Meta's Threads platform is reportedly developing a feature to add music to posts, potentially positioning itself as a TikTok alternative amid the looming TikTok ban in the United States.

Reverse engineer Alessandro Paluzzi discovered references to music integration in the app's code, though the feature has not yet reached public beta. This addition would align Threads with Meta's other platforms like Facebook and Instagram, which already offer music integration capabilities.

Meta is also developing other platform enhancements, including:

• Custom display name options
• Profile cover image functionality
• Expanded bio features with link support

The timing of these developments coincides with significant changes in the social media landscape:

• The pending TikTok ban in the United States
• The transition of enforcement responsibility to the incoming Trump administration
• TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew's scheduled appearance at Trump's January 20 inauguration

For music rights holders, Threads' potential music integration represents a new revenue stream, particularly notable as X/(Twitter) has declined to license music for its platform. This development follows a March 2024 court decision where X/(Twitter) prevailed against a $250 million lawsuit filed by 17 music publishers, including Sony Music and Universal Music, over alleged copyright infringement of more than 1,700 songs.

These changes suggest Threads is evolving to compete more directly with platforms like X and Bluesky while potentially filling the void that could be left by TikTok's departure from the U.S. market.

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