Samsung Partners with TikTok to Launch StemDrop, the Next Evolution of Music Collaboration

“StemDrop” - A Song for the World

• A new international music discovery format, StemDrop reflects Samsung’s commitment to empowering creative expression

• TikTok creators can interpret, sing, remix and upload their unique versions of a brand-new single from one of the greatest song writing teams in history, led by Max Martin.

• Make it with Samsung using the power of the Galaxy Z Flip4 and Galaxy Buds2 Pro

• Creative direction from Simon Cowell’s Syco Entertainment, Universal Music Group, the world-leader in music-based entertainment and its Republic Records label

LONDON, United Kingdom – October 19, 2022 – Samsung Electronics Co, Ltd. has partnered with TikTok to launch StemDrop, a new international music discovery format that will revolutionise global music collaboration, democratise music production and give all music creators a never-before-seen platform to showcase their talent to the world.

Officially launching Thursday 26th October on TikTok, with creative direction from Syco Entertainment, Universal Music Group – the world-leader in music-based entertainment – and its Republic Records label, StemDrop gives music creators an unprecedented opportunity to collaborate with the world’s finest songwriters. Starting with 5x Grammy award winner Max Martin and his prolific hit-making team of Savan Kotecha and Ali Payami, who will release 60 seconds of an original new single exclusively on TikTok for the world to mix.

Samsung has a rich history of developing transformative technology ideal for those who want to create. From emerging to established artists, you can make your StemDrop look and sound amazing with the creativity and innovation of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4. When you’re all done, connect and listen back, with the Galaxy Buds2 Pro.

Creators can film their music video hands-free and at any angle they want by partially folding the Z Flip4 to activate FlexCam – granting budding artists unlimited freedom and self-expression when shooting content. The upgraded Z Flip4 camera also comes equipped with a 65% brighter sensor*, resulting in better images in low light, so you can make great content, day or night. In addition, multi-window lets you see two apps at once, so you can check out the lyrics while practising your performance.

Once you’ve finished recording your StemDrop, seamlessly connect your Galaxy Buds2 Pro to your Z Flip4 and listen back in Hi-Fi quality sound, giving you an in-studio experience from home or on-the-go.

As soon as the song drops, the TikTok community will have access to the ‘stems’ – the individual components of the song such as drums, bass guitar and vocals – through the TikTok Sounds page. The StemDrop Player, powered by Samsung but open to all, gives creators the ability to produce their own unique spin of the track. Slow parts of the track down, speed it up, make it acapella – creators can make it their own in the very palm of their hand. TikTok stars Ari Elkins, Astrid S and Your Boy Moyo will act as global ambassadors for StemDrop and host daily content on the @StemDrop channel on TikTok.

As the global leader in the smartphone industry, Samsung has a deep understanding of how people express themselves through their devices. More than ever, that means creating short-form content.

Benjamin Braun, Chief Marketing Officer at Samsung Europe comments: “From movies, games and music – Samsung understands that entertainment is the most exciting when it evolves. This partnership with TikTok, Syco Entertainment and Universal Music Group is a ground-breaking new chapter that will redefine music creation.

As leaders in innovation, we feel a responsibility to constantly find ways to champion creativity – the openness of StemDrop does just that. This mission has been longstanding: from the launch of Samsung Spotlight, an initiative to support performing artists in the wake of the pandemic, to our partnership with UMG on Music Galaxy Thursdays, allowing music lovers free access to never-seen-before artist interviews, performances, and behind-the-scenes footage in the lead-up to New Music Friday. Now, our advancements in the foldables market are changing the way we use mobile devices as the ultimate tool for both productivity and self-expression.

We’re extremely excited to build on our evolving role in the music industry, to continue leading the way in technological innovation, and to inspire the world to #MakeItWithSamsung”. 

Speaking on the launch of StemDrop, Simon Cowell said: “Hit songs are like diamonds and they can change an artist’s career overnight. With tens of thousands of songs uploaded every day this idea will give aspiring artists the opportunity to collaborate with some of the most successful songwriters in the world. The premise was always very straightforward… ‘What would happen if the best songwriters in the world wrote a song for the world…….?’

We have no idea what’s going to happen. I do know there are so many incredibly talented people who are trying to stand out and I hope and believe this could make a big difference to their careers. It says everything about Max Martin, Savan and Ali that they have decided to give this song to the TikTok community to record and collaborate with them. And I want to thank them so much for believing in this idea. In addition, I want to thank TikTok, Samsung and Universal for their support and enthusiasm. Again, their passionate support of talented people is amazing.”

More information on StemDrop and the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 and the Galaxy Buds2 Pro can be found on Samsung.com, here.

The official StemDrop channel (@StemDrop) has posted videos today to celebrate the launch of StemDrop and spark excitement among the TikTok community.

Ole Obermann, Global Head of Music at TikTok said: “We are thrilled to finally announce StemDrop to the world. Some of the biggest names in entertainment, music and technology are coming together to supercharge music discovery in a way never seen before, using the power of TikTok to unearth new talent. Every day, brilliant, undiscovered artists and songwriters turn to TikTok to share their music and find a global audience; StemDrop will put a spotlight on this talent and act as a springboard to help them build their careers.”

Paul Hourican, Global Head of Music Operations at TikTok said: “TikTok’s mission is to inspire creativity and bring joy, and with StemDrop our aim is to provide our creative community, wherever they are, an opportunity to collaborate and create with the world’s most iconic songwriters and their work in a new and original way. The breadth and diversity of musical talent emerging on TikTok every day is breathtaking and we’re committed to opening doors for artists and propelling new talent to find sustained success both on and off the platform. We can’t wait to see what this collaboration brings so thank you to Max, Simon and the teams at Syco, UMG and Republic who have helped bring this to life.”