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TikTok Launches ‘Add to Music App’ Feature, Enabling Seamless Song Saves to Streaming Services

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TikTok Launches 'Add to Music App' Feature

In a groundbreaking move for music enthusiasts, TikTok has introduced “Add to Music App,” a revolutionary feature enabling users in the US and UK to save discovered songs directly to their preferred streaming service effortlessly. This innovation, in partnership with major platforms like Amazon Music and Spotify, enhances TikTok’s reputation as a global hub for music discovery.

The Add to Music App feature simplifies the process for fans to celebrate and revisit their favorite tunes from the For You feed. Users will now find an “Add Song” option next to track details at the bottom of TikTok videos, allowing them to save the song to their chosen streaming service seamlessly. The default playlist option is available, or users can opt to add the track to a new or existing playlist of their creation. This user-friendly feature is accessible from the For You feed and an artist’s Sound Detail Page.

“TikTok is already the world’s most powerful platform for music discovery and promotion, which helps artists connect with our global community to drive engagement with their music. Add to Music App takes this process a step further, creating a direct link between discovery on TikTok and consumption on a music streaming service, making it easier than ever for music fans to enjoy the full length song on the music streaming service of their choice, thereby generating even greater value for artists and rightsholders,” said Ole Obermann, Global Head of Music Business Development at TikTok.

“Some of the best parts of being a music lover are those serendipitous moments when you discover a new song or artist that you connect with instantly. At Amazon Music, we’re looking to make it easier to convert those moments into enduring fandom. That’s why we worked together with TikTok on the Add to Music App feature, which makes it easier for fans to listen to the music they love and for artists to build fandom,” said Karolina Joynathsing, Director of Business Development for Amazon Music.

“No matter where you are, or the moment you’re in, we want to create less work to get to the audio you love. That means being everywhere our users are and creating seamless ways to save songs to Spotify to enjoy when and how they choose to listen. As the world’s largest audio streaming subscription service, our mission is to bring artists and fans together, so you can listen to more of what you love, across any platform or device. Essentially, you won’t need to find audio to suit the moment. It will find you,” said Sten Garmark, Vice President, Global Head of Consumer Experience at Spotify.

Add to Music App is currently available in the US and UK, with plans for a broader rollout in the future.

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Snoop Dogg and Son Announce their own Fornite game studio to promote diverse creators

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Snoop Dogg and Son Announce their own Fornite game studio to promote diverse creators

Rapper Snoop Dogg has spent the last several decades adding almost as many successful business ventures to his portfolio as he has musical awards to his artistic accomplishments. And this week, he diversified his business portfolio even more, stepping into the world of tech with his son, Cordell Broadus, as the two announced Death Row Games, a Fortnite-based game studio designed to provide access and opportunity to diverse creators and broaden the narrative around gaming.

The game studio relies on Epic Games’ Unreal Engine 5 (UE5), a community-based platform that allows anyone from individual creators to professional gaming studios to create content using open-source code. (Epic Games takes a 5% royalty fee from most developers who sell their content via the platform.) The versatile code allows creators to create games that are usually functional on most consoles including Xbox, Playstation, PC, and VR devices.

Snoop stated that he and his son have been experimenting with game publishing for the last few years, but on an amateur level. They decided to start Death Row Games as a way to make
“a home for diverse creators in the gaming ecosystem and be a part of the narrative, the storytelling of what the next game should be looking like. And I keep saying ‘show representation of the culture in these sectors,’ versus us just being the talent. We wanted to make sure that we’re part of the decision that’s being made and more importantly tell these stories from diverse creators and focus on creatives in underserved communities.”

For those that may not be aware, Snoop has been involved in the gaming industry for quite some time, participating in the esports gaming collective FaZe Clan and also had a custom skin in Call of Duty and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare. In 2019, he launched his own esports tournament series, the Gangsta Gaming League and in 2021, he dropped an exclusive NFT collection titled “A Journey with the Dogg.” In 2013, the rapper also debuted the Snoopify app, which allows users to add Snoop Dogg-themed stickers and graphics to their personal photos.

Death Row Games will join Snoop’s other business ventures, which have an estimated net worth of $160 million and include Snoop Doggie Dogg’s pet product line, venture capital firm Casa Verde Capital, the Leafs by Snoop cannabis brand, Snoopadelic Films, his Indoggo gin line, and several more. Cordell, Snoop’s second-oldest son, also has experience in the game design and NFT space.

