The Transformation of Musically: Why It Changed Its Name

Musically, a once-popular social media platform that allowed users to create and share short lip-sync videos, underwent a significant transformation in 2018 when it was sold to ByteDance, now the parent company of TikTok. As a result of this acquisition, Musically, originally based in Shanghai with an office in Santa Monica, California, needed to make a major change in its brand identity. This article delves into the reasons behind the name change and the subsequent integration of Musically into the TikTok app.

The Ownership Change and Integration

On November 9, 2017, ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok, acquired Musically through an acquisition. This acquisition led to the merging of Musically's content onto the global TikTok app, effectively rebranding the entire platform. After this merger, the app was officially renamed to TikTok. This change was necessary due to the shift in ownership from one company to another.

Musically was a unique social media service renowned for its focus on lip-syncing videos. This feature made it a popular platform among users who wanted to share their performances and engage with others in a fun and creative way. However, with the global expansion of TikTok, the former Musically users were seamlessly migrated to the new TikTok platform.

The Reason for the Name Change

The name change from Musically to TikTok was driven by multiple factors. Primarily, ByteDance aimed to create a more comprehensive and appealing app that could capture the diverse interests of its users. By maintaining the 'Tik' part of the name, they retained a connection to the creative and entertaining nature of Musically's original service. However, the 'Tok' suffix added a new dimension to the brand, suggesting a vibrant, interactive, and fast-paced experience that would resonate with a wider audience.

Moreover, the original Musically domain name '' was strongly associated with lip-syncing. Given that TikTok already had a significant presence in the market, choosing a name that diverged significantly from its existing user base (remembering that the majority of TikTok users were not primarily using it for lip-syncing) became crucial for ByteDance. The new name, TikTok, both sounds fresh and modern, and it's more generic, appealing to a broad spectrum of users beyond just lip-syncers.

Post-Transformation Impact

The transformation of Musically into TikTok had a profound impact on both the platform and its user base. For Musically users, the transition was relatively smooth thanks to the seamless migration to the new TikTok app. However, for ByteDance, the move was part of a strategic decision to unite a range of services under the TikTok brand, increasing its market share and user base.

Today, TikTok has grown to become one of the most popular social media platforms globally, appealing to users with a wide variety of interests and functionalities. Although some distinct features that were prominent in Musically may not be as visible in TikTok, the app continues to offer a rich and engaging experience that caters to modern social media trends and user preferences.