TikTok Announces Live Podcast Series, Launching With Demi Lovato

TikTok is launching a new live podcast, "TikTok in the Mix," designed to offer intimate discussions with major music artists. Produced in partnership with telecommunications sponsor T-Mobile, the four-episode season will premiere live from the platform's primary account, @TikTok. The first broadcast is scheduled for Thursday, December 11, at 6 p.m. Pacific Time.

The series debut will spotlight pop-rock icon Demi Lovato, who will join host Jack Coyne from the popular show Trackstar. Their 30-minute conversation will explore the inspiration behind Lovato's recent single, "Not that Deep," with the singer participating in a "Booth of Truth" segment to analyze her lyrics. Industry observers note this format could set a precedent for artist-fan engagement, moving beyond brief video clips to sustained, meaningful dialogue. The session may also address persistent speculation about a potential musical partnership with Swedish pop sensation Zara Larsson.

This initiative highlights TikTok's continued expansion into original music programming. Tracy Gardner, TikTok's Global Head of Music Business Development, emphasized the platform's cultural influence, stating, "As a primary engine for music discovery, TikTok's community doesn't just follow trends—it creates them. This series honors that dynamic by giving artists a space to share their creative narratives directly." Host Jack Coyne echoed this sentiment, adding that the format provides an unprecedented window into the artistic process for fans. The collaboration with T-Mobile—a company with deep ties to music sponsorships, including its long-running "T-Mobile Tuesdays" offers and presence at major festivals—ensures significant promotional reach for the project.

By airing live, the podcast leverages the real-time interaction that defines the TikTok experience, allowing for spontaneous audience participation. This approach not only deepens fan engagement but also provides artists with immediate feedback, a valuable commodity in today's fast-paced music industry. The series represents a strategic move to solidify TikTok's role as a comprehensive music hub, rather than solely a destination for short-form viral content.

Viewers can catch the premiere by tuning into the @TikTok account at the scheduled time. Three additional episodes featuring other prominent musicians will follow throughout the season, with lineup announcements expected in the coming weeks.