Tag: Music

TikTok launches ‘Add to Music app’ in 160+ countries

With the announcement on February 22, 2024, TikTok is expanding its “Add to Music app” feature to 163 more countries. This feature allows users to easily add the song playing in a clip to services like Apple Music and Spotify.

TikTok is always making new music trends that people listen to on streaming services, and it’s well-known as a great spot to find new and old music. With the new Add to Music App feature, users can quickly and easily save songs they love on TikTok to their favourite music streaming service so they can listen to them whenever they want.

In November, TikTok debuted the feature in the United States and the United Kingdom. Canada, Japan, Germany, France, Spain, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, United Arab Emirates, Argentina, South Africa, Vietnam, and the Philippines were among the 19 additional countries that the company made available a month later. Depending on the user’s location, the feature allows them to add the song to Spotify, Apple Music, or Amazon Music.

Here is a list of some of the new regions: Albania, Antigua and Barbuda, Austria, Bangladesh, Belgium, Cameroon, Denmark, Egypt, Ghana, Guyana, Israel, Kenya, Lebanon, Maldives, Morocco, New Zealand, Norway, Pakistan, Palestine, Qatar, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, Taiwan, Tunisia, Ukraine, Uruguay, Zimbabwe, and some others.

Read also: TikTok Introduces text-based content

How to use the feature

Below the clip description and next to the track name, users can see an “Add Music” button. On the first use, they can choose their preferred music service by tapping the button. Simply go to the “Music” menu in the settings menu and choose a different default service.

By default, when users don’t specify a playlist, TikTok songs are added to a list similar to Spotify’s “Liked Songs” feature. The fact that a great deal of music discovery occurs on social media has been recognised by Spotify. In order to facilitate the addition of songs to Spotify, it has not only partnered with TikTok but also integrated with BeReal, Instagram, Snapchat, and Twitter (now X).

Previous launch by TikTok

“TikTok Music” was the name of TikTok’s new paid music streaming service that debuted in July 2023 in three countries: Australia, Mexico, and Singapore. Nearly two weeks have passed since TikTok’s music streaming service debuted in Indonesia and Brazil, and now the company is expanding.

Users can listen, download, and share music through the streaming service by syncing it with their current TikTok accounts. Major record labels’ catalogues are available through the service. These labels include Sony Music, Warner Music Group, and Universal Music Group.

Today marks the beginning of the TikTok Music closed beta test, which the company says it is extending an invitation to users in Singapore, Australia, and Mexico. The TikTok Music app, available on the App Store and Google Play, as well as online at music.tiktok.com, is required for participation. A complimentary three-month trial will be provided to everyone who takes part in the closed beta.

How Spotify, Apple Music work in Nigeria

There was no information regarding when TikTok intends to launch the streaming service in the US shared by the company at that time. For a service known as “TikTok Music,” parent company ByteDance applied for a trademark with the United States Patent and Trademark Office more than a year ago.

The streaming service has a lot of cool features: you can listen to full versions of popular TikTok songs, get suggestions based on your taste, see lyrics as you go, make playlists with friends, import your music library, and search for lyrics. Download songs to listen to later without an internet connection with TikTok Music, which has a Shazam-like feature. Additionally, TikTok mentions that users can connect with other music lovers and express themselves through comments, so the service does have social features.

February 27, 2024
EU fines Apple Music $538 million

Apple Music, a global streaming service, is allegedly facing a $538 million fine from the EU, though it follows Brussels rules.

It was accused of unfair business tactics, especially with its App Store policy on music streaming services, which led to the fine. People have been complaining about this situation for a long time.

Apple Music’s main competitor, Spotify, made the first protest, focusing on the lack of third-party payment options on iOS.

Read also: TikTok takes on Spotify, Apple Music, expands into music streaming

Numerous firms complained about Apple’s lack of payment options, which Spotify remedied in 2019.

