TikTok's New 'Sound Search' Feature Challenges YouTube Music and Shazam

TikTok is rolling out a new feature called "Sound Search," which allows users to find a sound by singing, humming, or playing it. This feature is currently available to select users in certain regions.

How Sound Search Works

Sound Search on TikTok functions similarly to YouTube Music's song detection tool:

• Users can identify songs by singing, humming, or playing them
• The tool goes beyond Shazam's capabilities, which only works with actual song playback
• TikTok's version not only finds songs but also shows videos using those songs

Features and Limitations

• The tool seems more effective with popular songs on the app
• It can recognize both songs and TikTok-specific sounds/memes
• Some glitches occur with less popular songs

How to Access Sound Search

If you have access to the feature:

1. Go to the search bar in the app
2. Click the microphone icon
3. Select "Sound Search"

Implications for TikTok

• Enhances TikTok's search capabilities
• Aims to keep users within the TikTok ecosystem for song identification
• Reinforces the importance of sounds in driving trends on the platform

The full rollout date for all users is currently unknown.