Technology

TikTok Tests New AI-Driven Song Creation Feature for Users

Published January 19, 2024

TikTok, the popular short-form video platform, is currently experimenting with an innovative tool they're calling "AI Song." This cutting-edge feature allows users to craft songs merely by submitting text prompts. TikTok has integrated artificial intelligence to streamline the process of song creation for its users, aiming to add a sprinkle of fun and creativity to the music-making experience.

Making Music with AI Song

TikTok's AI Song feature relies on Bloom, a sophisticated language model, to conjure up song lyrics from user-given prompts. The generated lyrics are then married with a selection of pre-existing music tracks residing within the TikTok library, fostering an uncomplicated and enjoyable song crafting process.

Users intrigued by AI Song are provided with a list of recommended prompts such as "Going to concerts,” “A new beginning,” and “Cuddling with pets.” Alternatively, users have the freedom to input original prompts. Upon submission, the AI swiftly generates a unique song, pairing the freshly minted lyrics with a tune that fits the chosen mood, whether it be pop, EDM, or hip hop.

Community Guidelines for AI Song

While exploring this novel feature, TikTok ensures users are aware of certain guidelines to maintain platform integrity and user safety. The rules emphasize the prohibition of using AI Song in ways that might exploit minors, distribute misinformation, defame, impersonate, or harass others. This ensures the tool is used in a responsible and respectful manner.

Potential Implications for the Music Scene

Although TikTok is not alone in offering music creation tools to its audience—YouTube previously introduced a similar concept—what sets AI Song apart is TikTok's foray into facilitating users to express their musical creativity in a personalized way that wasn't previously available on the platform.

TikTok's parent company ByteDance has also ventured into the music production landscape with the launch of Ripple, an application that assists artists in creating and manipulating audio akin to digital audio workstations. Ripple enhances users' melodies into full-fledged instrumental songs, indicating ByteDance's growing interest in the music tech space.

With TikTok’s expanding presence in the music industry, evidenced by TikTok Music—a proprietary music streaming service—they continue to chart new territory, challenging traditional music platforms like Spotify and Apple Music.

As of now, TikTok has not shared a timetable for the broader rollout of AI Song or the introduction of TikTok Music in the U.S. market. However, the indications suggest that these services may soon become a significant part of their offerings, potentially reshaping how people engage with music online.

TikTok, AI, music