TikTok has recently introduced an exciting new feature called “Sound Search,” which allows users to find songs by singing, humming, or playing them. This innovative tool aims to compete with established music recognition services like YouTube Music and Shazam. Currently, the feature is available to a limited number of users in select regions, and TikTok has not yet announced a broader rollout.
The Sound Search feature enhances the way users can discover music on TikTok, a platform where song-based trends evolve rapidly. By enabling users to identify songs through their own vocalizations, TikTok is positioning itself as a more interactive and engaging platform for music discovery.
Sound Search operates similarly to YouTube Music’s song detection tool, which also allows users to find songs by humming or singing. While Shazam is widely recognized for its music identification capabilities, TikTok’s new feature offers a unique twist. Unlike Shazam, which requires the actual song to be played for recognition, TikTok’s Sound Search can identify songs based on users’ vocal renditions.
In addition to identifying songs, TikTok’s Sound Search provides users with videos that feature the searched songs. This integration of music and video content is a hallmark of TikTok, making it a valuable tool for users who want to explore current trends and popular sounds on the platform.
During testing, it was observed that the tool performs best with popular songs. For instance, when users hummed Rihanna’s “Umbrella,” the feature quickly recognized the song and displayed related videos. Similarly, when users sang the viral “oh no oh no oh no no no” sound, the tool responded almost instantly.
However, the feature does have its limitations. It appears to struggle with less popular songs that may not be widely used in TikTok videos. For example, while it could identify Hilary Duff’s “Fly,” it failed to show any related videos, instead providing generic results for the term “fly.” The same issue occurred with One Direction’s “Magic.”
TikTok clarified that the Sound Search tool is primarily designed to find songs rather than TikTok-specific sounds. Nevertheless, during testing, it was able to recognize popular TikTok sounds and memes, such as the “Oh my gosh, she’s bald” sound from “Totally Spies” and the “Nobody’s gonna know” sound created by a TikTok user.
To access the Sound Search feature, users can navigate to the search bar in the TikTok app, click on the microphone icon, and select “Sound Search.” This user-friendly approach makes it easy for TikTok users to engage with the feature.
As TikTok continues to evolve, many users already utilize the platform as a search engine for music. The introduction of Sound Search further enhances TikTok’s search capabilities, encouraging users to turn to the app when they have a song stuck in their heads or hear a catchy tune in their surroundings. TikTok aims to become the go-to platform for music discovery, competing directly with YouTube Music, Shazam, and even Google.
Sounds play a crucial role in TikTok’s ecosystem, driving trends and sometimes leading to chart-topping hits for artists. Given the importance of music on the platform, it is no surprise that TikTok is investing in features that enhance song discovery while encroaching on the territory of established music recognition services.
While the exact timeline for a wider release of the Sound Search feature remains unclear, its potential impact on music discovery within the TikTok community is significant. Users are encouraged to keep their apps updated to access the latest features, including Sound Search.
In a world where finding a song can often be a frustrating experience, TikTok’s Sound Search feature offers a fresh and innovative solution. By allowing users to identify songs through their own voices, TikTok is not only enhancing the user experience but also solidifying its position as a leader in the social media landscape.
As the feature continues to be tested and refined, it will be interesting to see how it evolves and what additional capabilities may be introduced in the future. For now, TikTok users can enjoy the thrill of discovering music in a whole new way, simply by humming or singing their favorite tunes.
Source: TechCrunch
