Table of Contents

How to Import Sounds to TikTok: A Sonic Guide for Creators

So, you’re ready to crank up the volume on your TikTok game by adding some serious auditory flair? Excellent. Getting custom sounds onto TikTok isn’t as daunting as you might think, and the payoff – a truly unique, instantly recognizable brand – is huge. Here’s the lowdown:

The Short Answer: You can’t directly “import” a sound file into TikTok from outside the app. TikTok heavily regulates its sound library for copyright reasons. However, you can use your own recorded audio from within the app while filming a video. This audio can then be saved as a “sound” and used in other videos by you or others. Alternatively, you can edit your video with your desired sound in a third-party video editing app and then upload it to TikTok.

Now, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty.

Understanding TikTok’s Sound Ecosystem

Before we get to the “how,” it’s crucial to understand why TikTok operates the way it does with sounds. Copyright, my friends, is king. TikTok’s aggressive stance on licensing ensures (mostly) legal usage of music and sound effects. This means:

Direct uploading of copyrighted music is a no-go. Attempting to upload copyrighted material often results in your video being muted or taken down entirely.
TikTok provides a vast, pre-approved sound library. This library is continually updated with licensed music and sound effects, giving you a massive pool of resources to choose from within the app.
Original audio is your friend. Creating your own soundscapes is the golden ticket to avoiding copyright issues and establishing your distinct sonic identity on the platform.

The Workaround: Creating and Using Original Audio

Since direct importing is off the table, let’s focus on the main method to use custom sounds: creating original audio within the TikTok app.

Recording Your Audio While Filming

This is the most straightforward method. It involves recording the audio simultaneously as you are capturing the video footage.

Open TikTok and tap the “+” button to start creating a new video.
Record your video. This is where you’ll capture your original audio, whether it’s your voice, background sounds, or a performance of your own music.
Tap the “Sound” button (the music note icon) after recording. This gives you options to adjust the audio.
Adjust the volume levels of your original sound versus any added sound. You might want to reduce the volume of the video itself to emphasize your recorded audio.
Post your video.

Saving Your Original Audio as a Sound

Once you’ve posted a video with your original audio, you can save it as a sound for future use.

Find the video you posted with the original audio you want to save.
Tap the spinning record icon at the bottom right of the screen. This icon represents the sound being used in the video.
Tap “Add to Favorites.” The sound will now be saved to your favorites. Alternatively, if you want to use the sound immediately, tap “Use Sound”.

Using Your Saved Sound in New Videos

Now, you can easily access your saved sound when creating new content.

Start creating a new TikTok video.
Tap “Add sound” at the top of the screen.
Go to “Favorites” and select your saved sound.
Record your video using your selected sound.

The Alternative: Third-Party Editing Software

If you have a sound file you want to use that isn’t original audio recorded directly on TikTok, you’ll need to leverage third-party video editing software. This provides greater flexibility and control over your audio.

Preparing Your Sound and Video

Choose your video editing software. Popular options include Adobe Premiere Rush (mobile and desktop), iMovie (iOS), FilmoraGo (mobile), and CapCut (mobile, surprisingly powerful, and owned by ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company).
Prepare your video footage. Shoot your video as you normally would.
Obtain your desired sound file. Ensure you have the sound file saved on your device. Be mindful of copyright! Using unlicensed copyrighted material could still result in your video being removed.

Editing Your Video with the Sound

Import your video and sound file into your chosen video editing software.
Add the sound file to the audio track of your video.
Adjust the timing and volume to synchronize the sound with your video perfectly.
Export the finished video in a TikTok-friendly format (typically MP4).

Uploading to TikTok

Open TikTok and tap the “+” button.
Tap “Upload” at the bottom right of the screen.
Select your edited video from your device’s gallery.
Make any final adjustments (text, filters, etc.) within TikTok.
Post your video.

The Copyright Caveat: A Word of Caution

Let’s reiterate: Copyright is a big deal on TikTok. While using third-party software might allow you to technically upload a video with copyrighted music, it doesn’t mean it’s legal or that it will stay up. TikTok’s algorithms are constantly scanning for copyrighted material. So, proceed with caution and always prioritize original audio or licensed music.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I upload my own music to TikTok’s sound library for others to use?

Generally, no. TikTok’s sound library is curated through licensing agreements. However, if you are a signed artist or have a deal with a music distributor, they may have an agreement with TikTok. Contact TikTok support directly to enquire about the process.

2. What file formats are best for uploading videos with custom sounds to TikTok?

MP4 is the most universally compatible format. Ensure your video’s resolution is suitable for mobile viewing (e.g., 1080×1920).

3. Is there a limit to how long my original sound can be?

Yes, typically around 60 seconds. However, TikTok sometimes allows longer videos, but sound limits might still apply.

4. My video was muted after I uploaded it. What happened?

Most likely, it’s a copyright issue. TikTok detected copyrighted music and muted your video.

5. Can I use sounds from other apps, like voice memos, in my TikTok videos?

Yes, by using the third-party editing software method. Export the voice memo as an audio file and integrate it into your video using editing software before uploading to TikTok.

6. How can I make my original sounds more discoverable on TikTok?

Use relevant hashtags in your video description. Engage with other creators who might be interested in using your sound.

7. What’s the best video editing app for adding custom sounds to TikTok?

CapCut is a great free option because it’s owned by ByteDance, the same company that owns TikTok, ensuring good compatibility. Other good options include Adobe Premiere Rush, and FilmoraGo.

8. Can I use the same sound in multiple TikTok videos?

Absolutely! Once you save your original sound, you can reuse it as many times as you like.

9. How do I remove the original sound from a TikTok video and replace it with my own?

You can’t directly remove the original sound from someone else’s TikTok video. However, if it’s your own video, you can edit it using the “Sound” options after recording to adjust the volume or remove the original audio. If you want to replace the audio on someone else’s video you will have to use video editing software or TikTok’s Stitch or Duet feature and mute their audio in that process.

10. Is it better to record audio directly in TikTok or use a separate microphone?

Using a separate microphone, especially a decent quality USB microphone, will drastically improve your audio quality. This is highly recommended for tutorials, commentary, or musical performances.

11. Can I monetize my original sounds on TikTok?

TikTok’s Creator Fund doesn’t directly pay you for the usage of your sounds. However, popular sounds can contribute to your overall visibility and, consequently, your earning potential.

12. What if I get permission to use copyrighted music from the artist?

Even with permission, TikTok’s automated system might still flag your video. The best approach is to have the artist or their representatives contact TikTok directly to whitelist your account or provide proof of licensing.