How to Add Longer Songs on TikTok: A Comprehensive Guide for Music Lovers

So, you want to break free from those restrictive 60-second limits and unleash your musical creativity on TikTok with longer songs? You’ve come to the right place. Adding longer songs on TikTok requires a few workarounds, as the platform natively favors shorter, catchy snippets. However, with these techniques, you can significantly extend your musical palette. Here’s the lowdown:

The simplest and most effective method is to utilize TikTok’s built-in features and editing tools. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Record your video in segments: Instead of trying to record everything at once, break your video into multiple shorter clips. Think of it as shooting scenes for a movie.
2. Upload the video into TikTok: Upload your pre-recorded video clips into TikTok.
3. Edit the segments together: Utilize TikTok’s editing suite to arrange your video clips in the desired order. This is crucial for syncing the music properly.
4. Select your desired song within TikTok’s music library: Once you’ve assembled your video, access the TikTok music library.
5. Adjust the song’s start point: Here’s the key: TikTok lets you choose which part of the song plays. This allows you to use different sections of a longer song across your multiple video clips. Select different portions of the long song to play over each segment of the video.
6. Volume control and Mixing: Use the volume controls to balance the original sound of your video with the chosen song. Often, you’ll want to lower the original sound and emphasize the song.

This approach is the most seamless because it keeps you within the TikTok ecosystem, streamlining the process and avoiding potential compatibility issues. Remember, the “trick” is that you’re not technically adding the entire song; you are strategically selecting different portions of the song in each part of the video, which gives the effect of a much longer song.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I upload a song from my local device directly to TikTok as a background music if it’s longer than 60 seconds?

No, TikTok doesn’t allow you to upload entire songs from your device as background music if they exceed the maximum time limit. The platform is designed for shorter clips. You must use the built-in music library or use the multiple clips technique explained above. Direct uploads are primarily for original sounds and audio you’ve created yourself, not pre-existing commercially available songs, due to copyright restrictions.

2. What happens if I try to upload a longer song directly?

TikTok will typically truncate the song to fit the allowed time limit, usually capping at 60 seconds. You’ll only hear a small portion of your selected song which may make your video unsatisfactory.

3. Are there any third-party apps that can help me add longer songs to TikTok?

While some third-party video editing apps claim to help, be very cautious. TikTok is vigilant about copyright infringement. Using external apps that circumvent TikTok’s music licensing agreements could lead to your video being muted, taken down, or even your account being penalized. It’s always best to stick to official TikTok features and licensed music.

4. What is “original audio” on TikTok, and can I use it for longer songs?

Original audio refers to sound you create yourself, such as your voice, ambient sounds, or music you’ve composed and recorded. You can use original audio for longer segments on TikTok. This is permissible because you presumably own the rights to the audio. However, it’s still wise to be mindful of copyright if your original audio incorporates samples or elements from other sources.

5. How can I split a longer song into smaller segments for TikTok?

You can use video editing software like Adobe Premiere Rush, iMovie (on iOS), or even free online video editors to split your longer song into multiple shorter segments. Then, you can upload these segments into TikTok and stitch them together, aligning them with your video content. The key is to choose natural breaking points in the music to ensure a smooth transition.

6. What if I want to use a song that isn’t available in TikTok’s music library?

This is where it gets tricky. If the song isn’t in TikTok’s library, it’s likely due to licensing restrictions. Using it without permission could lead to copyright issues. You could try contacting the artist or label to request permission or explore royalty-free music options that are licensed for commercial use.

7. How does TikTok detect copyright infringement?

TikTok uses audio fingerprinting technology to identify copyrighted music. This technology creates a unique “fingerprint” of a song, allowing TikTok to quickly match uploaded audio against a database of copyrighted works. If a match is found, the platform can take action, such as muting the audio or removing the video.

8. What are the consequences of copyright infringement on TikTok?

Consequences can range from video muting or removal to account suspension or even permanent ban. TikTok takes copyright very seriously, and repeated violations can lead to severe penalties. It’s always best to err on the side of caution and only use music that you have the right to use.

9. Is it possible to get permission to use a copyrighted song on TikTok?

Yes, it is possible, but it usually involves contacting the copyright holder (usually the record label or music publisher) and negotiating a license. This can be a complex and often expensive process, especially for individuals. For brands or businesses, it’s essential to have proper licensing in place to avoid legal issues.

10. Can I use instrumental versions of songs to avoid copyright issues?

Using instrumental versions may reduce the likelihood of immediate detection, but it doesn’t guarantee you’re in the clear. Copyright still applies to the underlying musical composition, even without the vocals. It’s crucial to ensure you have the necessary rights to use the instrumental version, especially if it’s a popular song.

11. How do I create “original audio” that I can use freely on TikTok?

You can create original audio by recording your own voiceovers, sound effects, or music. You can use a microphone to record your voice or instruments, or you can use music production software to create original compositions. Services like GarageBand or Audacity are great starting points. Then, upload the audio into TikTok and sync the audio track to your video.

12. What are some tips for making smooth transitions when using different segments of a longer song?

• Choose segments that flow naturally together: Avoid jarring cuts between sections with very different tempos or keys.
• Use audio fades: TikTok’s editing tools allow you to fade the audio in and out, creating smoother transitions.
• Align the beat: Ensure that the beat of the music aligns with the visuals in your video.
• Tell a story: Use the music to enhance the narrative of your video. Don’t just throw random segments together.

By understanding these workarounds and the importance of copyright, you can navigate the musical landscape of TikTok and create engaging content that resonates with your audience, even if you’re working with longer songs. Good luck and happy creating!