No word if Snoop will show up like Travis Scott to perform a Fortnite concert for fans yet, but Snoop did set up residency in The Sandbox gaming metaverse back in 2021, hosting a virtual performance and dropping custom NFTs for fans.

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Tyla Gains Over 1 Million Followers Thanks to Viral TikTok Challenge

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Tyla Gains Over 1 Million Instagram Followers Thanks to Viral TikTok Challenge

Emerging artist Tyla has become a social media sensation, amassing over one million Instagram followers since her debut single, “Water,” made its way into the Billboard Hot 100 chart and ignited a viral TikTok dance challenge.

A recent study by NetInfluencer analyzed Tyla’s social media metrics, shedding light on the remarkable growth in her following since the release of “Water.” The 21-year-old artist’s Instagram following witnessed a meteoric rise of 1.5 million since the single’s launch on July 28th. This surge was primarily fueled by the viral dance challenge associated with the track, which attracted an impressive 600,000 new Instagram and 200,000 TikTok followers within the first month.

Tyla’s TikTok account, @Tyla_, saw a staggering 3.8 million new followers joining since August, leading to a significant spike in her estimated earnings per post, now reaching an astonishing $11,800.

“Water” entered the Billboard Hot 100 chart in October, further accelerating Tyla’s social media ascent. During this period, she acquired an additional 865,000 Instagram followers, surging from 1.4 million to an impressive 2.3 million followers, averaging 30,000 new followers daily.

This surge in followers has translated into enhanced earning potential, with Tyla now estimated to earn approximately $5,860 per sponsored Instagram post, based on her substantial follower count and an impressive 16.19% engagement rate.

“Rarely do you see a new artist make a worldwide impact such as Tyla, having already made a historic entry with Water, reaching the top 10 on the Billboard Global 200,” a NetInfluencer spokesperson said. “TikTok played a significant role in its success, with social media analytics revealing the singer rapidly gained followers and entered the global charts after going viral. This could lead other artists to try to replicate Tyla’s social media success, to which TikTok contributed greatly. It will be interesting to see what the singer does next to build on her rising fame”.

Notably, Tyla’s Instagram followers now include celebrities such as Naomi Campbell, Drake, and Chance the Rapper.

“Water” has cemented its place as one of the most popular songs on TikTok in the last 30 days, and with over 117 million Spotify plays, it can potentially earn the artist nearly $471,000, based on the average earnings per stream.

Tyla has carved her name into history as the youngest South African artist in over 50 years to grace the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.

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Beats Unveils ‘The King & The Viking’ Campaign with LeBron James and Erling Haaland

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Beats Unveils 'The King & The Viking' Campaign with LeBron James and Erling Haaland

Beats, the renowned audio brand, has launched its latest campaign, The King & The Viking, bringing together NBA Champion LeBron James and Premier League sensation Erling Haaland. This campaign showcases the power of music and marks Haaland’s official entry into the Beats family as a brand ambassador.

In the campaign film, both athletes face immense pressure to surpass expectations. Despite operating in different worlds, their stories of perseverance beautifully complement one another. Family and legacy motivate both, as Savannah James and Alfie Haaland share profound words of wisdom with their loved ones, urging them to conquer doubt and use pressure as a catalyst for success.

Furthermore, the James family’s legacy with Beats continues to thrive, with Savannah, Bryce, and Zhuri James becoming part of the brand’s roster, marking the first-ever family signing for Beats. LeBron James, who has been a Beats ambassador since 2008, has played a significant role in shaping the brand’s ambassador program, while Bronny James made history as its first high school athlete in 2022.

“I’m excited to join the Beats family, a brand that has long been a part of my pre-match routine as an athlete,” said Erling Haaland. “Family is important to me, and this campaign and partnership really speak to that.”

“It’s a pretty special thing to see how this partnership has grown with our family over the years,” said LeBron James. “It’s a blessing for me to share the stage with them, and with a brand that’s been part of our lives since we started this journey. Family means everything to me!”

The campaign also features Beats’ new Studio series, with LeBron and Erling wearing Beats Studio Pro, and Savannah and Alfie sporting Beats Studio Buds +. For more information on product availability, visit beatsbydre.com.

