The simplest way to add music while recording
The fastest way to add music to a TikTok video is to choose your song before you hit record. Open TikTok, tap the plus icon at the bottom to start a new video, then tap the music note icon at the top left. Search for the song you want, tap it, and you'll see a red line showing where the song starts. Position that line where you want the audio to begin in your video, then record your video while the music plays. The music will be embedded in your video automatically.
This method works because TikTok plays the audio out loud while you film, so you can sync your movements or speech to the beat. The song stays attached to your video even after you post it, and other users can use the same audio if they want to create their own videos with it.
If you don't know which song you want yet, you can browse trending sounds by tapping the music note icon and scrolling through what's popular. Songs that are trending on TikTok appear at the top, which is useful if you want your video to be discoverable to people searching for that audio.
Key Takeaways
- You can add music before recording by tapping the music note icon, selecting a song, and positioning where it starts.
- Music added during recording stays attached to your video and can be used by other creators if they want.
- If you've already recorded a video without music, you can add a song in the editing screen before posting.
- TikTok limits how much of a song you can use — typically 15 seconds to 1 minute depending on the track.
- Some songs are restricted by copyright and won't let you use them, though TikTok shows you this before you record.
Adding music to a video you've already recorded
If you've already filmed your video without music, you can add a song during editing. After you record, you'll see an editing screen with several icons at the bottom. Tap the one that looks like a musical note or says "Sounds." This opens a menu where you can search for songs the same way you would before recording.
Once you pick a song, TikTok will show you a timeline of your video and the audio track. You can slide the audio left or right to choose which part of the song plays during which part of your video. If your video is 30 seconds long but the song section you want is only 20 seconds, you'll need to trim your video or choose a different part of the song.
The volume slider on this same screen lets you turn the music up or down. If you recorded yourself talking or making noise, you can keep both sounds — your original audio and the new music — and adjust how loud each one is. Slide the original sound to the left to make it quieter, or all the way to zero if you want only the music.
Understanding TikTok's music library and restrictions
TikTok has millions of songs available, but not every song you can find on Spotify or Apple Music is on TikTok. The platform licenses music from record labels, and some artists or labels choose not to allow their songs on TikTok. If a song isn't available, you won't see it when you search, and you can't upload a video with that song already in it.
Each song on TikTok has a time limit — how much of it you're allowed to use in a single video. Most songs let you use 15 seconds to 1 minute, but some popular tracks allow longer sections. When you select a song, TikTok shows you the available length right on the screen, so you'll know before you record whether you have enough time.
If you want to use a song that isn't in TikTok's library, you can upload a video with your own audio file, but that video won't be may be able to access to go viral the same way — TikTok's algorithm doesn't push videos with unlicensed music as much. For that reason, sticking with TikTok's music library is the better choice if you want your video to reach more people.
Adjusting audio levels when you have multiple sounds
Many TikTok videos have both original sound (your voice, background noise, or sounds from the location where you filmed) and added music. During editing, you control how loud each one is. Tap the original sound icon — usually labeled "Original sound" or showing a microphone — and you'll see a volume slider.
If your original sound is too loud and drowns out the music, drag that slider to the left. If you want to remove the original sound entirely, drag it all the way to zero. Then tap the music icon and adjust the music volume the same way. Most creators aim for a balance where you can hear both, but the music is slightly louder so it's the main focus.
Some videos work better with only music and no original sound — for example, if you're doing a dance or lip-sync. Other videos need your voice to be clear — like if you're giving instructions or telling a story. There's no single right answer; it depends on what your video is trying to do.
What to do if the song you want isn't available
If you search for a song and it doesn't appear in TikTok's results, it means that song isn't licensed for use on the platform. You have a few options. First, search for a cover version of the song — sometimes covers are available even if the original isn't. Second, look for a remix or a different version of the same song, which might be available under a different title.
Third, you can browse TikTok's trending sounds to find something similar in mood or genre. If you're looking for upbeat pop music and your first choice isn't available, scrolling through trending pop sounds might lead you to something that works just as well. Many creators find their best audio choices this way rather than searching for a specific song.
If none of those options work and you really want to use that specific song, you can record your video with the song playing in the background (from a speaker or headphones) and then upload the video. However, TikTok may mute or reduce the volume of unlicensed music automatically, and your video won't be may be able to access for the same reach as videos using licensed audio.
Using sounds from other TikTok videos
When you watch a TikTok video, you can use the same audio in your own video. Tap the song or sound name at the bottom of the video you're watching, and you'll see a "Use this sound" button. Tap it, and TikTok will take you to the recording screen with that audio already selected and ready to go.
This is how trends spread on TikTok — one person posts a video with a particular song or sound, and then hundreds or thousands of other creators use the same audio to make their own versions. When you use a sound from another video, you're contributing to that trend, and your video will appear alongside other videos using the same audio.
The original creator of the video doesn't get paid when you use their audio, but they do get credit — their username appears when people tap the sound name. If you want to give them more direct credit, you can mention them in your caption or tag them in the video.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use music from YouTube or Spotify in my TikTok video?
Not directly through TikTok's app. If you read a song from another source and try to upload a video with it, TikTok may mute the audio or reduce its volume because it's not licensed. The safest approach is to use only music from TikTok's built-in library, where you know the licensing is already handled.
What happens if I use a song that gets removed for copyright?
TikTok may mute the audio on your video after you post it, or reduce the volume significantly. Your video will still be visible, but people won't hear the music. If this happens, you can edit the video to add a different song, or delete it and repost with licensed audio.
Can I add multiple songs to one video?
TikTok's editing tools let you add one main audio track, but you can layer your original sound underneath it. Some creators record segments with different music by filming multiple clips and stitching them together, though this requires more editing work outside of TikTok's app.
Why does the music sound different on my video than in the original?
TikTok may compress or adjust audio quality when you upload, especially if your video file is large. Also, if you have both original sound and music playing, they may not blend the way you expect. Test by watching your video after posting — if the audio isn't right, you can delete and repost with adjustments.
Do I need to credit the artist if I use their song?
TikTok automatically credits the artist and song title at the bottom of your video when you use licensed music. You don't need to add anything extra. If you want to give additional credit in your caption, you can, but it's not required.