TikTok Launches “TikTok In The Mix” Podcast Series as Platform Expands Into Music and Audio
TikTok is no longer just the world’s most influential short-video platform — it’s fast becoming a major audio and podcasting powerhouse. With its new strategic partnership with iHeartMedia and the launch of the TikTok Podcast Network, the platform is officially doubling down on long-form audio content. And now, TikTok has unveiled a brand-new live podcast series dedicated entirely to music, creativity, and candid artist conversations.
The new show, “TikTok In The Mix,” debuts with a compact, four-episode season — but industry observers say it may be the clearest sign yet of how TikTok intends to expand deeper into the podcasting landscape.
TikTok’s New Music Podcast: What “TikTok In The Mix” Brings to the Table
At the heart of TikTok’s latest venture lies a familiar face: Jack Coyne, the charismatic host behind TikTok’s hit game series Track Star, will helm each episode. His mission? Sit down with trending artists for unscripted conversations about:
Their creative journeys
Studio secrets and album-making experiences
The TikTok moments that helped catapult their songs into global hits
The culture-shaping trends they’ve played a role in
Their personal relationship with fans and fame
TikTok promises listeners an authentic blend of behind-the-scenes stories, music insights, and candid reflections — a refreshing break from traditional, overly produced interviews.
TikTok Positions Itself as the Home of Global Music Discovery
According to Tracy Gardner, TikTok’s Global Head of Music Business Development, the new series reinforces the platform’s identity as a global music incubator:
“TikTok is the home of music discovery — a meeting place for artists and fans that fuels culture and builds chart-topping hits,” Gardner says. “‘TikTok In The Mix’ gives artists a dedicated space to reveal the stories behind their songs and gives fans a deeper look into the moments shaping music culture today.”
Demi Lovato Headlines the Debut Episode
Kicking off the series, the premiere episode (Airs: Dec. 11 at 9 PM ET) features global superstar Demi Lovato. In this episode:
Lovato discusses the making of her latest album
She shares personal stories from the recording process
She steps into the playful “Booth of Truth” — a special segment where she unpacks the meaning behind some of her most iconic lyrics
Fans get a rare opportunity to see how her personal life and artistic evolution intersect
Coyne, reflecting on the show, says:
“TikTok is one of the driving forces behind music today. Hearing the biggest artists open up about their creativity is incredibly special. ‘TikTok In The Mix’ lets fans feel closer to the artists they admire.”
The episode will run for 30 minutes, broadcast live on TikTok, and is co-produced and sponsored by T-Mobile.
Will “TikTok In The Mix” Live Beyond Its Live Airing?
One big question remains: Will the episodes be available on-demand or folded into the TikTok Podcast Network through the iHeartMedia partnership?
TikTok has not confirmed yet, leaving creators and fans watching closely. But given the platform’s push into podcasting, many expect the series to resurface in expanded formats.
TikTok’s Partnership With iHeartMedia: Redefining the Creator-Led Podcast Landscape
Only weeks before the launch of “TikTok In The Mix,” TikTok and iHeartMedia finalized a multiplatform partnership designed to bring TikTok talent and storytelling into the world of audio broadcasting.
The collaboration spans:
A full-scale TikTok Podcast Network
Up to 25 new podcasts hosted by TikTok creators
A new national broadcast + digital radio station
A growing slate of live music and creator-centered events
On-platform distribution of podcast highlights via TikTok Shorts
This partnership signals a broader goal: To help short-form creators expand their influence into long-form audio, one of the fastest-growing entertainment categories.
State-of-the-Art Podcast Studios: A New Home for TikTok Creators
To support this initiative, iHeartMedia is launching co-branded, next-generation podcast studios in:
Los Angeles
New York
Atlanta
Each studio comes equipped with:
Professional audio recording systems
High-quality video production equipment
Dedicated creator spaces for hybrid video-podcast content
Tools for livestreaming and cross-platform publishing
TikTok creators — known for their quick, punchy storytelling — now have an opportunity to develop deeper, more nuanced narratives in professionally produced audio formats.
TikTok’s New Slate of Creator Podcasts: What Fans Can Expect
The TikTok Podcast Network will distribute up to 25 new creator-hosted podcasts across major podcast platforms, all distributed by iHeartPodcasts.
Listeners can expect shows covering:
Music culture
Comedy
Lifestyle & wellness
Creator insights
Trend breakdowns
Storytelling
Social commentary
And of course, fans will continue to see podcast highlights and viral clips pop up across TikTok feeds.
TikTok Radio: A New Era of Trend-Driven Audio Programming
As part of the collaboration, TikTok and iHeartMedia are launching TikTok Radio, a high-energy broadcast radio format blending:
Trending TikTok songs
Creator-led storytelling
Conversations about viral hits
Emotional context behind music
Behind-the-scenes stories about new releases
Planned segments include:
Behind-the-Charts – Deep dives into why songs go viral
New Music Fridays – Spotlighting new releases shaping TikTok
On The Verge – Featuring rising artists gaining traction on the platform
TikTok Radio will broadcast on traditional radio stations nationwide, as well as digitally via the iHeartRadio app.
Why TikTok Is Going All-In on Audio Right Now
TikTok’s expansion into podcasting reflects broader shifts in media consumption:
1. Fans want deeper storytelling
Short-form videos spark interest, but podcasts create emotional connection and loyalty.
2. Creators want more diversification
Podcasts provide new revenue opportunities, safer monetization models, and longer content arcs.
3. Music discovery is exploding on TikTok
Songs that trend on TikTok often hit the Billboard charts — and artists want a platform to tell the stories behind those transitions.
4. TikTok needs long-form formats
As regulators tighten rules on social platforms, long-form audio gives TikTok more grounding as a media company, not just a social app.
What This Means for the Future of TikTok
TikTok’s vision is becoming clearer: It wants to dominate the intersection of video, music, podcasting, live broadcasting, and creator-centered entertainment.
With partnerships like this and shows like “TikTok In The Mix,” TikTok is positioning itself not just as a platform — but as a full-fledged entertainment ecosystem.
The move also positions TikTok as a direct competitor to:
YouTube’s podcasting ambitions
Spotify’s evolving creator tools
Meta’s music discovery efforts
Traditional radio companies modernizing for digital audiences
And with 135–170 million U.S. users, TikTok has the scale to redefine how audience-driven audio content is produced and consumed.
Conclusion: A New Era of Creator and Artist Conversations Begins
“TikTok In The Mix” is more than just a new show — it’s the first chapter in TikTok’s deeper push into livestreamed conversations, long-form engagement, and artist storytelling. Whether it remains a live-only experience or becomes a flagship part of TikTok’s podcast network, the series marks a major turning point in how TikTok blends music, creators, and on-platform storytelling.
With Demi Lovato leading the debut and more top-tier artists expected to join, TikTok is betting big that fans are ready for more intimate, unfiltered conversations with the voices shaping global music culture.
