How to Change the Song in a TikTok Video: Your Ultimate Guide

Changing the song in a TikTok video is straightforward, but the exact steps depend on whether you’re working on a draft, an unposted video, or if you’re trying to replace the music on a video that’s already been posted.

For Drafts and Unposted Videos:

1. Open the TikTok app and navigate to your profile.
2. Tap on the “Drafts” folder.
3. Select the video you want to edit.
4. Tap the “Sound” icon at the bottom-left of the screen (it looks like a music note).
5. This will open the sound library. You can now choose a new song by browsing the trending sounds, using the search bar, or selecting from your saved sounds.
6. Adjust the volume of the original sound and the new song using the sliders to achieve the desired audio mix.
7. Tap “Done” and continue editing or posting your video.

For Posted Videos:

Unfortunately, TikTok does not directly allow you to change the music on a video after it’s been posted. Once a video is live, the sound is baked in. Your options are limited to:

1. Deleting and Re-uploading: This is the most direct, but least desirable, approach. Delete the original video and re-upload it with the correct song. However, you’ll lose any likes, comments, and shares accumulated on the original post.
2. Using Third-Party Video Editors: You can download your TikTok video (if you’ve enabled downloads in your privacy settings) and use a third-party video editing app (like CapCut, InShot, or similar) to replace the audio track. This gives you more flexibility but requires more technical know-how.
3. “Stitching” or “Duetting” with the Correct Sound: Create a new TikTok using the “Stitch” or “Duet” feature with your original video. Add the correct song to the new video. This essentially creates a new video with the old content and new music. You can then encourage your followers to watch the new version.
4. Utilize TikTok’s built-in editing tools (limited option): Even on posted videos, you can sometimes add another audio track. This won’t replace the original but you can add another song on top of it. You can then use the volume settings to either lower the volume of the initial sound and raise the volume of the music you added.

Understanding TikTok’s Sound Library and Copyright

TikTok’s extensive sound library is a crucial part of the platform’s appeal. The app has licensing agreements with music labels, allowing users to incorporate popular songs into their videos. However, it’s essential to be aware of copyright restrictions. Using copyrighted music outside of TikTok’s library without permission can lead to your video being muted or removed.

Navigating TikTok’s Sound Library

TikTok’s library is constantly updated with trending sounds, popular songs, and original audio. You can browse by category, search for specific artists or songs, and save sounds to your favorites for easy access later. When selecting a sound, pay attention to the “Trending” label, as these sounds are more likely to increase your video’s visibility.

Original Audio vs. Licensed Music

TikTok differentiates between licensed music (songs from established artists) and original audio (sounds created by users). If you’re using your own voice or creating your own music, you can upload it as original audio. This can be a great way to build your brand and attract followers.

Tips for Effective Sound Editing on TikTok

• Match the Music to Your Video’s Mood: Choose a song that complements the tone and theme of your video. A fast-paced video might benefit from an upbeat song, while a more reflective video might require a slower, more emotional track.
• Use Trending Sounds Strategically: Incorporating trending sounds can significantly boost your video’s visibility. However, make sure the sound is relevant to your content.
• Adjust the Volume Levels Carefully: Ensure that the music doesn’t overpower your voice or other important sounds in the video. Use the volume sliders to achieve a balanced mix.
• Consider the Length of the Song: Trim the song to fit the length of your video. TikTok allows you to select specific sections of a song, so you can choose the most impactful part.
• Explore Sound Effects: TikTok’s sound library also includes a variety of sound effects, which can add humor, emphasis, or drama to your videos.

FAQs: Changing Songs on TikTok Videos

Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the process of changing songs in TikTok videos:

1. Can I change the song on a TikTok video after it’s been posted without deleting it?

No, TikTok doesn’t allow you to directly change the song on a posted video without deleting it. However, you can download the video and use third-party editing apps or try the add another audio track solution mentioned above.

2. How do I find trending songs on TikTok?

Trending songs are usually featured prominently on the “For You” page and in the “Sounds” section of the app. You can also look for videos with a “Trending” label next to the sound.

3. What happens if I use copyrighted music without permission on TikTok?

Your video may be muted, removed, or demonetized, depending on the copyright holder’s policies. In some cases, your account could face further restrictions.

4. Can I upload my own music to TikTok?

Yes, you can upload your own original audio to TikTok. This is a great way to share your music with a wider audience.

5. How do I adjust the volume of the music in my TikTok video?

When editing your video, tap the “Sound” icon. You’ll see sliders that allow you to adjust the volume of the original sound and the music you’ve added.

6. Can I use the same song in multiple TikTok videos?

Yes, you can use the same song in as many TikTok videos as you like, as long as you comply with TikTok’s terms of service and copyright policies.

7. How do I save a song to my favorites on TikTok?

When you find a song you like, tap the “Add to Favorites” icon (it looks like a bookmark) next to the sound. This will save the song to your “Favorites” list for easy access later.

8. What are TikTok’s rules regarding music copyright?

TikTok has licensing agreements with many music labels, allowing users to use a wide range of songs. However, it’s essential to use music within the TikTok app’s library to avoid copyright issues.

9. Can I use a song from a YouTube video in my TikTok?

Technically, no, not without permission. You would need to either use a third party app to extract the sound from that youtube video, and even then you can only upload if you have permission from the song’s owner to use it. Using copyrighted material from external sources could lead to copyright infringement and potential penalties. Only use music from TikTok’s official sound library for safe use.

10. Is it possible to add different songs to different parts of my TikTok video?

Yes, this is possible using third-party video editing apps. You can split your video into segments and add different audio tracks to each segment. However, TikTok’s native editing tools have limited capabilities.

11. How do I delete a sound from my TikTok video draft?

In your draft video, tap the “Sound” icon and then select the “Volume” option. Here, you should be able to lower the volume of the undesired sound to zero or find a delete option.

12. What if I can’t find the song I want in TikTok’s sound library?

If the song isn’t available in TikTok’s library, you’ll need to either choose a different song from the library or create your own original audio.

By following these guidelines and understanding TikTok’s sound editing features, you can create engaging and visually appealing videos with the perfect soundtrack. Remember to always respect copyright regulations and experiment with different sounds to find what works best for your content.