The EU focuses on how Apple’s App Store policy has affected the music streaming sector, mainly due to limited alternatives.

According to reports, Apple prevents music streaming businesses from offering third-party payment options outside the App Store to maintain its 30% commissions.

Tech companies and regulators continue to disagree on fair competition.

Apple’s beginnings

The potential threats to Apple’s operations, especially the App Store, became apparent as the European Union started considering introducing the Digital Markets Act (DMA), or “the DMA.”

Initially just an idea, it has now become law, which will significantly affect Apple’s business operations in the area.

To keep its operations running smoothly, the company has to make sure that all of its different goods and services are in line with the DMA’s rules. This means navigating the complicated world of regulatory compliance.

How Spotify, Apple Music work in Nigeria

The implications for Apple

As a gatekeeper, Apple has made considerable technological changes to comply with the legislation and avoid fines.

New features include iPhone-only sideloading, Safari updates, third-party payment channels, NFC enhancements, and more.

The gatekeeper list excludes iMessage, which is notable. Apple faces a hefty EU fine for its App Store regulations in the music streaming business despite its initial DMA modifications raising concerns. Apple may risk a significant penalty for accepting third-party payments.

February 23, 2024
Kenya gets YouTube Music Premium

The people of Kenya who love music have a reason to be happy. Google’s streaming service, YouTube Music, is now available here! There are now more music streaming services available in Africa, where Spotify has been the leading player up until now.

You can do more than listen to songs on YouTube songs. Additionally, it provides access to podcasts, which is helpful for people who previously relied on Google Podcasts. As of 2024, Google said it would no longer support the podcast app and suggested that users switch to YouTube Music instead.

Wait, there’s more. YouTube Music comes with YouTube Premium. That means what? It means you can watch YouTube videos ad-free, download music and videos for offline playing, and play videos in the background while using other apps. It sounds great, right?

Read also: Spotify Premium jumps to $10.99, joining YouTube Music price hike

YouTube Music and Premium Price in Kenya

It costs how much? It depends on Android or iOS. Four Android plans are available:

Music: This gives you access to YouTube Music only. Monthly cost: KES 499.

Music Family: Up to six family members can use YouTube Music. Monthly cost: KES 699.

Premium Bundle: This gives you access to YouTube Music and YouTube Premium. Monthly cost: KES 499.

Premium Family: Up to six family members can use YouTube Music and YouTube Premium. Monthly cost: KES 949.

YouTube to pay AI-generated music artists and rights holders

On iOS, the prices are slightly higher due to Apple’s fees. You can choose from these four plans:

You can only access YouTube Music. It costs $4.29/month.

Music Family: Up to six family members can use YouTube Music. It costs $6.59/month.

Premium Bundle: YouTube Music and Premium. It costs $4.99/month.

Premium Family: Up to six family members can use YouTube Music and YouTube Premium. The monthly fee is $9.49.

YouTube Music and YouTube Premium are great for people in Kenya who like music and videos, as you can see. Take advantage of the one-month free trial to see which plan works best for you.

Why are you still waiting? You can now enjoy the best of YouTube with YouTube Premium and YouTube Music.

December 16, 2023
Duolingo will launch music learning app

Duolingo, a renowned language-learning programme, has nearly finished adding a music-learning app.

The firm’s app will teach piano, drums, and sheet music. This may be one way the company hopes to expand beyond its language-learning software.

iOS developer and reverse engineer Steve Moser discovered this. To find out, he examined Duolingo’s mobile apps’ concealed images and codes. These codes featured visuals of a piano and drum, “Duolingo Music,” and lines of code describing music instruction, songs, and unit reviews.

This year, the company sought a “learning scientist” with music education expertise and science learning research and teaching experience. The company also sought a freelance music composer and curriculum adviser.

Even though the firm hasn’t announced the app, consumers may want to attend Duocon on October 11th. Duocon is a global language, learning, and technology conference.

