Spotify and Apple’s High Wall Felt... TikTok Music Shuts Down

"'Focusing on 'Add to Music App''
Conflict with Universal earlier this year"

Global short-form video platform TikTok, which challenged Spotify and Apple Music, is shutting down its subscription streaming service, TikTok Music.

On the 24th (local time), Billboard reported that the TikTok Music service will end on November 28. Instead, TikTok is expected to focus on the "Add to Music App" feature launched last November. This service allows users to listen to songs heard on TikTok with just a few clicks on their preferred streaming service.

Olle Overmann, Head of Global Music Business Development at TikTok, stated, "Through the 'Add to Music App' feature, we have already saved hundreds of millions of tracks to playlists," adding, "We will be ending TikTok Music at the end of November to focus on our goal of creating more music listening opportunities for artists, songwriters, and the industry."

Earlier this year, TikTok had a conflict with Universal Music Group (UMG). UMG manages content for global pop music stars such as Taylor Swift, BTS, and Blackpink. UMG explained, "TikTok is trying to expand its business using popular music content but refuses to pay fair compensation," adding, "TikTok offered an amount that is only a fraction of the fees other social networking services pay."

However, TikTok issued a statement at the time, saying, "UMG is trying to cut ties with a powerful platform used by billions," and "This action is not a choice for artists and fans." The two sides had difficulties negotiating content usage fees, and in February, UMG suspended the use of its artists' music on TikTok.

On the other hand, music copyright holders such as record labels, composers, lyricists, and artists are reportedly satisfied with the revenue sharing rates provided by Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music.

Meanwhile, TikTok first launched TikTok Music in Indonesia and Brazil in July 2023. The service then expanded to Australia, Singapore, and Mexico in October. At that time, Overmann said, "TikTok Music will make it easy for people to save and share trending and favorite tracks from TikTok," adding, "We expect TikTok Music to offer various opportunities to fans and artists and create significant value in the music industry."