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TikTok, the social media giant known for its short-video content, is expanding its horizons with the launch of a new music streaming service, “TikTok Music.” The service, which is initially rolling out in Brazil and Indonesia, is set to compete with established players like Spotify and Apple Music.
A New Era for Music Streaming
TikTok Music allows users to sync the service with their existing TikTok accounts and listen, download, and share songs. The service includes catalogs from major record companies, including Universal Music Group, Warner Music Group, and Sony Music. It offers features such as real-time lyrics access, collaborative playlist creation, music library import, and songs discovery via lyrics search. A Shazam-like feature is also included, enabling users to identify the music they’re listening to.
The service is subscription-only, with no free membership option, but it does offer a one-month free trial. The subscription costs $3.49 a month in Brazil, and $3.25 for iOS users and $2.96 for Android users (for the first year) in Indonesia.
Replacing Resso and Future Plans
TikTok Music will replace ByteDance’s existing streaming service, Resso, which will shut down on September 5 in Brazil and Indonesia. However, TikTok hasn’t revealed when or if TikTok Music will launch in other countries where Resso operates, such as India.
Despite the initial launch in Brazil and Indonesia, TikTok has not yet confirmed plans to launch the streaming service in the United States. The company stated that it is excited about the opportunities TikTok Music presents for music fans and artists, and the potential it has for driving significant value to the music industry.
TikTok’s Journey into Music
TikTok has already made a significant impact on the music industry, with many songs gaining popularity after being used in viral videos and trends on the platform. The launch of TikTok Music is a strategic move to leverage this influence and provide users with a more integrated music experience.
As TikTok ventures into the music streaming market, it will be interesting to see how it competes with established players like Spotify and Apple Music. The success of TikTok Music will likely depend on its ability to offer a unique and compelling user experience that sets it apart from its competitors.
