TikTok Music is set to shut down, with accounts being closed by November 28. The platform, which aimed to translate TikTok’s immense popularity into a viable music streaming service, has announced that all user data and login information will be permanently deleted.
This closure marks the end of TikTok’s brief foray into the music streaming arena. Launched in July 2023, TikTok Music replaced the earlier music platform Resso, which was also developed by ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company. Although the service initially debuted in Indonesia and Brazil, it quickly expanded to Australia, Mexico, and Singapore. Despite its global ambitions, TikTok Music never launched in the highly competitive U.S. market.
For users who subscribed to the premium service, there are important deadlines to note. Google subscribers will automatically receive a refund if their subscription ends after November 28, or they can request one via Google Play prior to the shutdown. In contrast, Apple users must contact Apple Support to request their refunds before the same date. However, users are advised to be cautious, as the premium service will become unavailable once a refund is processed.
Another critical deadline is approaching for those looking to save their playlists. Users must transfer their playlists to another music streaming service by October 28 to avoid losing their curated music collections.
Despite the anticipation surrounding its launch, TikTok Music struggled to establish a foothold in the competitive streaming landscape dominated by giants like Spotify and Apple Music. The closure highlights the challenges of converting the massive engagement of a social media platform into a successful music streaming service.
For more details on the shutdown and what it means for users, visit Engadget. As TikTok shifts its focus back to its core app, the music streaming industry will continue to evolve, leaving users to find alternatives for their music needs.