Read also: Meta launches open source language model Llama 2

All about Duolingo and the apps it makes

Duolingo is based in the US and lets you learn languages and get certified. The platform was made by Luis von Ahn and Severin Hacker in 2011. It has become one of the most famous apps for learning languages.

The Pittsburgh-based tech company that started out making music apps now makes apps that help people learn English and do the math. Because the company has started doing different things, it now has an income stream from making apps.

Microsoft adds 13 new African languages to its translation service

Duolingo’s online English app

Online English lessons are offered by a paid app. The app has certification tests. The 2014 exam, made at a hackathon, tests language skills. During the pandemic, Duolingo ABC, a free English-reading tool for kids ages 3 to 6, came out.

The Duolingo English Test is an English competency test that measures a user’s ability to read, write, speak, and listen to English. As people move through this computer-adaptive test, the questions get harder or easier depending on how they answered the questions they’ve already seen.

A user answers both multiple-choice and open-ended questions to test his or her spoken and written English skills. All of the questions you answer are graded by a computer. On the app, a user can also record a video interview and a sample of their writing.

Many colleges and universities abroad ask potential foreign students to show proof that they can speak English. For this reason, this test has become a popular alternative to the SAT, ACT, and TOEFL.

Duolingo released an app called “Duolingo Math” for math in October 2022. It is the first time Duolingo has added a topic that isn’t related to language learning or reading. You can choose between a basic version and an adult version of the app. There is also a Brain training practice that is designed to help you get better at mental math.

August 11, 2023
Spotify kicks against Artificial Intelligence-Generated music

Spotify has taken action against artificial intelligence (AI) music with unauthorised streams.

More specifically, the company is targeting tracks that were created by Boomy, an application that employs AI to construct whole songs.

In a statement to Music Business Worldwide, the firm stressed its commitment to eliminating artificial streaming and protecting royalty payouts for legitimate artists. Additionally.

Spotify has claimed that “artificial streaming is an ongoing problem that affects the entire industry and we are working to eliminate it across all of our services.” When we discover or are made aware of suspected instances of stream manipulation, we take steps to lessen the negative effects of these incidents by taking actions such as removing streaming numbers and withholding royalties, as appropriate.

This enables us to safeguard the royalties paid out to artists who have been truthful and diligent.

There is no evidence to suggest that Boomy was involved in the production of phoney broadcasts; however, the company has made it quite clear that they are opposed to any type of manipulation or fraudulent streaming.

The distribution of Boomy artist content on the Spotify platform has been temporarily suspended while the company works actively with its industry partners to find a solution to this problem and restore it.

Read also: How Spotify, Apple Music work in Nigeria

Contributions On The Expansion

Timbaland, a prominent music producer, recently contributed to the expansion of the ongoing discussion surrounding artificial intelligence-generated music by posting on his social media accounts a song that he had produced using AI-generated vocals of the late Notorious B.I.G.

Although, it would have to be done through the use of AI technology, he couldn’t hide his excitement over finally getting the chance to collaborate with Biggie.

Major participants in the music industry, such as Universal Music, have questioned whose side of history monetarily supported platforms that broadcast content generated by AI wish to be on.

This scrutiny has been directed towards platforms that stream AI-generated content. The voices of well-known musicians, including The Notorious B.I.G., Drake, Michael Jackson, Kanye West, and The Weekend have been used in AI-generated songs that have achieved widespread popularity.

It is very evident that Spotify intends to address the problem of artificial streaming by virtue of the fact that it has removed AI-generated tracks with bogus streams from its site.

Spotify Starts ‘Talks With Africa’ To Grow The Music Industry

Because of Spotify’s crackdown, at least six of Boomy’s songs have been removed from two different playlists. Boomy is an AI-based programme that is responsible for creating over 14.5 million tracks, which is about 13.9% of the world’s recorded music.

The ongoing fight against illegal streaming services has two main goals: one is to protect the incomes of genuine musicians who put in a lot of effort, and the other is to maintain the honour of the music industry.

