TikTok, the social media phenomenon that has taken the world by storm, is once again making headlines with its latest venture. The company has announced the launch of its highly anticipated subscription-only music streaming service, “TikTok Music,” in Australia, Mexico, and Singapore. Building upon its reputation as a platform for music discovery, TikTok aims to tap into the vast potential of the music streaming market, challenging established players like Spotify, Apple, and Amazon.
The expansion comes hot on the heels of the successful debut of “TikTok Music” in Brazil and Indonesia just two weeks ago. The service’s unique selling point lies in its ability to integrate seamlessly with users’ existing TikTok accounts, offering a combined experience of music discovery and music streaming.
TikTok Music: The Features and Functionality
“TikTok Music” offers an array of features to entice music enthusiasts:
| Feature | Functionality |
|---|---|
| Full Song Access | Users can listen to and download full versions of songs that have gone viral on TikTok. |
| Personalized Music Recommendations | The service employs algorithms to provide personalized music recommendations based on user preferences. |
| Real-time Lyrics | Access to real-time lyrics enhances the music listening experience, allowing users to sing along effortlessly. |
| Collaborative Playlists with Friends | Users can create and share playlists with friends, fostering a sense of community and connection. |
| Music Library Import | Importing existing music libraries to the platform allows users to have all their favorite tunes in one place. |
| Lyrics Search | A lyrics search feature enables users to find songs based on specific lyrics, further streamlining music discovery. |
| Offline Listening | Downloading songs for offline listening ensures music is available even without an internet connection. |
| Shazam-like Functionality | A Shazam-like feature allows users to identify songs they hear in the real world and add them to their playlists. |
| Social Features | Engaging social elements enable users to interact through comments and connect with fellow music enthusiasts. |
Closed Beta Test Invitation and Pricing
Starting today, TikTok is inviting users in Australia, Mexico, and Singapore to participate in the closed beta test of “TikTok Music.” Those interested can download the TikTok Music app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store or visit music.tiktok.com. To encourage participation, all closed beta testers will receive a three-month free trial of the service.
As for pricing, a TikTok Music subscription will cost AUD 11.99 ($8.16 USD) per month in Australia, Mex$115 ($6.86 USD) in Mexico, and S$9.90 ($7.48 USD) in Singapore.
TikTok Music’s Implications for the Global Music Streaming Industry
The move to expand into music streaming is a strategic one for TikTok. The platform’s popularity as a music discovery tool has been well-established, with songs frequently going viral after featuring in TikTok videos and trends. By capitalizing on this trend and providing users with a dedicated music streaming service, TikTok is poised to directly compete with established giants in the music streaming industry.
The success of “TikTok Music” in Brazil and Indonesia likely encouraged the company to accelerate its international rollout. With Australia, Mexico, and Singapore joining the list of supported countries, TikTok is further solidifying its position as a global music powerhouse.
What’s Next for TikTok Music?
Despite the rapid expansion, TikTok has remained tight-lipped about its plans for launching “TikTok Music” in the United States. However, industry insiders speculate that a U.S. launch could be on the horizon, given the company’s previous filing of a trademark application for “TikTok Music” with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
