Musical.ly merges with TikTok, will now be known as ‘TikTok’

Existing musical.ly users will be automatically moved to the upgraded TikTok with all data saved. TikTok is now live on Play Store and App Store.

The upgraded TikTok app with musical.ly is available on Play Store and App Store. (TikTok)

Popular short video app musical.ly has merged with TikTok to form one app under the latter's platform. Musical.ly and TikTok will be now known as TikTok. The merge also creates an upgraded app with a new logo and user interface. The upgraded TikTok app is available to download on Google Play Store and App Store.

Existing musical.ly users will be automatically moved to the new TikTok app. Users will also get to keep all their content and fan base from their musical.ly account to the new one. Prior to the merger, musical.ly had 100 million monthly active users.

The change shouldn't be that drastic since both apps have similar functionalities with a feed highlighting the users' community and a 'For You' tab for personalised content.

The new TikTok app with musical.ly integrated. (TikTok)

The new TikTok app with musical.ly integrated. (TikTok)

The upgraded TikTok app will also come with new features like allowing users to 'react' to their videos. TikTok also gets new gesture filters like funhouse mirror camera effects. The app will offer VR-type filters as well which users can activate by blinking.

More effects coming to the app are green-screen-like backgrounds. TikTok also plans to launch a series of new programmes to provide technical support, performance insights and guidance on growth strategy for creators. The company is also launching a safety center for TikTok users.

Musical.ly was first in the scene with the app launching in August, 2014. The app lets users create videos between 15 seconds and 1 minute along with music tracks, popular movie and TV show dialogues. Videos can be edited with effects like time-lapse, fast forward, slow motion, and more.

TikTok was launched later in September, 2016, and has emerged as the leading short video app in Asia. Earlier this year, TikTok was one of the most downloaded apps globally. The reason behind the merger as highlighted by the company is for users "to reach a bigger and more diverse global audience than before". The new app is collectively available across countries in North America, Latin America, EMEA and Asia.