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YouTube’s AI Magic: Sound Like Your Favorite Hip-Hop Artist!

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In the ever-evolving world of music, technology continues to push boundaries and redefine what’s possible. YouTube, a platform known for its transformative impact on the music industry, has once again stepped up its game. Imagine having the power to sound like your favorite hip-hop artist, even if you’re not a professional rapper or singer. Well, YouTube has made that a reality with its groundbreaking AI tool that’s turning dreams into reality.

YouTube has always been a place where aspiring artists could showcase their talents and gain recognition. However, the platform recognized a gap that needed filling – the desire to emulate the style and sound of established artists. This is where YouTube’s innovative AI tool comes into play.

With the help of cutting-edge machine learning and AI technology, YouTube has developed an algorithm that can analyze and replicate the vocal style of popular hip-hop artists. The result? Anyone with a microphone and a passion for hip-hop can now taste what it’s like to spit rhymes like their favorite stars.

This remarkable innovation’s core is a complex neural network that processes audio data. By feeding it enough reference material from the chosen artist, the AI tool learns and extracts their unique vocal characteristics, including tone, flow, and style. It’s like having an AI mentor who guides you through the art of rapping or singing in the shoes of your hip-hop hero.

This neural network has been trained on many songs, interviews, and live performances, making it incredibly versatile. Whether you’re trying to mimic the gritty storytelling of Nas, the rapid-fire delivery of Eminem, or the melodic flow of Drake, the AI tool’s got you covered.

YouTube’s AI tool isn’t just a fun gimmick; it’s a game-changer for budding artists and hip-hop fans. Here’s how it’s transforming the creative landscape:

Unleashing Creativity: Aspiring artists no longer need to worry about developing their own unique style from scratch. This tool provides a solid foundation to build upon and develop their voice while paying homage to the artists who inspired them.

Educational Tool: It’s an invaluable resource for music students and enthusiasts looking to dissect the vocal intricacies of hip-hop legends. You can now gain a deeper understanding of what makes your favorite artists stand out.

Empowering Fans: For hip-hop fans, this tool offers a way to pay homage to their idols in a whole new way. Imagine creating your custom mixtape where you take on the role of a legendary hip-hop artist – it’s a fan’s dream come true.

While YouTube’s AI tool opens up a world of possibilities, it also raises ethical questions. Critics argue that this tool could be seen as a shortcut, undermining the hard work and authenticity of artists who’ve devoted years to mastering their craft. It’s essential to remember that while the tool can replicate style, it can’t replace the real-life experiences, stories, and struggles that shape an artist’s music.

YouTube’s AI tool that allows people to sound like popular hip-hop artists is a remarkable step forward in the intersection of technology and music. It’s an exciting development for aspiring artists and fans who have ever dreamt of stepping into the shoes of their favorite hip-hop icons.

As with any technological advancement, there are ethical considerations to keep in mind. However, the ability to use this tool as a learning resource and a means to pay tribute to legendary artists offers a unique and exciting opportunity for the hip-hop community. It remains to be seen how this AI tool will shape the future of music, but one thing is certain: it’s a game-changer in the ever-evolving world of hip-hop. So, if you’ve ever dreamed of rhyming like your favorite hip-hop star, YouTube’s AI tool might just be the magic wand you’ve been waiting for.

The post YouTube’s AI Magic: Sound Like Your Favorite Hip-Hop Artist! first appeared on The Source.

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Amazon Music Celebrates the Next Generation of Latino Artists with “The Future Is Ours”

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Amazon Music Celebrates the Next Generation of Latino Artists with "The Future Is Ours"

Amazon Music is embarking on a journey to celebrate the future of music with “The Future Is Ours,” a vibrant exploration of style and sound that pays tribute to the groundbreaking Latino artists of the next generation and their fans. This forward-looking initiative includes the release of new music from rising Reggaeton star Ryan Castro featuring Rich the Kid in the track “Rich Rappers.”

“The Future Is Ours” also features an Amazon Music Original by urban sensation Ryan Castro, who stars alongside multiple Latin GRAMMY-nominated Argentinian artist Nicki Nicole in a brand video directed by Spanish visionary Felix Bollain. The video, set in a futuristic urban utopia, was shot in Medellin and Buenos Aires and boasts an original score by Latin Grammy-winning producer Alizzz.

