Apple Music and TikTok are joining forces to introduce two thrilling new features for the widely-used short-form video platform. The initial feature, now in beta testing, enables users to listen to a complete song directly within the TikTok app via Apple Music. This integration utilizes Apple’s MusicKit framework, allowing developers to effortlessly embed Apple Music into their applications.
The “Play Full Song” feature is designed to improve music discovery for TikTok users, allowing them to explore new tracks without exiting the app. However, an active Apple Music subscription is necessary to access this feature. Importantly, the music is obtained from Apple Music, with playback clearly identified as “From Apple Music,” ensuring that Apple Music maintains control over royalties and licensing for the tracks played.
Alongside the full song playback feature, TikTok and Apple are also experimenting with a new Listening Party feature. This creative option will allow fans to experience music collectively in a shared community setting, reminiscent of the now-defunct Turntable.fm service, which let users collaboratively stream music.
Both features are currently undergoing beta testing and are not yet accessible to all users. This collaboration is not unprecedented; in 2023, TikTok rolled out a feature that enabled users to swiftly save songs discovered within the app to their Apple Music library. In 2024, Apple Music introduced functionality that allowed users to share songs from the Music app directly to TikTok.
For those looking to try Apple Music, the platform is presently offering a complimentary three-month trial, available until February 24.