Want your TikTok to go viral? It's all about the music. Here's what you need to know:
TikTok is a music powerhouse - 176 songs hit 1 billion views in 2020
Right music can make you go viral, connect with audience, and boost algorithm visibility
Consider your video's message, audience, style, and length when choosing music
Use trending sounds to increase reach, but make sure they fit your brand
Business accounts must use TikTok's Commercial Music Library to avoid copyright issues
Mix sound levels carefully - 88% of users say audio is crucial for TikTok
Key steps:
Check if the sound is trending
Match beat and style to your content
Ensure proper usage rights
Trim music to fit video length
Balance music with other audio
Related video from YouTube
Before You Pick Music
Picking the right tune for your TikTok video isn't just about finding a catchy beat. It's about creating a perfect match between your content and sound that clicks with your viewers. Let's look at what you need to think about before you hit that "add sound" button.
What's Your Video About?
Your music should be the heart of your video's message. If you're showing off a new dance, you'll want something upbeat with a clear rhythm. But if you're telling a personal story, you might go for a softer, more emotional track.
Who's Watching?
Knowing your audience is key. TikTok's users have all kinds of different tastes in music. Targeting Gen Z? You might want to use the latest pop hits or viral TikTok sounds. Going for an older crowd? Classic tracks or specific genres might work better.
Here's something to chew on: TikTok says 68% of users remember brands better when they use a song the user likes or knows. That's a big deal when you're picking your music.
Video Style Check
Your music should fit your video's look. Got a sleek product showcase? A clean, electronic beat might be just the thing. Making a colorful, high-energy vlog? A lively pop song could be perfect.
Fun fact: 65% of TikTokers prefer brands to use original sounds and music. This could be your chance to create something unique that makes your content stand out.
Video Length
TikTok videos can be anywhere from a few seconds to three minutes long. Make sure your music fits. A short 15-second clip might only need a catchy chorus, but a longer video could use a full song with different parts to keep viewers interested.
Here's a kicker: TikTok says 93% of top-performing videos use audio. That shows just how important sound is for making content that grabs people.
How to Pick the Right Music
You've got the basics down. Now let's get into choosing the perfect soundtrack for your TikTok video. Here's what you need to know to make your content pop.
Is it Trending?
Using popular sounds can skyrocket your video's visibility. TikTok's algorithm loves trending audio, so jumping on the bandwagon could land you on the For You Page (FYP).
How to spot what's hot:
Scroll through your FYP. Hearing the same sound over and over? It's probably trending.
Use TikTok's search. Type in "viral sound" or "trending audio" to see what's popular.
Check out TikTok's Creative Center. It shows top songs and lets you filter by region.
This quote nails it. Sound keeps people watching. In fact, 88% of TikTok users say sound is key to their experience on the app.
Check the Beat
Your music's rhythm should match your video's vibe. Fast dance? Upbeat tempo. Showing off a product? Maybe something mellower.
Here's a trick: Watch your video on mute while playing your chosen track. Does it fit or clash? This quick test can tell you if you've nailed it.
Music Style Match
Pick music that fits your content and what viewers expect. A cooking video might need a light, happy tune. A workout challenge? Go for something energetic and motivational.
Think about your video's overall feel when choosing music. When it all clicks, your content becomes more memorable.
Take "About Damn Time" by Lizzo. In March 2022, it blew up on TikTok, inspiring over a million videos in weeks. Its upbeat, feel-good vibe worked for everything from dance challenges to positive affirmation videos.
Don't forget, TikTok has ready-made sound libraries. They're sorted by genre, category, and what's hot in your area. To find them, tap '+', then the music note icon, and browse the recommendations.
Music Rights and Rules
Let's dive into the world of music rights on TikTok. It's not just about making your videos pop - it's about keeping them legal too.
Business vs Personal Use
TikTok doesn't treat all accounts the same when it comes to music. Here's the deal:
Personal accounts can use most songs from TikTok's music library, including trending sounds and popular tracks. They've got more wiggle room with copyrighted stuff.
Business accounts? That's a different story. They're limited to TikTok's Commercial Music Library (CML). No trending sounds from the general library for you, and you've got to watch out for copyright issues like a hawk.
But don't worry, business folks. The CML isn't some sad little playlist. It's got over 500,000 pre-approved tracks. You can still make your content sing without losing sleep over copyright strikes.
Check Usage Rights
Before you add that perfect beat to your video, make sure you're not stepping on any legal toes. Here's how:
1. Use TikTok's in-app music library
This is your safest bet. TikTok's got deals with music labels, so these songs are good to go.
2. Look for the commercial use banner
If you see "This sound isn't licensed for commercial use", and you're a business account, hands off!
3. Create original sounds
Want to avoid copyright issues altogether? Make your own sounds. Bonus: 65% of TikTok users actually prefer brands to use original sounds and music.
4. Consider royalty-free options
TikTok offers about 150,000 pre-cleared royalty-free tracks. Perfect for commercial use.
Using copyrighted music without permission? That's asking for trouble. Your video might get muted, taken down, or you could even face legal action.
