Can You Change a Song on TikTok After Posting? The Ultimate Guide

So, you’ve poured your heart and soul (and maybe a few filters) into a TikTok masterpiece, only to realize the song choice is… well, let’s just say it’s not quite right. The question burning in your mind is likely this: Can you change a song on TikTok after posting?

The straight answer, delivered with the force of a thousand trending sounds, is no, you cannot directly change the audio track of a TikTok video once it’s been posted. Once that video is live, the audio is baked in like the perfect crust on a sourdough loaf. There’s no undo button.

But fear not, fellow TikTok creators! This doesn’t mean your creation is doomed to a silent existence or, worse, an existence with the wrong song. There are alternative solutions, workarounds, and preventative measures you can employ. Let’s dive into the details.

Why Can’t I Directly Change the Audio?

Think of TikTok videos as layered digital pancakes. The video footage is one layer, the filters are another, and the audio is the syrup drizzled on top. Once the whole stack is assembled and served (posted), disassembling it to replace just the syrup is a logistical nightmare for the platform.

• Copyright Concerns: TikTok operates under strict licensing agreements with music publishers. Allowing users to change audio after posting could open a Pandora’s Box of copyright infringement issues. Imagine someone swapping a licensed track with an unlicensed one after the fact. Chaos!
• Platform Stability: Implementing a feature that allows post-publication audio edits would require significant server resources and complex programming. TikTok prioritizes speed and ease of use, and such a feature might compromise those aspects.
• User Experience: While it might seem like a desirable feature, consider the potential for abuse. Creators could drastically alter the intent of a video after it’s gained traction, leading to confusion and potential misinformation.

Your Options When You Need a Sound Swap

While a direct audio swap is off the table, here are your best bets for correcting a musical misstep:

• Delete and Re-upload: This is the most straightforward solution. Delete the original video and re-upload it with the correct audio track. Yes, you’ll lose the likes, comments, and shares from the original post, but it’s a clean slate to get the audio right. This is often the best course of action if the video is relatively new and hasn’t gained massive traction.
• Create a New Video and Stitch/Duet: If the original video has gained significant views and engagement, deleting it might feel like throwing away a gold mine. In this case, consider creating a new video with the correct audio and then stitch or duet it with the original. This allows you to acknowledge the initial video while presenting a corrected version. You can even explain the reason for the correction in the caption.
• Mute the Original and Add Text/Voiceover: If the audio isn’t completely off but just needs some tweaking or explanation, you can mute the original audio (using TikTok’s editing tools on the published video) and add text overlays or a voiceover to provide context or counter the initial impression. This is a good option if the visual content of the video is strong enough to stand on its own.
• Use Third-Party Video Editing Apps (For Future Videos): To avoid this problem altogether in the future, consider using a third-party video editing app to finalize your videos before uploading them to TikTok. These apps often offer more granular control over audio mixing and editing. You can then upload the finished product to TikTok with the assurance that the audio is exactly as you want it.

Preventing Audio Mishaps in the First Place

Prevention is always better than cure. Here are some tips to avoid the “wrong song” scenario in the first place:

• Double-Check Before Posting: This might seem obvious, but it’s crucial. Listen to the entire audio track one last time before hitting that “Post” button. Make sure it aligns with the video’s content and message.
• Save Drafts and Review: TikTok’s draft feature is your friend. Save your video as a draft and revisit it later with fresh ears. Sometimes, a little time away can help you spot audio errors you might have missed initially.
• Test with Small Groups: If you’re unsure about a particular song choice, consider sharing the draft with a small group of trusted friends for feedback. They can provide an objective opinion on whether the audio works well with the video.
• Use Original Audio Cautiously: While original audio can be great, be aware that it is subject to change or removal if it violates TikTok’s community guidelines or copyright policies. Stick to sounds within TikTok’s library for increased stability.

FAQs: All Your TikTok Audio Questions Answered

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about changing audio on TikTok and related topics:

1. Can I Replace Original Audio on TikTok After Posting?

No, you cannot replace the original audio you uploaded to TikTok after the video has been published. The audio is permanently linked to the video file on the platform. You will need to delete and re-upload with the corrected audio or use workarounds.

2. What Happens if a Song is Removed from TikTok After I Use It?

If a song is removed from TikTok due to copyright issues or other reasons, your video might be muted or taken down entirely. TikTok usually sends a notification if this happens, giving you the option to replace the audio with a different song.

3. How Do I Mute a TikTok Video After Posting?

You can mute the audio of a published TikTok video by going to your profile, selecting the video, tapping the three dots (…), swiping left to find “Volume,” and then reducing the volume to zero. This will effectively mute the original audio, allowing you to add text or a voiceover.

4. Can I Edit Other Aspects of My TikTok Video After Posting?

Yes, you can edit certain aspects of your TikTok video after posting. You can change the caption, add hashtags, adjust the privacy settings, and add a call to action button. However, you cannot change the visual content of the video itself or the audio track.

5. How Do I Add a Voiceover to an Existing TikTok Video?

To add a voiceover to an existing video, first mute the original audio as described above. Then, use TikTok’s voiceover feature (accessible through the editing tools after selecting the video) to record your voiceover directly onto the video.

6. Is it Better to Use Trending Sounds or Original Audio on TikTok?

The best approach depends on your goals. Trending sounds can boost your video’s visibility and reach, while original audio can help you establish your unique brand and create a more personal connection with your audience. Experiment with both to see what works best for you.

7. How Do I Avoid Copyright Issues When Using Music on TikTok?

To avoid copyright issues, stick to using songs from TikTok’s official music library. These songs are licensed for use on the platform. Avoid using copyrighted music that you found elsewhere, as this could lead to your video being muted or taken down.

8. Can I Add Music to a TikTok Video After Saving it as a Draft?

Yes, you can add music to a TikTok video after saving it as a draft. When you reopen the draft, the editing options will be available, allowing you to add music, filters, and other effects.

9. What Are TikTok’s Guidelines on Using Copyrighted Music?

TikTok’s community guidelines strictly prohibit the use of copyrighted music without proper licensing. The platform has systems in place to detect copyrighted material, and videos that violate these guidelines may be removed.

10. Can I Use My Own Music on TikTok?

Yes, you can use your own music on TikTok, but you’ll need to upload it as original audio. Make sure you own all the rights to the music to avoid any copyright issues.

11. How Do I Find Trending Songs on TikTok?

You can find trending songs on TikTok by exploring the “For You” page (FYP), paying attention to the songs that are frequently used in popular videos, and checking out the “TikTok Charts” section within the app.

12. What’s the Difference Between “Sounds” and “Original Audio” on TikTok?

“Sounds” are tracks from TikTok’s licensed music library, while “Original Audio” refers to audio that users have uploaded themselves. This could include original songs, voice recordings, or sound effects.

While you can’t magically swap out the song on a TikTok video after posting, understanding your options and proactively managing your audio choices can save you from future musical mishaps. Happy creating!