TikTok has announced that they will be participating in the South by Southwest (SXSW) Conference and Festival – which will take place from March 16 to March 20, 2021. The 5-day event will include film screenings, comedy shows, and conference panel discussions – which will all aim to celebrate the “convergence of the interactive, film, and music industries” and to foster “creative and professional growth”.
In the past, the festival has featured renowned celebrities such as Conan O’Brien, Kanye West and Matthew McConaughey. The event – which is usually hosted in Texas – will be virtual this year due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
TikTok announced their debut to the SXSW festival via Twitter yesterday:
We're excited to take the virtual stage at SXSW alongside our TikTok family – the brands, musicians, artists, and creators who truly embody creative expression. Check out our featured sessions and panels here: https://t.co/oRrrmBoa8F
— TikTokComms (@TikTokComms) March 15, 2021
TikTok will be hosting the following 5 panel discussions from today March 16th until March 20th:
Driving Culture Through Content –
This panel will focus on how Tik Tok has created a platform that fosters unlimited creativity for its content creators and how it’s dramatically shifted global culture.
The discussion will feature hosts such as Sandie Hawkins – the US General Manager of Global Business Solutions of TikTok and AJ Curry – the Senior Manager of Social Content of NFL – who will discuss how brands can use TikTok to add their own value to evolving culture, to communicate their brand story, and to authentically connect and engage with the TikTok community.
TikTok Music Curators Roundtable –
This topic will focus on how music artists on TikTok can achieve their big break and how music content is consumed on the platform. The discussion will be moderated by William Gruger – TikTok’s Music Editorial lead. It will also include successful TikTok music artists – such as Max Motley and Devon Vonder Schmalz [Dev Lemons] – who have built a successful fanbase on the platform and have consequently found success in the music industry.
Think like a Marketer, Act like a Creator –
This panel will focus on how brands must “think outside of the box” in order to market their businesses on the platform. Featured guests will include Sofia Hernandez – Head of Business Marketing at TikTok, Jill Abbott – Head of Consumer and Athlete Engagement at PepsiCo and Gatorade, and Katie Soo – SVP and Head of Growth at HBO Max – who will also discuss how brands can effectively entertain their audiences.
Going Viral: In Your dreams –
This panel was inspired by TikTok’s rise as the music industry’s “best promotional tool” in the last 2 years. Ole Obermann – Global Head of Music at TikTok – will invite famous singer Mick Fleetwood to discuss topics such as Fleetwood’s music career and how technology is “shaping trends and culture” in the music industry.
Join TikTok at SXSW on March 18, 2021 at 2PM PT as Global Head of Music Ole Obermann chats with international music icon @MickFleetwood about TikTok's impact on the music world and how technology shapes trends. Register here: https://t.co/JjjkcMEPbi pic.twitter.com/iepmfjMBrb
— TikTokComms (@TikTokComms) March 15, 2021
Homegrown: TikToks for ATX. Storytelling that Drives Commerce and Community –
The final panel focuses on how effective storytelling leads to “meaningful content”. This hands-on workshop will be led by Lani Baker – a TikTok content creator and Mindy Perry – the Chief Marketing Officer of Kendra Scott – who will train viewers on how to build powerful narratives using TikTok.
With that being said – which TikTok event are you the most excited for?