Threads to Add Music Feature as TikTok Ban Looms

Threads to Add Music Feature as TikTok Ban Looms

By Marcus Delano Thompson

January 18, 2025 at 03:09 PM

Meta's Threads platform is reportedly developing a music integration feature, allowing users to add songs to their posts. This development comes as TikTok faces a potential ban in the United States, potentially creating an opportunity for Threads to capture some of the music discovery market.

Threads logo with text

Threads logo with text

Reverse engineer Alessandro Paluzzi first discovered references to the music feature in the app's code. While still in early development, this addition would align Threads with Meta's other platforms like Facebook and Instagram, which already offer music integration capabilities.

Additional platform improvements in development include:

  • Custom display name options
  • Profile cover image functionality
  • Enhanced bio section with link capabilities

This development comes at a significant time, as X (formerly Twitter) recently faced legal challenges over music licensing. A lawsuit brought by 17 music publishers seeking $250 million in damages was largely dismissed in March 2024, though X has notably refused to license music for its platform.

The feature could provide a new revenue stream for music owners, particularly as the industry adjusts to evolving social media landscapes. Implementation timeline remains uncertain, but development may accelerate in response to TikTok's uncertain future in the US market.

The Biden administration has indicated that enforcement of any potential TikTok ban would fall to the incoming Trump administration, with TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew scheduled to attend Trump's January 20 inauguration as a guest of honor.

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