TikTok has introduced a new feature called “Sound Search” that allows users to find songs by singing, humming, or playing them. This feature is currently available to some users in certain regions and is not widely accessible yet.
The Sound Search feature on TikTok provides an alternative method for users to discover music on the app. This tool can be especially helpful in keeping up with the fast-changing trends based on songs on the platform.
Similar to YouTube Music’s song detection tool, Sound Search on TikTok enables users to identify songs by singing, humming, or playing them. While Shazam is a well-known song recognition tool, TikTok and YouTube Music have taken it a step further by allowing users to find songs through humming or singing, rather than just playing the actual track.
Additionally, TikTok’s Sound Search feature not only helps users identify songs but also shows them videos that include the songs. During testing, it was observed that the tool is more effective at recognizing popular songs on the app. For instance, humming Rihanna’s “Umbrella” yielded quick results and displayed popular videos featuring the song or remixes of it.
However, the tool may encounter glitches when identifying less popular songs that are not frequently used in videos. For example, while it successfully identified Hilary Duff’s “Fly,” it failed to display any relevant videos and showed generic search results. The same issue occurred when playing One Direction’s “Magic.”
Although TikTok has stated that the tool is primarily designed for finding songs and not TikTok-specific sounds, it was discovered during testing that the tool could detect popular TikTok sounds and memes.
To access the Sound Search feature, users can go to the search bar in the app, click on the microphone icon, and select “Sound Search” if they have this feature available.
With this new feature, TikTok aims to enhance its search capabilities and position itself as a go-to platform for discovering songs, potentially competing with services like YouTube Music and Shazam. Sounds play a crucial role on TikTok, influencing trends and even contributing to the success of songs.
As TikTok continues to evolve as a search engine, users may find themselves turning to the app for identifying songs rather than relying on traditional music recognition tools or search engines. The rollout of the Sound Search feature signifies TikTok’s efforts to strengthen its music discovery capabilities and challenge established players in the industry.
