Using music in TikToks without getting muted
Few things are more frustrating than a finished video posted with its audio muted. It almost always comes down to music licensing, which TikTok handles differently depending on how the music got into the video and what kind of account you have.
Why videos get muted
Music added in another editor and uploaded as part of the video is detected and, if TikTok has no licence for that use, the audio is muted or the video restricted. Music added inside TikTok from its sound library is covered by TikTok's licences.
Background music playing in a shop or car while you film can also trigger detection.
Personal versus business accounts
Personal accounts can use the general sound library, which includes popular commercial tracks. Business accounts are limited to the Commercial Music Library, licensed for promotional use, so many trending songs are not available to them.
If you run a brand account and use trending songs, the video may be muted or removed even when the same sound works for personal creators.
Safe ways to use music
Add music in TikTok's editor rather than baking it into your export. Keep your edit's own music track off, export with your voice only, then choose the sound in the app.
Use royalty-free or self-made music for content that will be used commercially, and keep proof of the licence.
If a video is muted
Check the notification for the reason. You can usually replace the audio with a library sound and repost. Repeated copyright issues can affect the account, so fix the habit rather than reposting the same file.
Frequently asked questions
Why was the audio on my TikTok muted?
Usually because music added in another editor was detected and TikTok had no licence for that use. Music added from TikTok's sound library inside the app is covered.
Can business accounts use trending songs?
Business accounts are limited to the Commercial Music Library, so many trending songs are unavailable. Using them may get a brand video muted or removed.
What should I do if one of my videos gets muted?
Check the notification for the reason, replace the audio with a library sound and repost. Fix the habit, since repeated copyright issues can affect the account.