station will play the latest music and trends dominating TikTok, including new releases from international artists and revived classics such as Fleetwood Mac who recently went viral with the Dreams skateboarding video.

"Brands have been turning to TikTok to engage with our unique audiences in authentic and creative ways, since we launched local operations and began building out a stellar team to service direct advertisers and agencies in Australia last year,” says Brett Armstrong, TikTok AUNZ general manager, global business solutions.

“Partnering with ARN to launch our own digital radio station, which is an exclusive to Australia, will allow advertisers to tap into TikTok in a more traditional media channel and give brands an opportunity to run integrated campaigns across both TikTok and the iHeartRadio platforms.

“We're excited to see where this partnership with ARN can take us as we become a well established marketing platform for Australian advertisers.”

TikTok Trending on iHeartRadio is hosted by a number of local and international music acts, as well as TikTok creators to provide commentary on TikTok's influence on music and offer context on the latest content trends emerging on the platform. A lineup of guest creators, such as Rita Ora, will also feature on the station.

"We share the TikTok community's passion for exploring, creating and sharing a wide array of music, and we're so excited to support emerging and established musicians who have enjoyed success on TikTok, amplify their music to an even bigger audience of Australian music fans,” says Corey Layton, ARN head of digital audio.

“Across radio, music and podcasts, iHeartRadio’s global and local growth continues to soar and this partnership showcases the unique audio content our listeners come to iHeartRadio to explore."

TikTok has been credited with launching songs into the mainstream, including Lil Nas X’s Old Town Road. Brands have leaned into the music experience on TikTok, with music-driven TikTok Hashtag Challenges and sponsorship opportunities.

"For us, this radio station is a testament to TikTok's growing credentials in the music industry and the influence the platform has in propelling artists and tracks from the platform into the broader music scene,” says Ollie Wards, TikTok AUNZ music director.

“TikTok Trending on iHeartRadio will do what it says on the tin - play the music that's trending on TikTok! Classics, new music and the best of our local scenes will all be mixed in together, just like when you're scrolling through your For You feed on TikTok.

“Listening to TikTok Trending will be surprising, always fun and a great way to keep up with what people are talking about. We're incredibly excited to team up with an industry leader like ARN to bring TikTok Trending on iHeartRadio to life."

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