“At Amazon Music, we want to look ahead and celebrate the next generation of Latin music artists and their fans who are fearless in their art, authentic to their core, and intentional with every move. They represent more than just music, and are bringing their creativity to other areas like fashion, beauty, and lifestyle. They are the future and the future is now,” explained Rocio Guerrero, global head of Latin Music at Amazon Music. 

To bring this futuristic vision to life, Amazon Music is transforming its Los Angeles headquarters into a captivating celebration of emerging talent in music and fashion merged with cutting-edge technology. The event will feature runway showcases of Amazon Music merchandise collections and a live performance by Ryan Castro, streamed on Twitch for fans worldwide. The show will be styled by Keyla Marquez, Fashion Director of the Los Angeles Times.

Amazon Music’s “The Future Is Ours” campaign invites music fans to explore viral fashion and beauty trends through playlists like “GRWM” (Get Ready With Me) and “Activao,” which capture the artistic spirit of Generation Z.

“I’m proud to be able to join Amazon Music in celebrating the future of music and culture through this campaign while also bringing my ‘Ghetto Star’ fans along for the journey with this video that includes my take on the future,” said urban artist Ryan Castro. “Last year I ventured into the fashion world with my own clothing line, “Ghetto Med” and since then have been excited to continue growing my presence in it. With Amazon Music integrating my vision and love for fashion into this collaboration means a lot.”

Music enthusiasts are encouraged to join the conversation by using the hashtag #TheFutureisOurs on social media platforms, including Instagram, TikTok, and Amazon Music’s official Twitch channel, with all content accessible through the Amazon Music desktop and mobile apps for iOS and Android. The campaign is a mesmerizing tapestry of creativity and emotion, blurring the boundaries of reality and ushering in the future of Latino music and culture.

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Elon Musk Plans for ‘Small Monthly Payment’ to Come to X/Twitter

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Elon Musk is teasing his next move for the app formerly known as Twitter. Speaking with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Musk revealed a “small monthly payment” would soon come to X.

Musk states that the cost for Twitter is an effort to combat bots. “Because a bot costs a fraction of a penny, call it a tenth of a penny, but even if it has to pay…a few dollars or something, the effective cost of bots is very high,” Musk said.

Tech Crunch notes the conversation with Netanyahu was centered on countering antisemitic language on X.

In May, Musk announced a new CEO for X.

“Excited to announce that I’ve hired a new CEO for X/Twitter,” he tweeted. “She will be starting in ~6 weeks! My role will transition to being exec chair & CTO, overseeing product, software & sysops.”

The new hire follows Musk’s December 2022 poll asking if he should step down. A 57% vote, ruled yes, evoking the response, “I will resign as CEO as soon as I find someone foolish enough to take the job! After that, I will just run the software & servers teams.”

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TikTok Releases Songs of the Summer List Including Doechii, Nicki Minaj, Ice Spice & More

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TikTok Releases Songs of the Summer List Including Doechii, Nicki Minaj, Ice Spice & More

TikTok has revealed its highly anticipated “Songs of the Summer 2023” list, offering a retrospective on the hottest tracks that have dominated the platform throughout the season.

This year’s compilation showcases TikTok’s vibrant and diverse community, highlighting a multitude of talents spanning various genres. From the international hit “Makeba” by France’s Jain to the meteoric ascent of “What It Is” by Doechii, the list captures the dynamic musical landscape that TikTok users have embraced.

The selection is particularly notable for featuring France’s homage to South African civil rights activist and singer, with Jain’s “Makeba” topping the charts in the US. The list underscores TikTok’s influence in transcending borders and genres, driving global music discovery for its enthusiastic community of users and fans.

As the summer winds down, TikTok’s “Songs of the Summer 2023” provides a fitting tribute to the platform’s integral role in shaping the musical landscape and propelling emerging talents to international acclaim.

U.S. Songs of the Summer 2023

Global Songs of the Summer 2023

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Decoding Elon Musk’s Vision: Twitter Rebranded as X

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Decoding Elon Musk's Vision: Twitter Rebranded as X

In a surprising move that set the internet abuzz, Elon Musk, the entrepreneur and visionary behind Tesla, decided to rebrand Twitter as “X.” This momentous decision, holds more significance than meets the eye. It reflects Musk’s relentless pursuit of innovation, disruption, and a bold vision for the future of social media.

