iHeartMedia and TikTok launched TikTok Radio from iHeart on Friday (March 13), extending a partnership between the two companies that began last November into broadcast territory.
The new station went live on the iHeartRadio app and across 28 broadcast stations throughout the country, including New York, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Austin, Chicago, Dallas, Nashville, Miami and more.
The station’s programming format is built around TikTok’s discovery engine and iHeart’s programming expertise, according to the joint announcement. Signature segments include a weekly countdown of TikTok’s 10 biggest songs including the story and artist behind the music, trending topics, new music highlights on Fridays, and a slot dedicated to “artists On the Verge of breaking into the charts.”
The launch was broadcast from the iHeartPodcast Hotel at SXSW in Austin, where a rotating group of TikTok creators joined the on-air lineup live. Creators including Grace Wells, Madison Tevlin, and Eric Sedeño were among those who appeared at the launch event.
The launch of TikTok Radio through iHeart effectively ends TikTok’s relationship with SiriusXM. In 2021, TikTok launched TikTok Radio, described at the time as a full-time SiriusXM music channel.
Meanwhile, TikTok also announced the inaugural lineup of shows for the TikTok Podcast Network, which was first announced in November 2025, but had not yet revealed its full creator slate. Five podcasts were named, each hosted by a TikTok personality with an established following on the platform.
Lele Pons will host Suite 305, described as an “unfiltered slumber party,” while fashion editor Caroline Vazzana will host Caroline’s Closet, focused on the fashion industry. Two sports-oriented shows are also part of the slate: Sports Slice, hosted by Tim Martin, and The Clifford Show, from former college football player Clifford Taylor IV.
Carter Gregory, a music executive, will host The Set List, a backstage-access format centered on conversations with artists.
Back in November, TikTok said TikTok Podcast Network will feature up to 25 podcasts hosted by TikTok creators. To support production, iHeartMedia is opening co-branded studios in Los Angeles, New York and Atlanta, equipped with audio and video infrastructure, TikTok said at the time.
GEICO signed on as the exclusive launch partner for the TikTok Podcast Network.
“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.”
Tom Poleman, iHeartMedia
Commenting on the new partnership, Tom Poleman, Chief Programming Officer for iHeartMedia, said: “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.”
TikTok’s renewed focus on podcasts comes as major streaming companies double down on the format. Earlier in March, Spotify partnered with HYBE to put original K-pop video podcasts on the streaming platform. The first show under the partnership will debut on March 23.
In January, Spotify launched a new studio dedicated for podcasts in Hollywood. It follows the launch of its Los Angeles creative hub in December 2021, spanning 155,000 square feet and features studios to record music, podcasts and videos, and host events.
Spotify now operates podcast studios in New York, Stockholm, and London in addition to its two Los Angeles locations. The company chose Hollywood for its new studio, describing Los Angeles as “a global center for storytelling.”
Separately in October, Netflix and Spotify struck a deal for Netflix to stream video podcasts from Spotify Studios and The Ringer starting this year.
Music Business Worldwide