TikTok announced the return of its Music on Stage competition, which is kind of like Eurovision for TikTok creators.
Music on Stage invites all musicians to enter tracks by posting a performance video using the hashtag #MusicOnStage. Finalists are then invited to take part in a live event in the app, where they’ll go head-to-head against other performers.
The first Music on Stage event was held last year, resulting in over 230,000 posts in the app using the #MusicOnStage hashtag, and 8.2 billion total impressions, per the platform. The final event attracted more than 1.4 million viewers.
The 2026 event will include a refreshed format, with creators from more than 20 regions set to take part.
As explained by TikTok: “Auditions officially begin on 15 August, launching with a special All-Day Global Relay Concert that will see artists from around the world perform live in a celebration of music without borders. Spanning three days, the relay will showcase original songwriting, live musicianship and standout performances from some of TikTok LIVE's most exciting music creators.”
Winning creators will get access to professional development opportunities in partnership with TikTok’s SoundOn music development program. They will also receive the opportunity to record and release original music with full production, distribution and promotional support.
“Winning artists will also have the chance to perform on major live stages, including TikTok LIVE Fest and selected music festivals around the world, including opportunities to perform at the Breakaway Carolina Festival, and the All Things Go NYC Festival in September,” TikTok said.
The event underlines TikTok’s connection to the music industry, with the app now playing a key role in music promotion and discovery, and in building artists' careers.
According to TikTok’s 2025 Music Impact report, 84% of the songs on Billboard’s Top 200 list in 2024 first went viral on TikTok. The report also found that U.S. TikTok users were 74% more likely to discover and share new music on social and short-form video platforms than the average short-form video user.
