TikTok Collaborates with Major Music Streaming Platforms for Seamless Song-Saving

In a groundbreaking move, TikTok is collaborating with leading music streaming platforms such as Spotify, Amazon Music, and Apple Music to launch a remarkable feature that lets users save tracks they discover on TikTok directly to their favorite music app. This innovative feature emerges as TikTok continues to profoundly influence music trends and artist discovery, a phenomenon underscored by Spotify's recent TikTok-style makeover featuring short-form content feeds for tunes and podcasts.

Users will soon notice a new "Add Song" functionality within TikTok, conveniently located next to the track title at the video's bottom in the For You Feed. This will enable them to save the tune to their streaming music app of choice, establishing their preferred service the first time they engage with the button.

While Apple Music was initially absent in TikTok's official press release, its inclusion was confirmed afterward upon the feature's public announcement. This integration was visibly present in the screenshots shared by TikTok, confirming that Apple Music is an integral part of the new offering.

For Spotify enthusiasts in either the U.S. or the U.K., this integration means they can add songs to their "Liked Songs" playlist on Spotify. Not only will they set up their default service with their inaugural use of the feature, but they can also manage preferences from the "Music" section within the Spotify settings menu. Spotify intends to expand support to additional regions over time.

By activating this feature, individuals will conveniently add tracks from TikTok to Spotify with the touch of a button labeled "Add to Spotify" as they explore their For You Feed. This option is also accessible on the artist's Sound Detail page for further exploration.

Amazon Music subscribers in the U.S. and U.K. can expect a similar feature, with the idiosyncrasy that the saved TikTok music will reside in a "TikTok Songs" playlist or a playlist they designate. However, this function on Amazon Music will be exclusive to Prime members and Amazon Music Unlimited subscribers. Differently, Spotify's feature is universally available to all users, including those on its free tier.

As for Apple Music, the feature aligns with its subscribers-only policy and will thus be exclusive to its paying customers.

For the feature to operate correctly, users must ensure that both the TikTok app and their chosen streaming music app are updated to the latest version. Spotify has announced the feature's immediate availability for both its iOS and Android apps and has highlighted it as an addition to its suite of social integrations, which includes BeReal, Instagram, Snapchat, and the rebranded Twitter (now X).

The move comes as an intriguing development, especially as TikTok's parent company ByteDance explores the music streaming landscape with TikTok Music in territories outside the U.S. By using its popular video platform to bolster its music service, ByteDance is positioning itself as a formidable contender in the music streaming arena.

Despite this, Spotify retains its clout as a premier music app within the U.S., battling for the top spot with YouTube and sharing a seat with Amazon Music, based on a usage study. Spotify claims its global dominance not only through numbers but cultural influence as well—thanks in part to its Discover Weekly playlist, editorially curated content, and the fan-favorite year-end recap, Spotify Wrapped. Meanwhile, Amazon Music maintains a strong presence through its Prime subscription synergy, carving out a substantial user base in the U.S.

This sets the stage for TikTok to pursue integrations with these heavyweight competitors rather than disregard them.

TikTok’s global head of Music Business Development, Ole Obermann, spoke about the initiative, stressing that TikTok stands as the paramount platform for music discovery and artist promotion, fostering artist-listener connections. The "Add to Music App" feature further enriches this landscape, forming a direct bridge from TikTok discoveries to comprehensive listening on users' chosen streaming services, thus amplifying value for artists and rights holders alike.

In recent months, TikTok has amplified its engagement with the music industry, partnering with Billboard for a top 50 songs chart and initiating programs to scout emerging musical talent. Its efforts also extended to a live music contest to boost the app’s status as a vibrant center for uncovering new music.

The "Add to Music App" feature has begun deployment for users in the U.S. and U.K., with TikTok promising an expansion to more markets soon.