Want your TikTok videos to go viral? It's all about the sound. Here's what you need to know:
88% of TikTok users say sound is key to their enjoyment
The right audio can boost your video's visibility
TikTok's algorithm favors videos with popular or trending sounds
How to pick the perfect sound:
Browse your For You Page for trending audio
Search for "viral sounds" or use keywords related to your content
Check TikTok's sound library and Creative Center for popular tracks
Consider creating original sounds - 65% of users prefer brands that do this
Remember:
Business accounts must use the Commercial Music Library
Personal accounts have more freedom but should respect copyrights
Trends usually last about a week, so act fast
Related video from YouTube
How TikTok Sounds Work
TikTok's sound system is a big deal for content creators and businesses. Let's break it down.
TikTok Commercial Music Library Basics
The TikTok Commercial Music Library (CML) is a goldmine for businesses. It's packed with over 1 million songs that you can use without worrying about copyright issues. Here's what you need to know:
It's got songs from indie artists to big music houses
You can use these songs in your TikTok posts, ads, and branded content
The library keeps growing, so you'll always find fresh tracks
Picking Sounds: Original vs. Licensed
When it comes to choosing sounds, you've got two main options:
Make your own original sounds
Use licensed music from the CML
Original sounds let you create something unique for your brand. But licensed sounds from the CML give you a ton of professional tracks to choose from.
So, creating your own sounds might be worth considering. But in the end, pick what works best for your brand and audience.
Sound Rules for Business Accounts
If you're running a business account on TikTok, there are some rules you need to follow:
You can ONLY use sounds from the CML for commercial stuff
You can't use trending sounds from the general library for promo content
You CAN create and use your own original sounds (if you own the rights)
You CAN'T duet or react to user videos with copyrighted songs
Breaking these rules can get your videos muted or your account banned
To stay on the right side of these rules:
Stick to the CML for your commercial content
If you're not sure, ask TikTok or your legal team
Think about making your own sounds for brand campaigns
How to Pick the Right Sounds
Choosing the perfect sound for your TikTok video can make or break its success. A whopping 88% of users say sounds are key to their TikTok experience. So, let's dive into some strategies to find and use the right sounds to boost your content's engagement.
Finding Popular Sounds
Want to discover trending sounds? Start with your For You Page (FYP). It's a goldmine of popular audio clips in your niche. Keep an eye out for sounds that pop up again and again - they're likely trending.
You can also use TikTok's search function. Try searching for "viral sounds" or "popular sounds" along with keywords related to your content. It's a great way to uncover trending audio in your specific area.
Don't forget about TikTok's sound library. Here's how to access it:
Tap the plus icon to create a new video
Select "Add Sound" at the top of the screen
Browse through playlists like "TikTok Viral" or "Featured"
For the data nerds out there, check out TikTok's Creative Center. It gives you performance data for each sound, helping you pick audio with the best chance of going viral.
Keep in mind, TikTok trends usually last about 5-7 days. So, when you find a trending sound that fits your brand, act fast!
Using Video Tap for Sound Management
While TikTok has its own tools, platforms like Video Tap can take your audio management to the next level. Video Tap uses AI to help you repurpose your video content, including audio, for different social media formats.
Here's how Video Tap can boost your TikTok sound game:
1. Content Repurposing
Turn longer videos into TikTok-friendly clips, keeping the audio moments that your audience loves.
2. Audio Extraction
Pull out catchy sound bites from your existing content to create original TikTok sounds.
3. Trend Analysis
Use Video Tap's AI to spot trending sounds and suggest similar audio that fits your brand.
4. Subtitle Generation
Create accurate subtitles for your TikTok videos, making them more engaging even when watched on mute.
Video Tap can streamline your sound selection process and help you pick audio that's both trendy and on-brand.
Remember, while trending sounds can boost visibility, original audio can make your brand stand out. In fact, 65% of TikTok users prefer brands to use original sounds and music. Consider creating your own sounds or working with TikTok's sound marketing partners.
If you're running a business account, stick to TikTok's Commercial Music Library (CML) to avoid copyright headaches. The CML has over 500,000 pre-approved tracks for advertising. When browsing, use filters like "Relevance" or "Most used" to find trending, business-friendly audio.
Adding and Editing Sounds
Let's talk about how to add that perfect sound to your TikTok video and make it pop.
Finding Sounds in TikTok
TikTok's got a bunch of ways to find great sounds:
1. For You Page (FYP)
Scroll through your FYP. Hear something you like? Tap the sound name at the bottom of the video to use it.
2. Sound Search
Use TikTok's search bar. Look for specific songs, artists, or sound effects. Try searching "viral sounds" or keywords related to your content.
3. TikTok Commercial Music Library
Got a business account? This is your spot. Over 500,000 pre-approved tracks to choose from.
4. TikTok's Creative Center
This tool shows you how well each sound is performing. Great for picking audio with viral potential.
Once you've got your sound, you can tweak it:
Volume Adjustment: Balance the added music with any original audio.
Timing Sync: Make sure your sound lines up with your video.
When you're trimming clips, keep an eye on that audio-visual sync. It's key for nailing the effect you want.
Using TikTok Sounds on Other Platforms
Want to use TikTok sounds elsewhere? Here's the deal:
Instagram Stories:
Find and save the TikTok video with the sound you want
Open Instagram and create a new story
Upload the saved TikTok video
Edit and post
Instagram Reels:
Record your video on TikTok with the sound you want
Save the video without posting
Use a third-party app to remove the TikTok watermark
Upload to Instagram Reels
Heads up: Don't post videos with a TikTok watermark on Instagram. Their algorithm might not show it to as many people.
