Singer Sophia James may have cracked the code to TikTok's algorithm, but she still can't believe it. The indie artist experimented with exclusive groups on TikTok, hoping to promote her music and cut through the noise. In a series of videos set to her song "So Unfair", James introduced different categories for users to join, including Group 7. The final video in the experiment has garnered over 76 million views and sparked countless comments and reaction videos.
The algorithm's favoritism towards established artists is well-known, but James' experiment suggests that even with the algorithm working against her, she could still succeed. Her music had more reach since the video popped off, and it's spread through her other music as well. The artist attributes this success to the fact that she's been using her voice in the final video.
James believes that the algorithm can be broken through by musicians. She thinks that her experiment has proved this point and is taking it as a win for now. With her music gaining traction, James is taking the indie route seriously, promoting her songs and connecting with fans who discover little corners of her discography.
However, James also acknowledges the frustration artists face in trying to break through on TikTok's algorithm. Many independent artists have reported struggles getting their music noticed despite putting in effort. The platform has changed significantly since its "golden age" of music discovery during the Covid era, and now it seems like big labels are favored.
James' experiment highlights the challenges artists still face when using social media to promote their music. Despite her success with Group 7, James knows that the algorithm can shift in an instant, and she'll have to continue adapting to stay ahead.
The algorithm's favoritism towards established artists is well-known, but James' experiment suggests that even with the algorithm working against her, she could still succeed. Her music had more reach since the video popped off, and it's spread through her other music as well. The artist attributes this success to the fact that she's been using her voice in the final video.
James believes that the algorithm can be broken through by musicians. She thinks that her experiment has proved this point and is taking it as a win for now. With her music gaining traction, James is taking the indie route seriously, promoting her songs and connecting with fans who discover little corners of her discography.
However, James also acknowledges the frustration artists face in trying to break through on TikTok's algorithm. Many independent artists have reported struggles getting their music noticed despite putting in effort. The platform has changed significantly since its "golden age" of music discovery during the Covid era, and now it seems like big labels are favored.
James' experiment highlights the challenges artists still face when using social media to promote their music. Despite her success with Group 7, James knows that the algorithm can shift in an instant, and she'll have to continue adapting to stay ahead.
. On one hand, it's awesome that her music finally gained some traction, especially since the final video popped off 
. But at the same time, I'm still skeptical about how sustainable this success is gonna be in the long run 
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. So even if James' experiment shows that indie artists can crack the code, it's still a crapshoot whether they'll actually get noticed in the first place 
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. It's all about authenticity and connection with fans, right? And hey, if she can keep that momentum going, who knows what could happen 
!
. The algorithm is super complex, and it's impossible for one person (or artist) to fully understand how it works. What if someone else in the indie scene stumbled upon a similar strategy? We might be seeing an underdog story 
. 
isn't surprising, tbh 
. Social media platforms love emotive content! The real question is: will this success translate to lasting fame or just a fleeting moment? We'll have to wait and see 
in an industry where it feels like everything is super competitive. I mean, 76 million views on her final video? That's insane! 
And the fact that she thinks she can crack the code to TikTok's algorithm is so inspiring. I'm all about empowering artists to take control of their own success and not rely on just one platform to get noticed.
. That feels like the real deal. Of course, I can see why she'd acknowledge the frustration artists face when trying to break through on TikTok - it's tough out there! 
But I'm keeping my fingers crossed for Sophia (and all the other talented indie artists) because I know they've got this 
!
. Big labels always seem to get the juice, and this experiment doesn't change that. Even with 76 million views, it's clear that James' unique sound and message are what resonated with people... but let's not pretend that was just luck 
. And don't even get me started on how easily the algorithm can shift 
- one wrong move and she'll be back to square one 
. Still, I gotta give it to Sophia for trying, I guess 
... but I'm still skeptical 
i love how she's taking control of her music and engaging with fans, that's what indie artists need to do more of 
my fave part is when she says the algorithm can be broken by musicians, like yes girl, you're speaking truth to power 
According to TikTok's own stats, the average engagement for a video on the platform is around 4-6% of total views... but Sophia James' video got over 76 MILLION VIEWS 
And if we break it down further, her song "So Unfair" had a whopping 23 million views in just one week alone 
that's like, insane! 
Did you know that on TikTok, 55% of users are between 16-24 years old? 
So it's clear that this strategy isn't just for the younger crowd... although, let's be real, they do make up like, half of the platform's users 
The fact that one video pops off and suddenly her music is gaining traction just doesn't add up. There's gotta be more to it than that. And yeah, the algorithm can favor established artists, but it's not like she was using some secret sauce to get around it 
. They've gotta make money somehow, right? So when James says the algorithm can be broken through by musicians, I'm like... okay, sure, but how does she plan on making that happen? 
"
SHE SHOWED US THAT EVEN WITH ALL THE OBSTACLES, A LITTLE BIT OF HUSTLE AND CREATIVITY CAN GO A LONG WAY. BUT AT THE SAME TIME, I FEEL FOR OTHER INDIE ARTISTS WHO ARE STILL STRUGGLING TO GET NOTICED ON TIKTOK. IT'S LIKE, THEY'RE PUTTING IN ALL THE EFFORT, BUT THE ALGORITHM JUST ISN'T PLAYING BALL FOR THEM 
Still, kudos to Sophia James for taking the initiative and trying something new. Maybe we can learn from her example... or at least, maybe we'll get a better understanding of how TikTok works 
.
.
. The thing is, TikTok's algorithm can be super unpredictable, so you never know when your success will happen or fizzle out 
. Still, Sophia James' experiment is definitely a win for indie artists everywhere 
. Now if only she could get me to listen to more of her music...
.
The fact that James is taking this win and running with it, promoting her music and connecting with fans, is a huge inspiration for indie artists everywhere.