May 16, 2023
Jibu introduces higher revenue to musicians

Jibu, a Tanzanian music streaming startup, has introduced a new product with a differentiated offering that, the company believes, offers a higher portion of revenue to independent musicians as opposed to labels and distributors.

Jibu Music is an initiative that was started by Godfrey Kilimwomeshi in December 2022 with the intention of giving independent music artists and labels access that is both affordable and equal to all digital music channels worldwide.

Kilimwomeshi learned firsthand the challenges that musicians must overcome when he attempted to secure a distribution contract for either of his two albums with a prominent distributor but was unsuccessful. Because of this, he decided to reinvent technology and use it as a platform through which he and other aspiring independent musicians from Africa could benefit.

Read also: Tik Tok Sets To Launch Music Streaming Service

Jibu’s founder shares the motive of the company

The founder revealed that since conventional streaming platforms give a large chunk of their revenues to record labels and distributors, Jibu Music’s partnership allows artists, producers, and copyright owners to maintain an independent and highly successful music distribution while having access to a fully transparent accounting of royalty earnings and having their songs available across multiple digital platforms and gadgets.

In his words, “While conventional streaming platforms give a large chunk of their revenues to record labels and distributors, the artists, producers, and copyright owners who use Jibu Music to deliver music through its partnership can maintain an independent and highly successful music distribution, while having access to a fully-transparent accounting of royalty earnings and having their songs available across multiple digital platforms and gadgets.”

More than 1,000 musicians have already registered, and more than 4,500 tracks have been provided up to this point. Jibu Music generates revenue through the sale of annual subscriptions and the collection of revenue commissions from users who opt for the freemium pricing plan. Musicians can choose from a variety of membership plans, with the most expensive one being a label plan that costs $39.99 per month.

How to Address Emerging Artist Difficulties

The life of a musician is not always shiny and spectacular. All musicians, behind the scenes, are fighting battles nobody knows about. Here are some of the issues that artists face, as well as solutions to those issues.

New musicians struggle with team building. They need mentors, managers, publicity, agents, assistants, and more. Locating dependable music professionals might make it hard to create a reputation.

Artists could struggle with mental health issues and not always feel motivated to produce. These issues can mentally and emotionally drain musicians. Industry-wide anxiety and depression must be acknowledged. Talk to someone if you’re exhausted. Internet groups let you vent.

Gender discrimination exists as men have dominated music. Behind the scenes, women are treated differently. Female artists are harassed and underpaid. As a female industry entrant, speak out. Address discrimination against men and encourage equality. This worldwide fight takes decades to change ideas. Support women’s groups and musicians.

Spotify Starts ‘Talks With Africa’ To Grow The Music Industry

Musicians struggle financially. Financing projects and gigs might hinder musicians. Music promotion is also difficult when starting out. You can take the step to submit your music to blogs, sites, and playlists to share your passion.

Choose reliable publishers and firms to break into music. Read contracts to vent about work distribution delays. Despite appearances, music industry professionals have struggled to form the required ties. Connectors distribute music locally and beyond. Use music industry networking. Local conferences provide musicians’ colleagues. Social media and community involvement matter. Artists struggle to pick a platform. Keep up with the fast-changing world and technologies. The wrong platform may be hiding your music. Social media promotes music sp consider making music online.

Some see industry competition as a benefit. Without competition, this conflict can drown out your hard effort and ruin your aspirations. Interact with your fans and expect less industry competition.

Most people dismiss musicians’ struggles because of their popularity. These issues are unavoidable, but they can teach aspiring musicians humility. It supports your values and many relationships.

Musicians can leverage the service Jibu is offering to minimize some of their struggles.

March 17, 2023
Kenya Telecom Giant Safaricom Takes A Shot At Spotify With Baze Music
Kenya telecom giant Safaricom, which accounts for 63.6% market share of the mobile telecom operator in Kenya, takes a shot at Spotify after announcing the expansion of its Baze platform to include music, enabling its customers to enjoy a mobile-first, ad-free, music streaming experience from as little as KES 10 per day.

