Learning how to add music to TikTok is easy, and you can accomplish this in several ways on whatever device you’re using.
Whether adding music from your library or using TikTok Sounds, the process is incredibly simple.
We’ve covered all the methods to add music from TikTok’s library and how to avoid breaking copyright infringement.
While you need to be aware of copyright law, there’s plenty of music you can use for free and the option to upload your own tracks.
Now that you know our criteria, let’s explore how to add music to TikTok:
TikTok Copyright Infringement Algorithms
Whether you’re an enthusiastic hobbyist or one of the most famous DJs of all time, you need to be aware of potential copyright infringement.
This goes for adding music to TikTok just as it does for any other platform, and there are rules you’ll need to abide by when enhancing your videos.
Copyright law is put in place to protect the original creator from having their rights infringed and their material used without permission.
TikTok is designed to recognize whenever a video is using music without approval from the rights owner, such as the artist or record label.
If it detects copyrighted material, the system’s algorithm automatically removes the content from the platform.
As a result, users can’t just upload any music to TikTok and need to ensure their audio doesn’t contravene these copyright laws.
Understanding The Main Types Of Copyright Protection
There are two main types of copyright-protected works you should be aware of musical work and sound recording.
The former covers a given song’s underlying composition and lyrics that a songwriter or composer has created.
The second category covers sound effects and recordings related to musical, spoken, and other sounds that have been fixed in a recording medium.
For example, anything committed to compact discs, vinyl records, or published digital files falls under copyright laws.
If you want to use music or sounds from your favorite songs, you can contact the copyright holder and inquire about getting their permission.
Fortunately, if you follow the instructions outlined below, you can add music from a huge selection without falling foul of the law.
TikTok & Music Distributors
Another great aspect of using TikTok for music-related content is the company’s extensive range of associated artists and bands.
The company’s SoundOn platform is its dedicated music promotion and distribution platform, which artists use to push their content.
This platform allows artists to upload their music to TikTok and allows users to use them in their TikTok videos for free.
Each time the music is played, the artists earn royalties and can develop a competitive income comparable to other music streaming services.
It’s a feature that many of the best TikTok DJs take advantage of when putting together amazing sets without worrying about repercussions.
The great news is that anyone can take advantage of this distribution deal when using TikTok Sound to add music to their own videos.
There’s a ton of content available from traditional record labels, meaning you can quickly add royalty-free music to your TikTok video with ease.
How To Add Music From TikTok’s Library
The TikTok music library is a great resource for a wide range of music and sound effects you can include in your videos.
It’s straightforward, with content covering everything from lip-syncing and dancing to transition videos and dancing.
To add music to TikTok videos from their library, follow these steps:
Step 1: Open TikTok on your device and tap on the “+” button at the bottom of the screen.
Step 2: Tap “Sounds” at the top of the screen to access the full music library.
Step 3: Select the song or sound effect you wish to use from the Discover category or choose one from your Favorites.
Step 4: Use the Trim function from the sidebar if you need to adjust the length of the clip to use a specific section.
Step 5: If you need to adjust the volume, use the controls to lower or increase the sound.
Step 6: Tap the “Next” button and add a caption, hashtags, cover image, and permissions for those who can view and comment.
Once you’ve completed these steps, you can share your TikTok video with your followers online and get their feedback.
If you can’t find the music you’re looking for in the Discover category, you can use the search bar to find specific songs.
You can also use the search function to look for a specific artist name or track title and other content shared by TikTok users.
How To Add Your Music To TikTok
If you can’t find the music you’re looking for on TikTok’s library and want to add your music instead, there is an easy way to do this.
One method is to use a third-party video editing app to add sound or music to an existing video before you upload it to TikTok.
Let’s walk through the basic steps you need to follow to use a video editor to update the music on a new video:
Step 1: Load up your existing video into the video editor.
Step 2: Mute the existing audio in the video you’ve added to the video editor.
Step 3: Import the sound effects or your own music you want to replace the video’s original sound.
Step 4: Export/download the final video to a format you can upload to the TikTok app.
Step 5: Open TikTok and upload the newly recorded video in the same way you would normally upload a TikTok video.
There are many great apps you can use for editing and changing the audio on videos that can be learned how to use in a short space of time.
PowerDirector, Clideo, and Filmora are just some of the options you have to create videos and add sounds and your own music to create a new video.
Again, it’s worthwhile reiterating that you should be cautious of any potential infringement of copyright law if you use music from established artists.
If you fail to do so and are found to be repeatedly violating the law, you may receive a cease and desist letter.
How To Submit Your Music To A Distributor
If you’re learning how to add music to TikTok and want to add your own music through the TikTok app, you can submit it to a distributor.
To do this, you’ll first need to record your complete song in the highest possible audio quality with professional production values.
Ensure the recording is free from unwanted background noises and doesn’t use elements that might contravene copyright law.
Once you’re happy with the song, follow these steps:
Step 1: Select a section of the song between 15 and 50 seconds long that you wish to submit to the TikTok music library.
Step 2: Research TikTok music distributors to find out what they expect from artists, their license agreements, and any fees you should consider.
Step 3: Sign up with a music distributor that suits your requirements and who works in partnership with TikTok on new and original content.
Step 4: Fill in any relevant metadata needed for your music, such as your artist name, the name of the song, and other appropriate information.
Step 5: Reach out to relevant TikTok influencers you’d like to use your music in future content and see if they’re interested in promoting it.
Step 6: Create your own unique TikTok videos that use your music in a unique and engaging way to attract interest from other content creators.
If your budget permits, hire an agency to help promote your video and music to a broader audience and connect with influencers.
Submitting content to TikTok’s catalog is a great option for users who have their own music and want to share it with a broader audience.
The company’s deal with UnitedMasters allows their artists to distribute directly without going through traditional record labels.
While the company takes a 10% share of all revenue, the artist retains all the rights to their work and can enjoy full creative freedom.
Summary
Learning how to add music to TikTok is an incredibly simple process that can be performed in minutes.
We hope this guide will help you create an awesome TikTok video to share using your own music and original sounds.
With the TikTok library offering more options beyond the video’s original sound, there’s plenty of scope for music you can use in your content.
Enhance your library of songs by signing up to ZIPDJ and gain access to the latest releases from the biggest artists.