Looking to spread your content across platforms? Tools like Video Tap can help. It uses AI to repurpose your TikTok content for other social media formats, keeping those catchy sounds while following each platform's rules.
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Sound Usage Rights
Let's break down TikTok's sound usage rules. It's not rocket science, but you need to know the basics to keep your account in good standing.
Music Copyright Rules
TikTok doesn't mess around with copyright. Here's the deal:
TikTok has a Commercial Music Library (CML) with over 500,000 pre-approved tracks. If you're a business, this is your playground. Personal accounts? You've got more freedom - you can use copyrighted sounds from TikTok's general library.
But here's the kicker: use copyrighted music without permission, and you're in for a world of hurt. Your video might go silent, you'll get a strike, and three strikes? You're out. TikTok might just show you the door.
Required Permissions
Want to stay on TikTok's good side? Here's how:
If you're a business:
The CML is your best friend. Use it.
See a cool trending sound? Unless it's in the CML, hands off.
Don't try to game the system by switching between Creator and Business accounts. TikTok's not buying it.
For personal accounts:
You've got the run of TikTok's general library.
Got your own beats? Upload them with your videos.
Using TikTok sounds elsewhere?
You'll need extra permissions.
Check the "Usable Placements" for each Commercial Sound.
Here's a pro tip: When in doubt, make your own sounds. TikTok says 65% of users prefer brands that do this anyway.
One last thing: TikTok changes its rules faster than you can say "viral". Keep an eye on their Music Terms of Service. It'll save you headaches down the road.
Tracking Sound Success
On TikTok, 88% of users say audio is key to their experience. So, how do you know if your sound choices are hitting the mark? Let's look at ways to measure and improve your audio game.
Tools to Track Sound Stats
TikTok gives you tools to see how your sounds are doing:
1. TikTok Analytics Dashboard
Switch to a Pro Account (it's free) to access this. The Content tab shows you how many views your videos get, broken down by section. This helps you see which sounds are working best.
2. Creative Center
Want to know what sounds are hot right now? This TikTok tool has you covered. You can even filter popular songs by region to target specific markets.
This quote nails it. A great sound can make users stop scrolling and engage with your content.
3. Other Helpful Tools
If you want to dig deeper, try these:
Keyhole: Compares sound performance across multiple accounts
Chartmetric and Flai Data: Focus on tracking viral TikTok sounds
Brandwatch: Offers insights on competitors and audience listening
Testing Different Sounds
To get the most out of your sounds, you need to test and adjust. Here's how:
1. A/B Testing
Make two versions of the same video with different sounds. Post them around the same time and see which one does better. Look at things like views, likes, comments, shares, and how long people watch.
2. Riding the Trend Wave
Keep an eye out for trending sounds. Use TikTok's search bar and type in "viral sound". Check the 'Sounds' tab. Follow accounts like MMXVII that share up-and-coming audio trends.
3. What Your Audience Likes
In TikTok Analytics, there's a "Sounds your followers listened to" metric. This can help you pick sounds your audience already enjoys.
4. Matching Sounds to Content
Different content types might work better with certain sounds. For example:
Educational content: Try a calm, clear voice-over
Dance challenges: Go for upbeat tracks
Test different combinations to see what works best for your niche.
TikTok trends usually last about a week, so act fast when you spot a trending sound that fits your brand. But don't forget about original sounds - 65% of users prefer brands that use their own sounds and music.
Conclusion
Let's wrap up what we've learned about TikTok sound selection. It's a big deal for making content that people actually want to watch. Here's the rundown:
Sound is king on TikTok. A whopping 88% of users say it's crucial to their experience. So, yeah, it matters.
Finding hot sounds isn't rocket science:
Scroll your For You Page
Search for "viral sound" or "trending music"
Check out the Sounds Library
Use the Creative Center for data on popular tracks
Here's the thing: trending sounds are great, but don't forget to be you. 65% of users dig brands that use their own sounds. Mix it up.
When picking sounds:
Think about your brand and who you're trying to reach
Try different stuff and see what sticks
Keep an eye on your Analytics
Move fast - trends come and go in about a week
Don't forget the rules:
Business accounts: stick to the Commercial Music Library
Personal accounts: more freedom, but respect copyrights
When in doubt, make your own sound
To really nail it:
Use tools like Video Tap to spread your content around
Join in on sound-based challenges
Keep checking those analytics
FAQs
How do I choose the best sound on TikTok?
Picking the right sound can make your TikTok video pop. Here's how:
Tap the magnifying glass icon (top right corner)
Search for "viral sound" or "trending music"
Hit the 'Sounds' tab and browse
Look for sounds tagged as 'popular'
TikTok's algorithm loves trending sounds. They can boost your video's visibility. But don't just follow the crowd - make sure the sound fits your content and brand.
How do I find the perfect TikTok sound?
Finding that perfect sound takes some digging. Here's how to strike gold:
Dive into TikTok's Creative Center. It shows what's hot right now. You can even filter popular songs by region.
When creating a video, tap "Add Sound" and check out curated playlists like "TikTok Viral" or "Featured".
Follow trend-spotting accounts like MMXVII. They'll keep you in the loop on up-and-coming audio trends.
Try external tools like Tokchart and Tokboard for extra insights into trending sounds.
Keep your ears open beyond TikTok. Sometimes, the next big TikTok sound comes from Spotify or other music platforms.
TikTok trends move fast - usually lasting about a week. So when you spot a trending sound that fits your brand, jump on it!
This quote hits the nail on the head. A great sound can stop users mid-scroll and grab their attention. So choose your sound wisely!