Baze was initially launched as a subscription-based mobile-first, video-on-demand service more like TikTok, YouTube, and Netflix all-in-one platform and offering a wide selection of local and regional short-form videos in entertainment, music, news, and sports, placing entertainment Kenyans longed for at their fingertips. The platform also provides a medium for Kenyan local content creators to share their original video works and earn revenue.

As of November 2021, Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa announced introducing streaming to the Baze platform.

“Our goal is to provide Kenyans freedom, choice and control over the content they consume, and I am delighted that our customers have enjoyed a variety of content on Baze since the platform was launched in May 2021. To further enhance their experience, we are introducing Baze Music, which will also provide Kenyan artists with a new avenue for monetizing their music in addition to the Skiza platform,” said Peter Ndegwa.

He further accounted on his official Twitter account that –

“Adding music will increase the popularity of Baze and enable Kenyan musicians to earn from their talent courtesy of a revenue share model that sees 60% going to the artists. Baze now joins Skiza as a key earning platform for content creators. #MoveToBaze”

Should Spotify be worried at this shot? Finger crossed.

While we anticipate what the future holds for Safaricom move with Baze music, let’s not neglect that similar action has been made before. Back in 2018, Safaricom introduced Songa music streaming app. It was massively launched in Kenya with adverts nearly everywhere and signed huge deals with different artists to make the platform widely accepted. It, however, failed to take off and slowly faded away.

Perhaps, could this be the resurrection of Songa reborn as Baze music? Or perhaps, this a signal to show that the Baze platform seems to be working amazingly? Does Safaricom have high faith for the music streaming to sort of work in Baze music? We wait and see.

Here Are Things You Can Do With The App (For Kenyans)
- You get a one-week pass (unlimited streaming) if you use the app for the first time. This includes 500 MB for free. You can still stream for free even if you exhaust the free allocation.
- Signing up is easy. All you need is your Safaricom number to create an account.
- The platform has 4 million songs, a couple of videos, albums and curated playlists.
- The app can create unique daily mixes akin to what Spotify does.
- You can create your playlists too.
- You can set songs as Skiza tunes.
- You can save songs for offline streaming.
- There are no ads on the Baze music platform, unlike Spotify.
- The screenshot below shows the cost of its different packages
As shown above, Safaricom is not only giving you access to their library of music at an affordable rate, they’re also looking to solve a hindrance to music streaming in the country, which remains data. So with the pass, you also get to have data to help you pour the music.

Spotify currently has the largest pie of the streaming music market in the country, followed by Apple Music, Deezer, and others. Spotify has a Freemium subscription model – accommodating both free and paid users, so it will be interesting to see which models have a magical outcome and who gets the big numbers in the end.

We wait to see what the users prefer – Spotify or Baze Music model:
- The freemium Spotify model with ads and a great set of apps for mobile, tablet, tv, cars, etc. OR
- Safaricom’s Baze music sub-premium daily pass with no downloadable apps – just web apps – and offering data to use for the streaming.
As a way of promoting and supporting Kenyan talent, Safaricom says Baze Music will feature a vast collection of local music genres, including gospel, gengetone, urban local, reggae and Bongo Flava, with over 45,000 local songs and 1.1 million international tracks available.

Among the key artists whose content is on Baze Music include Two-time Afrima Award Winner Nikita Kering, Gospel artists Daddy Owen & Guardian Angel, Trio Mio, Jua Cali, Bahati, Mejja, Nviiri The Storyteller, Femi One and Ohangla maestro Prince Indah among others.

Safaricom explains that the launch of Baze Music is a continuation of its commitment to growing Kenya’s creative and music industry.

Looking at this, I anticipate what this Kenya giant telecom makes of Baze music as the year progress.
January 29, 2022