TikTok is the current music industry maker — with music and content going viral seemingly overnight, the app can be extremely useful for growing your audience. However, the common misconception is that the TikTok audience is only for Gen Z… we’re here to tell you that this is NOT the case. Plenty of musicians, young and old, are making a career on the platform through consistent, strategic posting. We deep dive to find the TikTok superstars over 40 who have deeply connected to audiences.
This article is meant to inspire you and demonstrate that anyone can kill it on TikTok. So without further ado…
Here are 9 TikTok Superstars over 40 using the platform to spread their music and grow their fanbase.
(And when you’re properly inspired, checkout our Essential TikTok Tips and Tricks to get you started actually posting on the app).
One: Algie Powers
Algie Powers is a singer-songwriter residing in Salt Lake City, Utah, she is a musician and TikTok creator celebrated for her acoustic guitar covers and vocal performances of popular songs. She captivates audiences with renditions of artists like Joni Mitchell and Ed Sheeran, while also sharing lifestyle content. Algie has released original music on platforms like Apple Music, showcasing her creative range. She’s known for her authentic engagement and has become an influential figure on TikTok, especially among the over-40 crowd. (@algiepowers)
TIP: Remember, when you post music on TikTok, be sure to post it as an original sound!
Two: Robin Henkel
Robin Henkel has been a performing blues musician since 1973. He is a celebrated San Diego-based blues musician known for his masterful slide guitar and engaging live performances. Influenced by blues greats like Robert Johnson and Elmore James, Henkel combines storytelling with his unique vintage instrument style. He has shared the stage with legends like B.B. King and Bonnie Raitt and is a four-time San Diego Music Award winner. Inducted into the San Diego Music Hall of Fame, Henkel’s impact spans performance and education, making him a respected figure in the blues community.. (@robinhenkelblues)
TIP: Reply To Comment! In the screenshot of his video below, you can see that he used the reply-to-comment feature to connect with a fan in his following! This is a great way to create content that your audience is excited about.
Three: Ellen M
Ellen M is a pianist and TikTok content creator known for her engaging piano performances and tutorials. On TikTok, she shares a variety of content, including piano covers of popular songs, video game music, anime themes, and educational tutorials. Her engaging style and diverse repertoire have garnered her a substantial following on the platform. (@ellenmpianist)
TIP: Diversify your content As you can see, Ellen creates not only music content, but other types of videos that showcase parts of her life such as “ADHD Musician Thoughts” or providing advice for other TikTok superstars regarding “What To Do When Views Are Down.” It’s important to diversify your content!
Four: Ron Jackson
Well-established in the jazz world, Ron Jackson has expanded his reach with the use of TikTok. From duetable guitar backing tracks to original music to trips to Guitar Center, Jackson keeps his account interactive and engaging. By keeping his followers constantly involved, Jackson continues to grow. (@ronjacksonmusic)
TIP: Title well! Just like Ron, make sure to put titles on your TikToks before you post. That way, your content is easily discoverable in your feed.
Five: Hal Walker
Hal Walker (@banakula)
Hal Walker, known as Banakula on social media, is a musician and TikTok creator celebrated for his engaging performances on unique instruments like the khaen and harmonica. He shares captivating musical content that resonates with a diverse audience. Walker is also recognized for his innovative approach to traditional instruments, notably the banakulas— African gourd shakers. He has developed methods to teach beginners how to play the banakulas and offers instructions on making them. In addition to his musical endeavors, Walker has been living with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) since 1992. This debilitating illness has significantly impacted his life and career, especially after a severe downturn in 2021 that left him mostly bedridden and in need of full-time care. Despite these challenges, Walker continues to share his music and experiences, raising awareness about ME/CFS and inspiring others through his resilience and dedication to his craft.
TIP: Use hashtags to your advantage. Use 3-4 tags related to your content and 1-2 trending tags on every post for maximum reach! As you can see below, Hal uses this mix of tags, with 6 related to his content of him performing an indigenous instrument from Thailand (#khean #laos #thailand #hmong #isan #isaan) in addition to a trending tag (#lowkeygliding) and his own personal tag (#halwalkermusic).
TIP: Duet videos for double the reach, as this associate you with the other account and their trending sound!
Six: JC StarGirl
JCStarGirl is a Canadian singer-songwriter and musician who has gained popularity on TikTok for her engaging performances and content. Born in 1960, JC Stargirl has embraced social media to share her music and connect with a diverse audience. She often interacts with her followers by sharing her age and encouraging others to do the same, fostering a sense of community among her fans. Her content includes singing original songs, covering classics, and participating in trending challenges, all while promoting positivity and inclusivity. Her presence on TikTok exemplifies how artists over 60 can effectively use social media platforms to share their talents and engage with a global audience.
TIP: Truth telling can be FUN!
Seven: Mariano Lusardi AKA The FarPost
Lusardi AKA TheFarPost is a drummer known for his energetic performances and humorous content. With a large following, he shares drum covers, collaborations with other musicians, and creative videos that blend music with everyday life, adding a relatable and entertaining twist to already existing TikTokers! His unique style has made him a favorite among TikTok audiences, showcasing his drumming skills and fun personality.(@thefarpost)
TIP: Shine a light on other content creators as he does by dueting and featuring and namechecking others!
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