TikTok announced a partnership with Apple Music on Wednesday that allows subscribers to play full songs within the TikTok app. Apple Music subscribers can tap a new button to listen to full tracks without leaving the social network. The feature is available on the “For You” page and the Sound Detail Page.
This integration streamlines the path from discovery to full playback for users. TikTok does not allow users to play full songs from other streaming services, such as Spotify. The partnership positions TikTok as a central hub for music discovery while directing final playback to Apple Music.
The new feature uses Apple’s MusicKit, meaning playback occurs on Apple Music. Streams are paid within that service. TikTok and Apple Music also introduced a “Listening Party” feature for real-time listening sessions.
Listening Party allows fans and artists to interact during sessions. TikTok stated this provides a more social way to experience music. The new features are launching worldwide over the coming weeks.
TikTok previously launched and later shut down its own streaming service. The company now focuses on driving music discovery within its app. TikTok offers an “Add to Music App” feature that lets users save tracks to their preferred streaming service.
The app also has a “Share to TikTok” feature allowing users to share tracks from Apple Music and Spotify directly to the platform. Last year, TikTok launched “TikTok for Artists,” a music insights platform to help artists connect with fans and access performance data.
