TikTok, the global phenomenon known for its short films and viral challenges, has ventured into the music streaming space with TikTok Music. It’s a logical next step for the social media app, especially given that much of the original TikTok appeal revolves around incorporating new and classic tunes into the short videos. Many users will already be keen on music streaming while also discovering new audio flavors as they scroll.
But what’s the actual deal with TikTok Music? Why can’t you try it just yet, and how will it work when you can? We have the answers to all of those questions and more.
What is TikTok Music?
TikTok Music is what you would guess it is from the name — a music streaming service from TikTok. While it may seem a big challenge to enter an already saturated market, the new streaming service can leverage the massive user base of TikTok, where music has always been an essential component.
While billed as being part of TikTok, the service is a separate app and was developed to compete directly with the likes of Spotify and Apple Music. TikTok already has partnerships with major record labels like Universal Music Group, Warner Music Group, and Sony Music, so users have access to a vast array of songs, including those that go viral on TikTok. Users can play full versions of songs they hear on the social media app, discover personalized music recommendations, and even access lyrics in real time.
Unlike some more passive audio platforms, TikTok Music promotes social engagement, allowing users to comment on songs and albums. It also features a song recognition capability akin to Apple’s Shazam. Integrating seamlessly with the main TikTok app, users can quickly share their favorite songs and artists with their social media community. The service also includes features like collaborative playlist creation, music library imports from other platforms, and lyric-based song searches.
How does TikTok Music work?
TikTok Music is a separate app that you can add to your device in the usual ways. Once you’ve downloaded and installed the app, you can connect your TikTok account during the setup in order to discover music from the social media side and share their tunes with the community. That said, you don’t need a TikTok account to use the app as a standalone music service, but it’s certainly designed to be optimally utilized in conjunction with the main platform.
Once set up, you can start discovering music, curating your playlists, and importing from other services to build your library.
