After announcing a partnership with Tik Tok las fall, iHeartMedia will launch “TikTok Radio from iHeart” on Friday, March 13 on 28 HD subchannels and the iHeartRadio app.
The new channel, which replaces Tik Tok’s former partnership with SiriusXM, will launch from the iHeartPodcasts Hotel at SXSW in Austin with a rotating lineup of iHeart and TikTok creators. The channel is described as blending “TikTok’s discovery engine and cultural impact with iHeart’s programming expertise and trusted personalities to give fans a new way to listen to their favorite artists’ full tracks while diving deeper into the stories, trends and moments that turned them into a cultural phenomenon.”
iHeart says that the launch broadcast from SXSW will transform “the space into an IRL For You Feed powered by the new station. Content captured throughout the event will be featured across iHeart channels, creator platforms and brand partners”.
Regular programming will include a daily lineup of talent from across iHeart’s portfolio. KQBT Houston’s Ashlee Young will host mornings from 5-10am. KBIG Los Angeles’ Jon Comouche will host middays from 10am to 3pm. KMYI San Diego’s Becky Mits anchors 3-8pm. KYLD San Francisco’s Angelina Narvaez follows from 8pm-12am. KIIS-FM Los Angeles’ Kayla Thomas holds overnights from 12-5am.
The station will also feature a number of regular segments including a “Hacks on the :20s” with life hacks every hour at :20 after, “New Music Fridays” highlighting new releases, “On The Verge” with featured artists about to break onto the charts, and “Behind-the-Charts” with a countdown of the top 10 songs on TikTok.
iHeart and Tik Tok also announced the first group of TikTok creators who will host podcasts for the network including Lele Pons, Carolina Vazzana, Tim Martin, Clifford Taylor IV, and Carter Gregory.
TikTok Global Head of Media and Licensing Partnerships Dan Page said, “We couldn’t be more excited to launch TikTok Radio and introduce our inaugural slate of hosts for the TikTok Podcast Network. At TikTok, empowering creators to turn their passions into lasting careers is core to everything we do, and this partnership unlocks powerful new opportunities for them to expand their voices across radio, podcasts and live moments, while connecting with fans in new ways.”
iHeartMedia Chief Programming Officer Tom Poleman commented, “This next chapter of our multiplatform partnership with TikTok unlocks the full power of both ecosystems – creators, broadcast radio, podcasts, live moments and social – all working together in real time. This station is built to feel like a living, breathing For You Feed– a place where creators, music fans and our on-air talent collide in real time to shape what’s next in culture. From live broadcasts at SXSW to creator-led podcasts and trend driven radio programming, we’re merging the best of our platforms to amplify creators, elevate emerging voices and deliver fans a 360 degree experience across audio, video and live moments.”
Among the stations carrying Tik Tok Radio will be 104.3 WAXQ-HD2 New York, 98.7 KYSR-HD2 Los Angeles, 107.5 WGCI-HD2 Chicago, 92.5 KZPS-HD2 Dallas, 98.9 WUSL-HD2 Philadelphia, 93.9 WMIA-HD2 Miami, 102.5 KZOK-HD2 Seattle and 102.5 KNIX-HD2 Phoenix.
