Social media platform, today, TikTok is undoubtedly one of the essentials for creating and sharing short videos. The app has become incredibly popular in recent years and its musical function plays a major role in it.
Find out here TikTok Music in its entirety with its operation, strengths and limitations. Focus!
TikTok Music: what is it?
TikTok Music was launched in 2018 to help users find and use music in their videos. The feature was initially limited to a small number of songs, but has recently expanded to include a extensive media library from around the world. We tell you more!
Origin of TikTok Music
The origin of TikTok Music dates back to the early days of the app. When it was launched, the platform had no music function. Users who wanted to add music to their videos had to upload their own audio file.
This procedure was time consuming, inconvenient and limited creativity. In response to these challenges, TikTok launched in 2018 TikTok Music which was an immediate success.
It allowed users to access a wide variety of music and easily find the perfect song for their videos. TikTok Music is one of the most popular features of the app today.
Scalability
TikTok Music has evolved a lot in recent years. The music library has grown and the function has been improved with new additions such as the possibility of search for songs by genre or by artist.
TikTok Music is also better integrated with the rest of the TikTok app. Users can now use it to create duets and challenges, or even better, launch original music.
Here are some of the key milestones in the evolution of TikTok Music:
- 2018: TikTok Music is launched. The feature initially includes a small number of songs, but it grows quite quickly with an extensive library of music from around the world;
- 2019: TikTok Music begins to integrate with other app features, such as duets and challenges. This allows users to create more creative and engaging videos;
- 2020: TikTok Music launches a new feature called “Sound on Discovery”. This feature allows users to discover new music by listening to the sound of the videos they are interested in;
- 2021: TikTok Music launches a new feature called “Sound Kits”. Audio kits are collections of music, sound effects, and other audio resources that can be used to create original videos;
- 2022-2023: TikTok Music is updating previous features with more artists and an impressive music base. Added to this is the rise of live streaming and AI music generation.
The evolution of TikTok Music is due to the growing popularity of the app and the constant increase of its user base. It was also guided by the quality of the user experience.
In addition, it should be noted that TikTok has launched a process of trademark application in 2021 in Australia for its music feature to become a streaming service. The platform then took further steps in May 2023 with the US Patent and Tradmark Office.
The advent of a new musical culture
App users are constantly creating new trends and challenges, usually based on specific songs. Of many sounds have thus become viral. This is also how TikTok Music has helped create a new way of consuming musice.
The new music culture has allowed users to collaborate with each other to create videos. This led to the creation of many viral challenges and trends which helped popularize new songs.
TikTok’s music culture has had a major impact on the music industry. The platform has helped popularize new musical genres, such as hyperpop and the k pop.
How TikTok Music works
TikTok Music is a media library that includes a wide variety of genres and artists, so users can find the perfect song for their videos. To use it, just press music icon in the video creation tool.
A media library in which you can make your choices then opens. Once the desired song is selected, simply adjust the tempo, volume and other parameters to adapt it to your expectations.
Here is more clearly path to follow to use TikTok Music:
- Open the TikTok app and tap the + icon in the center of the bottom bar;
- Tap the Music icon in the lower left corner of the screen;
- Browse the song library or search for a specific song;
- Tap the song you want to use;
- Adjust tempo, volume and other parameters to suit your video;
- Press the Record button to start recording your video.
- Hit the Share button to post the video once the recording is complete.
TikTok Music works on the basis of music licenses granted by record companies and artists.
When a user uses a song from TikTok Music in their video, TikTok pays a royalty fee to the copyright holder. This ensures that musicians are compensated for their work.
The Benefits of TikTok Music
TikTok Music has a number of advantages over other music platforms. She permits access a wide variety of music. TikTok Music has an extensive music library that includes songs from all over the world and from all genres.
Users therefore find it very easy to find the perfect song for their videos, whatever their taste or style. TikTok Music is also very easy to use. Just tap the music icon in the video maker and select the song you want to use.
TikTok Music also allows create original music. Users can record themselves singing or playing an instrument and then add any song from TikTok Music library like backing track.
This feature of TikTok also helps to promote new music. When a user uses a song from TikTok Music in their video, that video is exposed to a wider audience. This can help promote the song and help it go viral.
TikTok Music further helps to give a forum for independent artists. They can use it to promote their music and reach a wider audience. Independent artists are thus put on a level playing field and given a chance to compete with artists from major labels.
Some specific examples of how TikTok Music has been used to promote new music:
- Lil Nas X’s “Old Town Road” went viral on TikTok in 2019, and it eventually became the longest-running number-one single on the Billboard Hot 100 chart;
- Megan Thee Stallion’s ‘Savage’ went viral on TikTok in 2020, helping to make her one of the biggest female rappers in the world;
- Clairo’s ‘Sofia’ also went viral on TikTok in 2019, kickstarting her career as a solo artist;
- “It’s Square the S” by Naps which is currently a hit on all streaming platforms etc.
TikTok Music also helps to make break down cultural barriers and to promote a more global musical culture. This feature of the platform is a powerful tool that musicians can use to promote their music.
TikTok Music allows users access a wide variety of licensed music and expose it to a wider audience. This is the perfect showcase for musicians who want to reach more fans and propel themselves in front of the music scene.