How social media platforms can open doors to lucrative careers in music and tech

Ever wanted to be a rockstar, DJ or world-famous TikToker? Lucrative careers in music and tech are exploding – and the talent scouts are watching.

Social media platforms are opening doors to lucrative careers in the entertainment and creative tech sector, discovering talent that would otherwise go unnoticed.

The platforms provide an instant audience to artists wanting to showcase their abilities, with talent scouts among those who are watching, says TikTok Australia and New Zealand community engagement manager Thomas Grainger.

“People have built phenomenal careers entirely off TikTok. They’re making lots of money and it’s more possible than you would realise,” Grainger says.

“Your very first post on TikTok could have a million views without you even having any followers.”

PUT YOURSELF OUT THERE

Whether you are seeking to become a professional musician, performer, influencer or a graphic designer, the advice is simple – create and post as much online content as you can.

“(Social media platforms are) a great gateway into other mainstream forms of media, whether you want to be a TV presenter or a creative artist,’’ says Grainger, a speaker at next week’s SoundWest, a series of live events in Sydney focusing on career development within tech and music.

“But you can’t be discovered if you don’t have a social and digital (media) presence. If you have a smart phone you can produce high-quality content. So put yourself out there. You don’t have to send it to other people – the audience will find you.”

Lillian Ahenkan (aka Flex Mami) has created a creative career for herself through social media.

DIVERSITY MATTERS

Lillian Ahenkan, aka Flex Mami, is among those to have used social media to enter the Australian entertainment industry.

The 28-year-old used YouTube to teach herself how to DJ and then uploaded posters of her gigs to Instagram.

Word about her shows spread and, as Ahenkan’s brand grew, so did the opportunities, allowing her to diversify and work as an entrepreneur, author, TV presenter, model, speaker, social commentator, media influencer and podcaster.

Ahenkan now has more than 160,000 followers and posts to Instagram up to 100 times a day.

“Social media has been an integral part of my success,’’ she says.

“But in the early stages, I didn’t really know what I was doing. Sure, you can take a video and get paid once but you need really good business acumen to actually be able to sustainably monetise what you are doing.

“For me, it has been about making sure I’m not focusing on just one source of income but having a diverse range of opportunities and recognising that not everything is going to yield (money).”

STAND OUT IN THE CROWD

Steve Bull, bass player with Australian rock band Icehouse and creative industries innovation specialist at TAFE NSW, says social media has become crowded with wannabe performers and those serious about a career need to stand out from the rest.

“Fan engagement, and finding your people, is the best way to break through the noise – so if you are into some sort of reggae, it’s a case of finding out what the most popular play lists are (among reggae listeners) and submitting your music to them,” he says. “But there’s also value adding – if someone signs up (to access your content) then maybe you can give them access to a special live recording, too.”

Bull says collaborating with other already established artists is also beneficial.

But he warns it is hard work and says there is no such thing as an overnight success.

“It’s always coming up with the best content and then having a strategy about how you’re going to release (that content), how you’re going to promote it, who you’re going to work with, who your audience is and even where your audience is,” Bull says.

“It requires a really motivated person but then that was the case back in the day (before social media) as well. To be successful it’s always been a lot of work, it’s just that (with social media) it’s a different kind of work.”

TikTok Australia and New Zealand community engagement manager Thomas Grainger.

TOP TIPS

TikTok’s Thomas Grainger provides tips for great content:

• TikTok is the perfect portfolio for displaying your talents so put yourself and your creativity out there, celebrating what makes you unique.

• Experiment with your content regularly to get a deeper understanding of the spontaneous and authentic content and trends that resonate with the community.

• Find your community. TikTok (and other platforms) are home to diverse communities and subcultures from BookTok to DIYTok.

• Look at the sounds, effects and music gaining traction on the platform and how you can put your own spin on the trend.

• Remember to add hashtags relevant to your content.

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