TikTok and iHeartMedia have announced a partnership to launch the TikTok Podcast Network. The network will feature up to 25 podcasts hosted by TikTok creators, covering lifestyle, culture, trends, and personal stories.

The company says the podcasts will provide creators a platform beyond TikTok videos. According to TikTok, these podcasts will be widely distributed through iHeartPodcasts, the iHeartRadio app, and other major podcast platforms. Clips and highlights from the shows will also be shareable on TikTok, allowing creators to connect their short-form video content to longer audio formats.

New studios and production support

To support the network, iHeartMedia will open co-branded podcast studios in Los Angeles, New York, and Atlanta. These facilities will include advanced audio and video production setups and will enable creators to produce both podcasts and video content.

Rich Bressler, iHeartMedia’s President, COO, and CFO, said the partnership connects TikTok’s creator community with iHeartMedia’s national reach, offering creators access to some of the largest audio platforms in the U.S.

TikTok Radio brings creators to broadcast

As part of the deal, TikTok and iHeartMedia are launching TikTok Radio. The company says this will combine TikTok creators with experienced iHeartRadio hosts in a format that mimics scrolling through TikTok, but through audio. The station will feature popular music, trend-driven storytelling, and segments such as “Behind-the-Charts” and “New Music Fridays.”

TikTok Radio will air on broadcast stations nationwide and digitally on iHeartRadio. It is built around the music programming of major iHeart stations, such as KIIS FM in Los Angeles and Z100 in New York.

Live events and brand opportunities

The partnership also includes creator participation in iHeartMedia’s live events, including the iHeartRadio Music Festival and Jingle Ball. The companies will provide marketing support and leverage their combined sales teams to secure sponsorships for these shows.

Dan Page, Global Head of Media and Licensing Partnerships at TikTok, said the partnership extends creators’ reach across platforms and allows brands to connect with audiences through shared storytelling.

This follows from previous collaborations

This announcement builds on earlier collaborations between TikTok and iHeartMedia. Earlier this year, they launched Next Up: Live Music, a singing competition streamed exclusively on TikTok Live. 

‍