TikTok Stardom: How Country Artists Turn Viral Videos into Record Deals

Country music is thriving on TikTok, with over 65.5 billion video views for #CountryMusic content. But with fierce competition, how can new artists stand out? We asked Nashville stars and TikTok's own label partnerships director for their top tips.

Priscilla Block: Be Unfiltered

Priscilla Block, who went viral during the pandemic, emphasizes authenticity over polish. "I was just being myself," she says. Her advice: post every day, engage with the app, and show your real personality—whether you're the quietest or loudest in the room.

Hannah Dasher: Share Adjacent Interests

Hannah Dasher gained fame not just for music but for her cooking series "Stand By Your Pan." She proves that leaning into other passions can attract a wider audience. Her tip: quality over quantity—content must be engaging and entertaining, not necessarily professional.

Adrien Nunez: Keep Videos Short and Catchy

Former basketball player Adrien Nunez recommends 15-20 second videos to tease songs. He stresses consistency (posting once or twice daily) and using humor to grab attention. "You've got people for a very short amount of time," he notes.

Tips from TikTok's Music Expert

Katrina Kernaghan, TikTok's label partnerships director, shares these strategies:

• Watch first to understand what content resonates.
• Be consistent with a sustainable posting schedule.
• Don't obsess over metrics initially; keep creating.
• Supplement online success with real-world touring and fan meetups.
• Connect via live-streaming and use features like Duet or Stitch.
• Add music to non-music content and include text for silent viewers.
• Use hashtags like #Newmusic or #CountryartistNashville for searchability.
• Offer behind-the-scenes glimpses—fans love authenticity.

"There's no perfect formula," Kernaghan says. "It can really come from anyone at any time."