TikTok LIVE launches Music On Stage '25 – the global competition for emerging artists, hosted by Sam Ryder

TikTok LIVE is proud to announce Music On Stage 2025, a new global music competition designed to spotlight and support emerging artists and music creators on TikTok LIVE.

TikTok LIVE has become a powerful stage for emerging artists to connect with global audiences, share their artistry in real time, and turn moments into milestones. TikTok LIVE allows creators to build direct, two-way relationships with fans, turning viewers into loyal supporters and active participants in an artist’s journey. It’s where musicians can share new music, build genuine connections with fans, and reach audiences far beyond their home cities.

This year’s Global Finale will be hosted by none other than Sam Ryder (@samhairwolfryder), the chart-topping singer-songwriter who first made his mark sharing music on TikTok during lockdown. Since then, Sam has built a global fanbase, represented the UK at Eurovision, and become a vocal champion for emerging talent. His own journey from TikTok creator to international star makes him the perfect host for a competition dedicated to discovering the next wave of artists.

Sam Ryder said: "TikTok changed my life as an artist and I’m stoked to see how it can shape the lives of others. Music On Stage is all about giving that same spark of opportunity to the next wave of talent, and I can’t wait to watch their journeys unfold!"

Music On Stage is TikTok LIVE’s first official global competition for music creators, giving artists from 23 regions the chance to perform live, connect with new fans, and take their careers to the next level. The competition is designed to help creators who meet TikTok LIVE's music quality standards to grow their audiences, earn rewards through LIVE, and access career-changing opportunities, in collaboration with TikTok’s music distribution platform, SoundOn.

Following weeks of exciting performances, the Regional Finals will take place between August 29th to 31st, bringing together the best local talent in LIVE, interactive shows. Contestants will go head-to-head in “Take the Stage” battles, with audience votes, small gifts, and judges’ bonus points helping decide who moves on. The winners of these Regional Finals will advance to the Global Finals LIVE hosted from Seoul (September 19th for APAC), and London (September 27th for EMEA & AMS), where Sam Ryder will host and help shine a spotlight on the world’s next music stars.

Global winners will receive song production, publishing, and promotional support from SoundOn, plus the opportunity to perform at TikTok LIVE Fest in 2026. Last year’s TikTok LIVE Fest was headlined by pop powerhouse Zara Larsson (@zaralarsson) and hosted by global superstar Jason Derulo (@jasonderulo), bringing together top creators, emerging artists, and music fans from every corner of the world. Held in London and streamed to millions via TikTok LIVE, the event showcased the platform’s biggest breakout talents alongside established chart-toppers.

Shen Gao, Head of LIVE Operations, Americas at TikTok LIVE, said: “TikTok LIVE is one of the most exciting spaces for artists right now as a launchpad for musical talent. It’s where fans can connect with music in real time, share moments, and support their favourite performers directly. Music On Stage takes that energy global, and with Sam Ryder and Jeon Somi as as our hosts, we’re so excited to be bringing inspiration and opportunity to creators everywhere.”

Nichal Sethi, Head of SoundOn EMEA at TikTok, said: “Music On Stage is about more than a competition - it’s about giving talented creators the platform, tools, and audience to build long-lasting careers. At SoundOn, we’re passionate about supporting emerging artists from their very first release through to global recognition, and we can’t wait to see the incredible talent that takes the stage this year.”

The Regional Finals will stream LIVE in-app in the lead-up to the Global Finals later this year, where viewers around the world can cheer on their favourites and help crown the first-ever Music On Stage champions.

TikTok LIVE creators like DJ AG (@djagonline) - the London street DJ whose spontaneous outdoor sets have attracted everyone from passersby to global superstars like Ed Sheeran and Jessie J - are using LIVE to give working-class and grassroots talent a global platform. From Philippine Idol Season 2 runner-up Ryssi (@imryssi), to Fiaa Hamilton (@fiaahamilton), winner of TikTok Gimme The Mic’s Most Inspiring Award, and street performers like Jourdan Blue (@jourdanblue) currently starring in America's Got Talent, artists are transforming into LIVE fan favourites, proving that on TikTok LIVE, talent can rise from anywhere and reach everywhere.

We can’t wait to bring you our most exciting global music event yet and celebrate the incredible talent on TikTok LIVE. Whether you’re an artist, music fan, or part of our creator community, tune in to Music On Stage to discover emerging performers from around the world, connect with them in real time, and show your support as they chase their dreams.

Discover TikTok LIVE and join our community by simply downloading the app for free via the Apple App Store, Google Play or Amazon.

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