You can upload your own audio to TikTok, but the platform limits what you can do with it
TikTok does not have a direct "upload sound" button the way it has an upload button for videos. Instead, you record video with the app's camera, and during that recording you can layer in audio from three sources: sounds already in TikTok's library, audio from your phone's files, or audio you record live while filming. If you want to use a specific audio file you own — a song you wrote, a podcast clip, a voice memo — you add it during the video creation process, not beforehand.
The catch is that TikTok's algorithm treats sounds differently depending on where they come from. A sound from TikTok's library can be used by anyone and will help your video reach more people. A sound from your phone's files stays attached to that one video only — other creators cannot use it, and TikTok's recommendation system may not push the video as hard. Understanding this difference matters if you are trying to build an audience or if you want other people to be able to remix your content.
Key Takeaways
- You add your own audio during video creation by selecting "Sounds" and choosing "Upload" to pull audio from your phone's files.
- Audio you upload stays attached to that single video and cannot be used by other creators, which limits how far the video can spread.
- If you want your audio to become a shareable sound that others can use, you need to post the video first, then request that TikTok add it to the library — there is no may provide it will be approved.
- Copyright-protected music and audio will be detected and either muted, replaced, or blocked depending on TikTok's agreements with rights holders.
- Audio files must be in a format your phone recognizes (MP3, WAV, AAC) and under the length limit for a single TikTok video.
How to add audio from your phone during video creation
Open TikTok and tap the plus icon at the bottom to start a new video. Record your video or upload one from your camera roll. Once you have your video, tap "Sounds" at the bottom of the editing screen. You will see a list of trending sounds from TikTok's library. Scroll to the top and tap "Upload" — this opens your phone's file manager so you can select an audio file.
Choose the audio file you want to use. TikTok will import it and place it on the timeline. You can adjust the volume, trim the audio to fit your video, or layer it with other sounds. When you are done, tap "Next" to add captions, effects, or other edits, then post the video.
The audio file must be in a format your phone recognizes: MP3, WAV, or AAC are the most common. If you have audio in a different format (FLAC, OGG, ALAC), you will need to convert it first using a free tool like Audacity or an online converter. The audio also cannot be longer than the maximum video length for a single TikTok — currently 10 minutes for most accounts, though some accounts have longer limits.
What happens when TikTok detects copyrighted music
If the audio file you upload contains music or audio that TikTok has a record of — whether it is a major label song, a podcast, or a YouTube video — the platform will detect it. What happens next depends on whether TikTok has a licensing agreement with the copyright holder.
If TikTok has a deal with the rights holder (as it does with most major record labels), the audio may be allowed but your video might be flagged as containing copyrighted material. You will see a notification saying the sound is owned by someone else. The video can still post, but the copyright holder can claim it, which means they may earn money from any ads shown on your video, or they may request that TikTok remove it. In some cases, TikTok will mute the audio or replace it with a different sound.
If TikTok does not have a licensing agreement with the copyright holder, the video may be blocked from posting entirely, or the audio will be removed after you post. You will usually get a warning before this happens. If you are uploading your own original music or audio, this should not be an issue — but if you are uploading a recording that includes background music, a TV show, or someone else's voice, TikTok's system will likely catch it.
The difference between personal audio and shareable sounds
When you upload audio from your phone, it becomes part of that video only. Other creators cannot search for it, find it, or use it in their own videos. This is different from sounds in TikTok's library, where thousands of creators can use the same audio and build on each other's content.
If you want your audio to become a shareable sound that other creators can use, you have to post the video first with your uploaded audio, then request that TikTok add it to the library. Go to your posted video, tap the three dots, and look for an option to "Add sound to library" or "Make this sound available." TikTok does not may provide approval — the platform reviews requests and may decline if the audio violates its policies or if it detects copyrighted material.
This matters if you are trying to build a trend or if you want your original music to reach a wider audience. A sound in the library can become viral because other creators will use it, remix it, and introduce it to their own followers. A personal uploaded audio stays small because only people who watch your specific video will hear it.
Recording audio live while you film
You do not have to upload audio from a file. You can also record audio live while you are filming. Tap the microphone icon during recording to capture your voice, music playing in the background, or any other sound in the room. This audio is automatically part of the video and cannot be separated or used elsewhere.
Live recording is useful if you are doing voiceovers, singing, or capturing ambient sound. The audio quality depends on your phone's microphone and the environment — a quiet room will sound much cleaner than a noisy street. If you want to record audio separately and add it later, you will need to use a voice memo app or a recording app like Voice Memos (on iPhone) or Google Recorder (on Android), save the file, and then upload it during video creation.
Audio file formats and technical requirements
TikTok accepts audio in MP3, WAV, and AAC formats. Most audio files you read or create will be in one of these formats. If you have audio in FLAC, OGG, ALAC, or another format, you will need to convert it first.
Free conversion tools include Audacity (available for Windows, Mac, and Linux), which lets you open an audio file and export it as MP3 or WAV. Online converters like CloudConvert or Zamzar also work if you do not want to install software. Upload the converted file to TikTok the same way you would any other audio file.
Audio files also have a practical size limit — very large files may take longer to upload or fail. Most phones handle files up to several hundred megabytes without trouble, but if you are uploading a long recording or a high-quality file, break it into smaller pieces or compress it first.
Privacy and who can hear your audio
When you post a video with uploaded audio, the audio is part of the video file. Anyone who can see the video can hear the audio. If your video is public, the audio is public. If your video is private or visible only to friends, the audio has the same privacy setting.
TikTok does not store your uploaded audio separately or use it for any purpose beyond that video. However, if you request that the audio be added to the library, you are giving TikTok permission to make it available to all creators. Read TikTok's terms carefully if you are uploading audio that contains someone else's voice or likeness — you may need their permission.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use audio from YouTube or a podcast in my TikTok?
You can upload it, but TikTok will likely detect it and either mute it, replace it, or block the video depending on whether the platform has a licensing agreement with the copyright holder. If you do not own the rights to the audio, the copyright holder can claim your video and earn money from it, or request removal.
What if my uploaded audio does not show up in my video?
Check that the file format is MP3, WAV, or AAC. If it is a different format, convert it first. Also check that the audio file is not corrupted — try playing it on your phone to confirm it works. If the file is fine but still will not upload, try restarting the TikTok app or deleting and reinstalling it.
Can I edit or trim the audio after I upload it?
Yes. During video creation, after you upload the audio, you can drag the audio timeline to trim it, adjust the volume slider, or layer it with other sounds. These edits only affect that video — the original audio file on your phone stays unchanged.
How do I know if my audio will be approved to become a shareable sound?
TikTok reviews requests but does not publish exact criteria. Audio that is original, does not contain copyrighted material, and does not violate community guidelines has a better chance. Audio that is copyrighted, contains hate speech, or is extremely short or distorted is less likely to be approved.
What if someone else uses audio from my video without permission?
If your audio is not in the library, other creators cannot officially use it. However, they can record your video, extract the audio, and repost it — this is difficult to prevent. If you want to protect your audio, keep your video private or do not post it at all. If you want it to spread, adding it to the library gives you more control because TikTok tracks who uses it.