Here's a pro tip: If you're set on using a specific song that's not in the CML, try reaching out to independent artists directly. They might say yes, especially if it means more exposure for their music.
sbb-itb-f396625
Technical Steps
You've picked the perfect track for your TikTok video. Now let's make it fit like a glove. Here's how to nail the technical side of adding music to your content.
Music Length
TikTok videos can now run from 15 seconds to 10 minutes. That's a lot of wiggle room, but it also means you need to be smart about your music choice.
Here's what to do:
Match the duration: Your track should fit your video's length. No one wants music that cuts off mid-beat or loops weirdly.
Trim it right: Found the perfect song but it's too long? No sweat. Use TikTok's Trim function in the sidebar to pick the exact part you want.
Loop it smooth: For shorter videos, you might need to loop a section. Just make sure the loop points flow smoothly.
Sound Mix
Getting the right balance between music and other sounds is key for a polished TikTok video. Here's how to mix it right:
Tweak those levels: Use TikTok's volume controls to adjust your music track. It should complement your content, not drown it out.
Voice over music: Adding a voiceover? Keep it clear. A good trick is to drop the music to 10-20% volume when you're talking.
Sound effects: If you're adding extra sounds, make sure they play nice with your music. They should add to the experience, not create chaos.
Headphone check: Always do a final listen with headphones. You'll catch things you might miss through your device's speakers.
Don't forget: good sound is just as crucial as good visuals on TikTok. In fact, TikTok's research shows 88% of users say sound is a must-have for the TikTok experience. So, taking time to get your audio just right can really boost how many people engage with and share your video.
Final Checks
Your TikTok video is almost ready to go viral. But before you hit post, let's make sure your music choice is spot-on and TikTok-approved.
Still on Trend?
TikTok trends move fast. What's hot today might be old news tomorrow. Here's how to check if your track is still trending:
Scroll through your For You page (FYP) for a few minutes
Check TikTok's Creative Center for top songs by region
Don't worry if your track isn't the hottest thing right now. Sometimes, a unique music choice can make your content stand out.
TikTok Rules Check
Make sure you're playing by TikTok's rules to avoid having your video muted or taken down.
For personal accounts:
Use most songs from TikTok's music library
Make sure you have the right to use sounds not from TikTok's library
For business accounts:
Stick to TikTok's Commercial Music Library (CML)
Don't use sounds with the "This sound isn't licensed for commercial use" banner
TikTok's CML has about 150,000 pre-cleared royalty-free tracks. It's perfect for businesses creating content without copyright issues.
Pro tip: If you want a specific song not in the CML, try reaching out to independent artists directly. They might be open to collaboration for more exposure.
Wrap-Up
Picking the right tune for your TikTok can make or break your video. Here's what you need to know:
TikTok's all about the sound. A whopping 88% of users say it's crucial to their experience. In 2020, about 1,500 songs went viral, sparking over 100,000 new videos.
Your music should fit your video like a glove. With TikTok videos now ranging from 15 seconds to 10 minutes, choose your track carefully.
Jumping on trending sounds can boost your visibility. Use TikTok's Creative Center or search function to find what's hot. As TikTok puts it, "Sound is the anti-scroll."
Watch out for rights issues. Business accounts can only use TikTok's Commercial Music Library. But don't worry, it's still packed with 150,000 pre-cleared tracks.
Get the tech right. Your chosen track should fit your video length perfectly. Mix it well with other sounds for maximum engagement.
Don't be scared to create your own sounds. In fact, 65% of TikTokers prefer brands to use original tunes.
TikTok's algorithm serves up personalized content, so your music choice can really impact your reach. Take JVKE's "Upside Down" - it sparked 14 million new videos in just a month.
Always keep your audience in mind. Trending sounds can boost your content and brand awareness, but they won't all click with your specific viewers. Choose wisely.
FAQs
How do I find the perfect TikTok sound?
Finding the right sound for your TikTok video can make or break its success. Here's how to discover trending and engaging sounds:
1. Explore TikTok's Creative Center
This tool shows you what songs and sounds are popular in different areas. It's like a treasure map for trending audio.
2. Use TikTok's search function
Just type "viral sounds" or "trending audio" in the search bar. It's that simple.
3. Check out TikTok's playlists
TikTok does the work for you by putting together playlists of popular sounds.
4. Follow trend-spotting accounts
Some TikTok accounts are like audio detectives. They find viral sounds before anyone else.
5. Use external tools
Websites like Tokchart and Tokboard are like crystal balls for TikTok sounds. They show you what's trending.
Here's something wild: 88% of TikTok users say sound is a big deal on the app. The TikTok Research Team even calls sound "the anti-scroll on TikTok." That's how important it is.
For businesses, TikTok has a Commercial Music Library with about 150,000 royalty-free tracks. This is huge because 65% of TikTokers like it when brands use original sounds and music.
But here's the catch: TikTok trends move FAST. Today's viral sound might be yesterday's news tomorrow. So always check what's hot before you hit that post button.