TikTok Music's Global Shutdown: ByteDance's Strategic Move
In a recent development, ByteDance has announced the closure of its music streaming service, TikTok Music, effective November 28, 2024. This decision has sparked curiosity and raised questions among music enthusiasts and industry professionals alike.
The shutdown notice, posted on the TikTok Music website, states that subscribers will have access to the service until the specified date, after which automatic cancellations will take place. Users are advised to transfer their playlists to other streaming platforms by October 28 and submit refund requests by November 28.
Ole Obermann, Global Head of Music Business Development at TikTok, explained the company's decision, emphasizing their commitment to enhancing TikTok's role in driving music listening and value on streaming services. TikTok aims to focus on partnerships with music streaming giants rather than direct competition.
TikTok Music's roots can be traced back to ByteDance's Resso, initially launched in India and Indonesia in 2019, later expanding to Brazil. In 2023, ByteDance rebranded Resso as TikTok Music in Brazil and Indonesia, followed by its introduction in Singapore, Australia, and Mexico. However, Resso faced a setback with its ban in India earlier this year.
Despite its popularity as a music discovery platform, TikTok's relationship with the music industry has been strained. Universal Music Group withdrew its music catalog from the service earlier this year due to royalty disagreements, leading to a temporary truce and a new deal in March. Additionally, TikTok is embroiled in a legal battle against a bill that could potentially ban the short-video app in the U.S., potentially impacting ByteDance's expansion plans for TikTok Music.