How to Use Original Sound on TikTok: A Creator’s Deep Dive
So, you want to become a TikTok sound maestro? Excellent choice. Using original sound is a cornerstone of building a brand, sparking trends, and connecting authentically with your audience on TikTok. It allows you to inject your personality and creativity directly into the platform’s audio landscape. Here’s the lowdown on creating and using your own original sounds:
The process is surprisingly simple. Begin by recording a video within the TikTok app. When you reach the posting screen, instead of selecting a sound from the library, you’ll see an option labeled “Original Sound.” By default, your video’s audio becomes your original sound. Before posting, you can name your original sound, giving it a descriptive or catchy title. Once posted, other users can discover and use your sound by clicking on the song title displayed at the bottom of your video and then selecting “Use this sound.” You can also favorite sounds or add them to videos in editing. That’s the bare bones of it, but let’s delve deeper into the nuances.
Understanding the Power of Original Sound
Original sound on TikTok isn’t just about adding background noise; it’s a powerful tool for branding and creating viral content. When you create an original sound, you essentially create a sonic signature for your content. This has several key advantages:
Increased Discoverability: If your sound is catchy or aligns with a popular trend, other users will likely use it, significantly increasing your content’s reach. Think of it as free marketing – every video using your sound promotes your content.
Brand Building: Original sounds allow you to establish a distinct brand identity. Whether it’s a specific jingle, voiceover, or sound effect, consistent use helps viewers associate that sound with you, creating a recognizable brand.
Creative Control: Unlike using trending sounds, which are often dictated by existing memes and challenges, original sounds give you complete creative control over the audio. This freedom allows you to tailor the sound perfectly to your message and brand.
Community Building: By encouraging others to use your sound, you foster a sense of community around your content. It’s an invitation for others to participate in your creative vision.
Steps to Creating and Using Original Sound on TikTok
Let’s break down the process into manageable steps:
Record Your Video: Open the TikTok app and tap the “+” icon at the bottom of the screen to start recording a video. You can record directly within the app or upload a pre-existing video from your camera roll.
Edit Your Video (Optional): Enhance your video with filters, effects, text overlays, and other editing tools offered within TikTok. Remember that the audio quality of your video will directly impact the quality of your original sound.
Reach the Posting Screen: Tap “Next” to proceed to the posting screen. This is where the magic happens.
Name Your Original Sound: At the top of the posting screen, you’ll see an option for the “Sound” or “Add Sound”. Click on this option and at the top, you will see your sound listed under “Original Sound”. Click on this option and give your sound a name. Choose a name that is descriptive, memorable, and possibly even related to the video’s content. This helps users find and identify your sound. For instance, if your video is about a baking recipe, you might name the sound “EasyBakeRecipeJingle” or “BakingSoundEffects.”
Adjust Sound Volume (Important!): Before posting, tap on the “Volume” icon (usually a speaker symbol) on the right side of the screen. Here, you can adjust the volume of your original sound versus any added music. Crucially, if you only want your original sound to be used, reduce the “Added sound” volume to zero. Many creators mistakenly add background music and then forget to lower its volume, making it difficult for others to hear and use their original sound.
Write a Compelling Caption: Craft a captivating caption that entices users to watch your video and use your sound. Include relevant hashtags to improve discoverability.
Post Your Video: Tap the “Post” button. Your video will be published, and your original sound will be available for other users to use.
Promote Your Sound: Encourage your followers to use your original sound in their own videos. You can do this by creating challenges, highlighting videos that use your sound, and actively engaging with users who utilize it.
Tips for Creating Engaging Original Sounds
Keep it Short and Sweet: TikTok is all about short-form content. Aim for original sounds that are concise, catchy, and easily looped.
Prioritize Audio Quality: Ensure your recording has clear, crisp audio. Invest in a decent microphone if you plan on creating original sounds regularly. Avoid background noise and distortion.
Be Original and Unique: Create sounds that are distinct and memorable. Experiment with different genres, vocal styles, and sound effects to stand out from the crowd.
Tap into Trends: While being original is important, you can also leverage existing trends by creating a unique spin on them. For example, you could create an original sound that riffs on a popular meme or challenge.
Use Music Strategically: If you incorporate music into your original sound, ensure it complements your video’s content and doesn’t overpower the vocals or other audio elements. Pay attention to copyright considerations if using pre-existing music, even if you only include a snippet.
Use Your Own Voice: Record voiceovers, snippets of songs you write yourself, or little catchphrases. Your unique voice can become your signature.
FAQs About Using Original Sound on TikTok
Here are some frequently asked questions to further enhance your understanding:
Can I use copyrighted music in my original sound? Generally, it’s best to avoid using copyrighted music without permission. TikTok has copyright detection systems in place, and your video may be muted or removed if it infringes on copyright. Stick to royalty-free music or create your own music.
How do I find videos that use my original sound? Go to your profile and tap on the original video you posted with the original sound. Click on the sound name at the bottom of the video. It will take you to the dedicated page where all the videos that used the sound are listed.
Can I delete an original sound? Yes, you can delete a video with an original sound, which will remove the original sound from the platform. However, if other users have already used your sound in their videos, their videos will remain live. The sound name in the video may change to “Sound Removed”.
Can I edit an original sound after posting? No, you cannot directly edit an original sound after posting the video. If you need to make changes, you’ll have to delete the original video and re-upload it with the corrected audio.
Why is my original sound not showing up in the search results? It may take some time for TikTok’s algorithm to index your original sound. Ensure you’ve given it a descriptive name and used relevant hashtags in your video caption. Also, make sure your account is set to public.
How can I prevent others from using my original sound? Unfortunately, there’s no direct way to prevent others from using your original sound on TikTok. Once you upload it, it becomes part of the platform’s audio library. If you are concerned about your audio being stolen, you should look into adding a watermark to the audio itself.
Can I monetize my original sound? TikTok’s monetization options are still evolving. There’s no direct way to monetize an original sound itself, but if your sound becomes popular and drives traffic to your content, it can indirectly contribute to your overall earnings through brand deals and other monetization methods.
What are the best types of original sounds to create? The best types of original sounds depend on your niche and target audience. Generally, catchy jingles, funny sound effects, relatable voiceovers, and unique musical riffs tend to perform well. Think about what resonates with your audience and experiment with different ideas.
How can I make my original sound go viral? Viral success is never guaranteed, but you can increase your chances by creating high-quality content, promoting your sound, engaging with users who use it, and staying on top of TikTok trends.
Is it better to use original sound or trending sound? Both! Original sound is best for branding and creating a unique identity. Trending sound is best for getting your video to show up on people’s For You Page.
How do I see trending sounds? The easiest way to see trending sounds is by going to the For You Page. Look for the video with the trending sounds that you like. Check out TikTok’s Creative Center. This tab tells you everything about what is trending in TikTok.
Can I use original sound for my business? Yes! You can use original sounds to do jingles, advertisement, unique sound effects, and a lot more to promote your business in a way that is unique to your brand.
By understanding these aspects of original sounds and implementing these tips, you’ll be well on your way to crafting compelling audio that resonates with your audience, boosts your brand, and potentially even sparks the next big TikTok trend. Good luck, and happy creating!
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