Apple Music: New features for TikTok

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Apple Music and TikTok are currently testing two new features for the short-video app: "Play Full Song" and "Listening Party". The idea behind these features is that music discovered on TikTok can be listened to in its entirety immediately, without having to switch apps. Simultaneously, "Listening Party" is being developed as a community format where fans can listen to music together. Both features are currently in the testing phase and therefore not yet available to everyone.

The collaboration between Apple Music and TikTok isn't new, but it's now becoming significantly closer. TikTok remains the platform where songs quickly gain traction, while Apple Music provides the streaming source and continues to handle rights and licensing issues. This division of labor is also reflected in the new features: TikTok integrates the listening and experience, while Apple Music provides content, technology, and license management.

Apple Music on TikTok: "Play Full Song" is being tested

The first new feature is called "Play Full Song". This allows users to play entire songs directly within the TikTok app.

"Play Full Song" is based on Apple's MusicKit framework, which allows developers to integrate Apple Music into their own apps. TikTok uses this framework to technically incorporate Apple Music into its app.

Discover music and listen to it in full immediately

The feature is designed to ensure that music discovery on TikTok seamlessly transitions into actual music listening. If a song catches your eye in a clip, the entire track can be started directly within TikTok without leaving the app.

An Apple Music subscription is mandatory

An Apple Music subscription is required for "Play Full Song". Playing entire songs is not possible without a subscription.

Even though playback takes place within the TikTok app, Apple Music remains clearly identifiable as the source. During playback, there is a clear indication: "From Apple Music".

This is not just about branding, but also a matter of content: Apple Music remains the source of the music.

Licensing and fees remain with Apple Music

Under this model, Apple Music remains responsible for royalties and manages the licenses for all music. TikTok integrates playback, but the rights and compensation remain with Apple Music.

"Listening Party": Listening to music together in the community

The second feature that TikTok and Apple Music are testing is called "Listening Party".

With "Listening Party", fans can listen to music together in a community. The focus is not just on playing the music, but on the shared experience.

The concept is described as a modern version of the now-defunct service Turntable.fm. Turntable.fm was known for allowing users to stream music together. "Listening Party" apparently aims in the same direction, but directly on TikTok and in cooperation with Apple Music.

Not yet available to everyone

Both features – "Play Full Song" and "Listening Party" – are currently being tested. They have not yet been rolled out nationwide and are not yet available to all users.

Cooperation with a history: Integration already took place in 2023 and 2024

Apple and TikTok have already linked features together in several areas over the past few years:

In 2023, TikTok added a way to quickly save songs discovered in the app to the Apple Music library.
In 2024, Apple Music added the ability to share a song from the music app on TikTok.

The new tests build on this existing collaboration and go a step further, because the actual listening experience is more deeply integrated into TikTok.

Apple Music with free trial: Three months free until February 24th

Additionally, Apple Music is currently offering a free three-month trial. This offer is available until February 24th.

Apple Music and TikTok deepen their integration

Apple Music and TikTok are further advancing the integration between short-video discovery and traditional music streaming. "Play Full Song" brings complete songs directly into the TikTok app, technically via MusicKit and only available to Apple Music subscribers. Apple Music remains clearly identifiable as the source and continues to handle license management and royalties.

With "Listening Party", a community-oriented approach is introduced, reminiscent of Turntable.fm, which once again prioritizes shared music listening as a key feature. Since both functions are still being tested, availability remains limited for the time being. In parallel, Apple Music is offering a three-month free trial, available until February 24th. The best products for you: Our Amazon storefront offers a wide selection of accessories, including those compatible with HomeKit. (Image: Shutterstock / Sudarsan Thobias)