Los Angeles Magazine uses “original sounds” on TikTok to create viral, short-form guides to the city’s dining, culture, and hidden gems. These audio clips allow users to repurpose the publication’s curated recommendations in their own videos, expanding the magazine’s reach beyond traditional print and web formats according to the publication’s TikTok profile.
How Los Angeles Magazine uses TikTok original sounds to drive engagement
Los Angeles Magazine leverages TikTok’s “original sound” feature to transform static recommendations into interactive audio templates. By uploading videos with unique commentary or curated soundtracks, the publication enables other creators to “use this sound” for their own content. This creates a network effect where a single recommendation about a restaurant or landmark can spawn hundreds of user-generated videos.
The strategy shifts the magazine from a one-way source of information to a catalyst for community conversation. When a user adopts an LA Mag sound, they often share their own experience with the location mentioned, providing real-time validation or contrast to the magazine’s professional review. This organic amplification increases the visibility of the brand among Gen Z and Millennial audiences who prioritize peer-to-peer recommendations over traditional editorial lists.
Why original audio matters for local city guides
Audio is a primary discovery mechanism on TikTok. Users often find new content by clicking on a trending sound rather than searching for a specific keyword. For a city-centric publication, creating a distinct audio identity allows Los Angeles Magazine to claim a “sonic footprint” within the LA community.
According to TikTok’s platform mechanics, sounds that are frequently reused are more likely to be pushed by the algorithm to other users in the same geographic region. By creating sounds that highlight specific LA neighborhoods or “best of” lists, the magazine ensures its content appears in the feeds of people currently living in or visiting Southern California.
The shift from print to short-form video for legacy media
The adoption of TikTok original sounds represents a broader transition for legacy media outlets. Los Angeles Magazine, founded in 1965, has evolved from a monthly print publication into a multi-platform digital entity. This shift requires moving away from long-form critiques toward “snackable” content that fits the attention spans of social media users.
This evolution mirrors trends seen in other urban publications. Rather than simply reposting a link to a website, legacy brands now create native content specifically for the platform. This approach reduces friction for the reader and keeps the engagement within the app, where the potential for virality is higher.
How to find and use LA Mag sounds on TikTok
Users can access these audio clips by visiting the official Los Angeles Magazine TikTok account. When a video features an “original sound,” a spinning record icon appears at the bottom right of the screen. Clicking this icon leads to a dedicated page showing every video that has used that specific audio track.
- Discovery: Search for @lamag on TikTok to find the latest curated sounds.
- Application: Tap the sound icon and select “Use this sound” to record a response or a similar guide.
- Community: View the “Original Sound” page to see how other Angelenos are interacting with the magazine’s recommendations.
Comparison of Content Formats
The following table contrasts the traditional editorial approach with the TikTok “original sound” strategy used by Los Angeles Magazine.
| Feature | Traditional Editorial (Print/Web) | TikTok Original Sound Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| Direction | One-way (Publisher to Reader) | Multi-directional (Collaborative) |
| Discovery | Search engines and subscriptions | Algorithm and audio trends |
| Format | Long-form text and photography | Short-form video and audio loops |
| User Role | Passive consumer | Active co-creator |
As digital consumption habits continue to lean toward audio-visual discovery, Los Angeles Magazine’s investment in original TikTok sounds positions the brand as a modern authority on urban living. The publication’s ability to blend 60 years of editorial expertise with current social trends ensures its relevance in a crowded digital marketplace.
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