Social apps are in a race for attention, and music is what’s keeping users in the game. Short-form audio has gone from background noise to a core feature, changing how people create, connect, and stay active. Platforms without music are already losing ground.
At Feed.fm, we live at the intersection of music and product design. We created the Music Impact Report to show how music drives user behavior and why it’s now essential for engagement and retention.
The research backs up the impact music has on user engagement. Adobe found that videos with music get more likes, shares, and comments. Frontiers in Psychology confirmed music increases emotional impact and keeps users engaged longer.
If your app gives users the music they want, they’ll give you the engagement you need.
Users expect music for social apps as a key engagement feature
84% of users say being able to add music to social content is important. Music now ranks above filters and editing tools when people talk about what makes content engaging.
If your app includes music, you are meeting a clear user expectation. If it does not, you are leaving a major engagement tool unused. In 2025, music for social apps is not optional.
Frequent music use increases daily engagement
56% of users say they add music to content every day. That means music is not just popular, it is part of a daily creative habit.
Apps that offer quick access to licensed music clips see the benefits. More content gets published. More users stay active. Retention and session time go up. When music is easy to use, people create more and stick around longer.
Music clips strengthen music and app engagement
67% of users say music makes their content more engaging. Whether it is a trending track or a familiar favorite, music grabs attention and drives action. More scrolling. More sharing. More time in app.
TikTok has shown what happens when music is built into the experience. 90% of the platform’s top-viewed videos feature music. That is not just a trend, it is a signal. For social platforms, music clips create real business impact through longer sessions, lower churn, and stronger lifetime value.
Turn engagement insights into action
Licensed music clips are one of the most effective tools for boosting engagement and retention on social platforms. They help users express themselves and keep them coming back.
Feed.fm makes it easy to deliver music in a way that is fully licensed, scalable, and built for performance. Check out the full 2025 Music Impact Report to see the data behind the trend. Learn how Feed Clips powers music for social apps that want to grow, retain, and inspire.
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