The name change symbolizes Musk’s desire to transform the platform from its original concept into a more multifaceted and expansive entity. By adopting the single-letter “X,” Musk embraces a sense of mystery and open-endedness. The letter X, historically, has been associated with the unknown and the limitless, mirroring Musk’s commitment to pushing boundaries and exploring uncharted territories.

Elon Musk’s ambitious plan for “X” goes beyond a mere cosmetic change. His vision for the platform involves a combination of social networking, artificial intelligence, and augmented reality. He envisions “X” as the ultimate hub for real-time information sharing, connecting people in ways previously unimaginable. Integrating AI algorithms will enable the platform to curate personalized content and foster meaningful interactions, while augmented reality will allow users to experience social media in a new dimension.

Moreover, “X” aims to revolutionize the decentralized nature of social media, placing power back into the hands of its users. Blockchain technology will ensure data privacy and security, shielding users from intrusive data harvesting and manipulation.

Musk’s decision to rebrand Twitter as “X” also seeks to break free from past constraints and pave the way for the future. By moving away from the term “Twitter,” which conjures images of short messages and character limits, Musk aims to redefine the platform’s identity. “X” will embody boundless creativity, encouraging users to share thoughts, ideas, and experiences with unparalleled freedom.

As with any major change, the decision to rename Twitter as “X” has sparked both excitement and skepticism. Critics argue that rebranding alone won’t address the fundamental issues social media faces, such as misinformation and online toxicity. However, Elon Musk has never avoided taking risks and challenging conventional norms.

Ultimately, the rebranding of Twitter as “X” represents Elon Musk’s unyielding determination to create a more dynamic and impactful digital realm. Only time will tell if this audacious move will revolutionize how we connect and communicate.

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Beats Announces Beats Studio Pro+ Headphones with ‘Still Iconic’ Video with Dr. Dre

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Beats Announces Beats Studio Pro+ Headphones with 'Still Iconic' Video with Dr. Dre

Beats has unveiled its latest innovation, the Beats Studio Pro, marking a new era of over-ear headphones. Packed with all-new and enhanced interior components, the Studio Pro promises unparalleled audio fidelity, featuring fully-adaptive Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency modes and Personalized Spatial Audio using dynamic head tracking.

Beats celebrates the Studio Pro launch with a “Still Iconic” heritage video campaign narrated by Dr. Dre. The campaign showcases global icons like LeBron James, Serena Williams, Eminem, Naomi Osaka, and Colin Kaepernick, who have embraced Beats’ Studio headphones. It also features rising stars like Bronny James, Sabrina Ionescu, and Jalen Hurts, representing the future of greatness. The campaign highlights Beats’ lasting cultural impact as a brand that moves the needle in sports, fashion, music, and more.

The headphones boast a premium design, with UltraPlush over-ear cushions crafted from seamless engineered leather, ensuring all-day comfort and remarkable durability. The custom 40mm drivers deliver an immersive listening experience with minimal distortion, thanks to an integrated digital processor.

Studio Pro offers various listening modes, including Active Noise Cancelling and Transparency modes, allowing users to tune out or into their surroundings. Improved voice-targeting microphones enhance call performance by filtering out background noise.

Regarding connectivity and controls, Studio Pro offers Class 1 Bluetooth for wireless connection, USB-C audio for lossless sound and simultaneous charging, and a 3.5mm analog input for wired audio sources. Sound profiles are available for USB-C audio, catering to different preferences.

Beats emphasizes sustainability with its 100% fiber-based packaging made from recycled material and sustainably sourced wood. The driver magnet and main logic board solder are also amade of recycled materials. The Studio Pro is free from harmful elements such as mercury, beryllium, PVC, and BFR.

Beats Studio Pro is available for order starting today at a price of $349.99 (US) from apple.com, with shipping and on-shelf availability commencing tomorrow. The headphones come in four premium colors – Black, Deep Brown, Navy, and Sandstone. With its refined design and top-notch audio performance, the Studio Pro cements Beats’ position as a premium audio brand, delivering music as the artist intended.

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