In less than 85 seconds, you will learn exactly how to add, edit, and sync music to your TikTok videos, including the critical copyright rule for business accounts that often leads to muted content.
Quick Answer: To add music to a TikTok video, tap the (+) icon to start a new post, select Add sound at the top of the screen, and choose a track from the Commercial Music Library or your Favorites. You can trim the audio by tapping the Scissors icon and adjust the volume balance between the original sound and the added music in the Volume menu.
Why Your Sound Might Be Muted
If you use a song from the standard library while having a Business Account, TikTok may mute your video due to licensing restrictions. Business accounts must use the Commercial Music Library to ensure all tracks are cleared for commercial usage rights and marketing compliance.
How to Add Music to a New TikTok
The most common way to include audio is during the recording phase:
- Open TikTok and tap the (+) button.
- Tap Add sound at the top center.
- Search for a song or browse categories like “Viral” or “New Releases.”
- Tap the Bookmark icon to save sounds for later or tap the song to select it.
- Record your video; the music will play as you film to help you stay in sync.
Adding Music After Recording
If you forgot to add sound or uploaded a video from your gallery:
- Tap Edit or Audio on the right side of the preview screen.
- Select Add sound to browse the library.
- Use the Volume tool to lower the “Added sound” if you want your voice to be heard clearly.
Important Limitation (Most Users Miss This)
- ⚠️ 60-Second Cap: Most licensed tracks are capped at 60 seconds for standard users, even if your video is longer.
- ⚠️ Regional Availability: Some songs may not be available in your country due to licensing agreements.
- ⚠️ Account Type Restriction: Business accounts are restricted from using “Mainstream” hits to maintain licensing compliance and avoid copyright strikes. If you are just starting, ensure you have correctly set up your TikTok account type to access the right library.
What This Feature Does NOT Control
- External Audio: This method does not allow you to convert TikTok to MP3 directly; it only applies audio to your post within the app.
- Voice Effects: Adding music is separate from applying voice filters or text-to-speech.
- Copyright Strikes: Using “Original Sounds” that contain copyrighted music can still lead to your video being muted or removed, even if you try to protect your privacy on TikTok through other settings.
Quick Decision Guide
- ✅ Use “Add Sound” if: You want to participate in a viral trend or lip-sync.
- ✅ Use “Original Sound” if: You are recording a vlog or tutorial with your own voice.
- ❌ Avoid Licensed Hits if: You are representing a brand or business entity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add my own music to TikTok?
Yes. You can upload a video with your own audio to create an “Original Sound.” However, remember that is it legal to download TikTok videos and reuse their audio depends on the copyright status of the original track.
How do I sync music to my photos?
When you upload multiple photos, tap Sound and select a track. Use the Auto-cut feature to automatically sync the transitions to the beat of the music.
Why can’t I find a specific song?
This usually happens if the artist has removed their music from the platform or if your account is restricted from non-commercial tracks based on copyright clearance rules.
Final Summary: Adding music to TikTok involves selecting a track from the “Add sound” menu before or after recording. To avoid muting, always ensure your account type matches the licensing and commercial usage rights of the song you choose.
📅 Accuracy Check: Verified for February 2026. This article reflects the current TikTok Creative Suite UI.
TopQLearn Editorial Team
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