TikTok is trying out a new feature called “AI Song,” which uses AI to make songs based on what users type. This feature is still in the testing phase and is only available to a few users. It’s meant for fun, not for making songs that will become super popular.
The company explained to TechCrunch that AI Song uses Bloom, a big computer program, to make words for songs based on the things users type. These words are then put together with music from a list of songs saved in TikTok.
A TikTok user named Jonah Manzano showed how to use this new feature in a video. The first step is to type something to get the app to make a song. TikTok suggests ideas like “Going to concerts,” “A new beginning,” and “Cuddling with pets.” You can also type your own idea. Once you’ve typed something, the app starts making your song.
In a few seconds, the app comes up with lyrics related to what you typed and adds music. You can change the style of the song by picking “pop,” “EDM,” or “Hiphop.” The final result is a strange song with lyrics based on what you typed.
The video explains that there are certain “rules that must be followed” when using AI Song. For example, the feature can’t be used to harm or exploit minors, spread false information that hurts others, or be used to defame, impersonate, or harass others. TikTok mentioned that it might change the name of the feature in the future.
TikTok’s Music Evolution: AI Song and Ripple App
It’s unclear when or if AI Song will be available more widely, as it’s still in the testing phase. TikTok is not the only company offering tools for users to create music for short videos. A few months ago, YouTube introduced a “Dream Track” feature, allowing creators to build 30-second AI-generated soundtracks using the voices of select artists like Alec Benjamin, Charlie Puth, Charli XCX, Demi Lovato, John Legend, Sia, T-Pain, Troye Sivan, and Papoose.
While TikTok’s new feature isn’t intended for the music industry, its parent company, ByteDance, launched a free-to-use music production app called Ripple in the United States last June. Ripple helps musicians create and edit audio similarly to portable smart digital audio workstations (DAWs).
With Ripple, users can sing or hum a melody directly into the app, and it uses machine learning to expand the melody into an instrumental song. The app allows users to record, cut, trim, and edit audio files easily on their mobile device.
TikTok is expanding its presence in the music industry with the introduction of the new AI Song feature. This move follows the company’s deeper involvement in music, as evidenced by the launch of its subscription-only music streaming service called “TikTok Music” in certain countries last year. The streaming service is aimed at competing with established platforms like Spotify and Apple Music.
Although TikTok hasn’t provided specific information about the launch of its music streaming service in the United States, it has been more than a year since ByteDance filed a trademark application with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for a service named “TikTok Music.” Consequently, it is reasonable to anticipate a launch at some point in the future.
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