Meta’s Threads app may soon feature music integration, a move aligning with Meta’s other apps, Facebook and Instagram. The feature could enhance Threads’ appeal as a music discovery platform, particularly with a potential TikTok ban in the United States. It also presents a new revenue opportunity for music rights holders.
Reverse engineer Alessandro Paluzzi first spotted references to the feature in Threads’ app code. While still far from public beta testing, fast-tracking its development may be a priority given TikTok’s uncertain future. The outgoing Biden administration has left enforcement of the ban to the incoming Trump administration, with TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew expected to attend Trump’s January 20 inauguration.
Threads continues to evolve to compete with platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Bluesky. Meta is reportedly exploring additional features such as display name customization and profile cover images, moving the app closer to its rivals. Currently, Threads profiles resemble Instagram’s, offering minimal customization.
In contrast, X has refused to license music for its platform. Elon Musk’s company faced a $250 million lawsuit in 2023 from music publishers, including Sony Music and Universal Music, for copyright infringement of over 1,700 songs. Most claims were dismissed in March 2024, marking a legal win for X. Threads’ potential music feature could offer music owners a welcome new revenue stream.
