TikTok is reportedly expanding its Add to Music App feature to allow users to pre-save full albums on music services like Spotify and Apple Music. Initially launched in late 2023 and now accessible in 163 countries, Add to Music App has enabled TikTok users to save songs directly to streaming platforms. This latest development would let users pre-save entire albums, such as Blackpink’s Rosé’s upcoming Rosie, ensuring these albums automatically appear in their libraries upon release.
The promotional impact of album pre-saves is yet to be fully determined, but popular artists may see a commercial boost from this feature. Whether the feature will see a full rollout depends on TikTok’s operational future, as the platform faces a potential January 19 shutdown in the U.S. if it doesn’t comply with the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act.
In addition to U.S. regulatory issues, Brazil‘s Collective Defense Institute recently filed lawsuits against TikTok, citing data protection and mental health risks for minors. The claims seek around $530 million in damages. Meanwhile, a TikTok licensing dispute with Merlin raises questions about its relationship with independent music.
Despite these hurdles, TikTok’s competition continues to grow, with rivals such as YouTube Shorts, Instagram Reels, and emerging platforms like Triller, Loops, and Connyct stepping up their presence in short-form content.
