TikTok, the popular short-form video hosting app, has announced the launch of its music streaming service with a closed beta test in Australia, Mexico, and Singapore. This move comes after the initial beta testing phase in Brazil and Indonesia earlier this month. Users selected for the closed beta will have the opportunity to try out the music streaming service for free for three months.
The music streaming service, called TikTok Music, is a separate app that users can download from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store. However, it is integrated with the main TikTok app, allowing users to discover the full versions of songs that have gone viral on the video platform.
According to reports, TikTok Music offers a range of features including personalized song recommendations, real-time lyrics, collaborative playlists, and a lyrics search feature. It is also said to have a Shazam-like feature that can identify songs by listening to them. Additionally, users will be able to download tracks for offline listening.
Once the trial period is over, users in Australia will be charged AUD12 (US$8.16) per month to continue using the service, while users in Mexico will pay Mex$115 (US$6.86) and users in Singapore will pay S$9.90 (US$7.48). TikTok already has a music streaming service called Resso available in India, Brazil, and Indonesia, but it plans to shut down the app in the latter two countries in September.
It is worth noting that TikTok has not yet announced whether the music streaming service will be available in the United States. However, the company filed a trademark application for “TikTok Music” in the country in May 2022, indicating its intentions to expand the service to the US market.
TikTok’s foray into the music streaming industry comes as no surprise, considering the significant role that music plays on its platform. Countless viral trends and challenges have been fueled by popular songs on TikTok, making it a natural progression for the app to offer a dedicated music streaming service.
The closed beta test in Australia, Mexico, and Singapore allows TikTok to gather feedback from users and make necessary improvements to the music streaming service before its official launch. By offering a free trial period, the company aims to attract users and build initial momentum for the service.
As with many other products and services, TikTok Music will also have an affiliate program, allowing users to earn commissions by promoting the service through affiliate links. This strategy not only incentivizes users to spread the word about TikTok Music but also helps the company generate buzz and increase its user base.
TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, has been investing heavily in the music industry in recent years. In addition to TikTok Music and Resso, ByteDance has also acquired popular karaoke app Musical.ly and established partnerships with major music labels. These strategic moves demonstrate ByteDance’s commitment to diversifying its offerings and exploring new opportunities within the music market.
While the launch of TikTok Music is a significant development for the app and its users, it also poses potential competition to established music streaming platforms such as Spotify and Apple Music. With its massive user base and unique approach to content discovery, TikTok has the potential to disrupt the music streaming industry and attract a new generation of music listeners.
In conclusion, TikTok is expanding the scope of its music streaming service with a closed beta test in Australia, Mexico, and Singapore. The service, called TikTok Music, offers a range of features including personalized song recommendations, real-time lyrics, collaborative playlists, and a lyrics search feature. It aims to leverage TikTok’s popularity and influence in the music realm to compete with established streaming platforms. By offering a free trial period for selected users, TikTok hopes to gain valuable feedback and build initial traction for its music service. The future success of TikTok Music will depend on its ability to deliver a compelling user experience and differentiate itself from competitors in the crowded music streaming market.
