In a mash-up of radio and social behemoths, iHeartMedia and TikTok have launched TikTok Radio from iHeart, a powerful partnership if unimaginatively named. Press notes call it a fast-paced station which combines Tik Tok feed content with live DJ personalities. “The two companies hope listeners will eat up the formula of music tracks combined with deep dives into “stories, trends, and moments that made them stars. iHeart describes it as blending today’s hit music with real-time conversation. The mix will include podcast highlights, presumably from iHeart’s owned archives.
“The audio programming blends today’s hottest music with real-time conversation, guiding listeners through what’s breaking now – from rising creators to new hits, throwback rediscoveries, podcast spotlights and trending topics.”
Several crafted show moments are planned:
- Behind-the-Charts – A countdown of the 10 biggest songs of the week on Tik Tok, looking at the story and artist behind the music.
- Hacks on the :20s – Trending life hacks for every area of your life, heard every hour on the :20s.
- Hot Takes -– Lighthearted hot takes about everyday topics in lifestyle and culture.
- New Music Fridays – A highlight of the week’s new releases, airing throughout the day on Fridays.
- On The Verge – Featured music from artists On the Verge of breaking into the charts.
This collaboration went live on Friday (March 13, in a public launch during SXSW in Austin.