It’s no coincidence that the social media apps dominating our screens all have music baked into the experience. TikTok’s rise was fueled by its seamless integration of music, with users becoming not just content creators but curators of their own soundtracks. Instagram, meanwhile, has been ramping up its own music features to compete. From DM song clips to Reels to Threads testing music integration for text posts, it’s clear they’re banking on sound to deepen engagement. Even WhatsApp is getting in the game, introducing music to its status updates.
What makes music so powerful in social media apps? It connects with users on an emotional level, creates stickiness, and turns moments into memories. Whether it’s background tracks in a fitness app, mood-setting soundscapes in wellness platforms, or shareable song snippets in social apps, music moves people—and that movement often translates into retention and revenue.
The top social media apps have music in common
TikTok set the standard, but it’s far from alone. Instagram Reels thrives on soundtracks, and even Threads is testing music features for posts. Why? Music makes UGC app content sticky. It turns posts into stories, drives creativity, and keeps users engaged.
If your social media app doesn’t include music—or doesn’t do it well—you’re missing a major opportunity to connect with your audience.
Why the right music matters
Not all music works. Generic or out-of-place tracks can ruin the vibe of your app. Social media app users expect polished, relevant soundtracks that elevate their content. According to our 2024 App Engagement Survey, 68% of users said high-quality music directly influences how long they stick around. First impressions are everything—get it right, or risk losing users to the competition.
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Don’t wait to prioritize music
In the ultra-competitive UGC app space, music isn’t an afterthought—it’s a cornerstone. Apps that fail to prioritize music during development risk launching without one of the most critical tools for engagement. TikTok, Instagram, and other leaders built their ecosystems around music. Your app needs to follow suit.
Feed.fm: Your music partner for UGC apps
Music fuels UGC, and Feed.fm fuels your music strategy. From licensing to seamless API integration, we make it easy for social media apps to deliver the polished, dynamic music experiences users expect. With Feed.fm, you can launch with music that inspires creativity and keeps users coming back for more.
The bottom line? If your app doesn’t get music right, your competitors will. Let Feed.fm help you deliver a soundtrack that hits all the right notes. 🎧
Ready to level up your app’s sound? Let’s talk music!
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