TikTok has become one of the most popular social media platforms, allowing users to create and share short videos. One of the key elements that make TikTok videos stand out is the background music. While TikTok offers a wide range of music options to choose from, many users may want to use their own music to add a personal touch to their videos.
In this blog post, we will explore the different methods and steps you can take to use your own music on TikTok. Whether you have original music or prefer using songs that are not available on the platform, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive in!
Video Tutorial:
What’s Needed
To use your own music on TikTok, you will need a few things:
1. A TikTok account: Ensure that you have an active TikTok account. If you don’t have one, you can easily create one by downloading the TikTok app on your smartphone and signing up.
2. Your music files: Make sure you have your desired music ready on your device. This can include original compositions, songs from your favorite artists, or any other audio files you want to use in your TikTok videos. Make sure the files are in a compatible format such as MP3 or WAV.
3. A video editing tool: While TikTok has built-in editing features, you may need an external video editing tool to add your own music to your videos. There are many free and paid options available on both mobile and desktop platforms, so choose one that suits your needs.
What Requires Your Focus?
Using your own music on TikTok requires your focus on two key areas: editing the video and syncing the music. The editing process involves trimming and arranging your video clips, adding effects, and making sure the video aligns with the music. Syncing the music requires precise timing, so it matches the actions or lip-syncing in your video. Both aspects are essential to make your TikTok video feel seamless and professional.
Now that we understand the prerequisites and areas that require focus, let’s explore the different methods you can use to incorporate your own music on TikTok.
Method 1: How to Use My Own Music on TikTok via the TikTok App
Using the TikTok app itself, you can add your own music directly to your videos. Here’s how:
Step 1: Launch the TikTok app on your smartphone and tap on the "+" icon to create a new video.
Step 2: Record or upload the video you want to add your own music to.
Step 3: Tap on the "Sounds" button at the top of the video editing screen.
Step 4: Scroll down and tap on "My Sound" to access your own music library.
Step 5: Choose the music file you want to use and tap on it to preview.
Step 6: Adjust the duration of the music by dragging the handles on the timeline.
Step 7: Tap on the checkmark to save your edits and continue with further video editing if desired.
Pros | Cons
—–|——–
1. Easy and straightforward process to add your own music.| 1. Limited control over music editing options.
2. Convenient access to your own music library within the TikTok app.| 2. Compatibility issues with certain file formats.
3. No need for external video editing tools.| 3. Limited options for synchronizing specific moments in the video with the music.
Method 2: How to Use My Own Music on TikTok via Video Editing Apps
If you prefer more advanced video editing features, you can use third-party video editing apps to add your own music to your TikTok videos. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Install a video editing app that supports adding custom music to videos. Some popular options include iMovie (iOS), FilmoraGo (iOS & Android), and Adobe Premiere Rush (iOS & Android).
Step 2: Open the video editing app and import the video you want to edit.
Step 3: Locate the music track you want to use in your video. This can be a song from your device’s library or a file you’ve downloaded.
Step 4: Import the music track into the video editing app and adjust its duration if needed.
Step 5: Drag and drop the music track onto the video timeline.
Step 6: Fine-tune the video editing, including trimming, adding effects, and adjusting the audio levels.
Step 7: Export the edited video to your device’s gallery.
Pros | Cons
—–|——–
1. More control over video editing features and options.| 1. Requires downloading and familiarizing with a separate video editing app.
2. Higher flexibility in synchronizing music with specific moments in the video.| 2. May require additional time and effort compared to using the TikTok app alone.
3. Access to advanced audio editing tools, such as volume adjustments and fade-ins/fade-outs.| 3. Potential compatibility issues with different video editing app versions and devices.
Method 3: How to Use My Own Music on TikTok via External Music Apps
If you have specific songs or audio files in mind that are not available in your device’s library, you can use external music apps to add them to your TikTok videos. Here’s how:
Step 1: Install a music app that allows exporting songs or audio files to other apps. Some popular options include Spotify, Apple Music, and SoundCloud.
Step 2: Open the music app and search for the desired song or audio file.
Step 3: Play the entire song or select the specific portion you want to use in your TikTok video.
Step 4: Look for the "Share" or "Export" option within the music app.
Step 5: Choose the option to export or share the song to another app.
Step 6: Select the TikTok app as the destination app.
Step 7: The exported song or audio file will now be accessible within the TikTok app for you to use in your videos.
Pros | Cons
—–|——–
1. Access to a vast library of songs and audio files not available in your device’s library.| 1. Requires downloading and learning to use a separate music app.
2. More variety in choosing the perfect music for your TikTok videos.| 2. May require a subscription or payment for certain music app features.
3. Easy integration with the TikTok app for seamless use of exported music.| 3. Potential compatibility issues with the TikTok app and different music app versions.
Method 4: How to Use My Own Music on TikTok via MP3 to Video Conversion
If you have the desired music in MP3 format and want a quick solution to add it to your TikTok videos without extensive editing, you can convert MP3s into videos. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Find a reliable MP3 to video conversion tool or website. Some popular options include Kapwing, Clideo, and Online UniConverter.
Step 2: Open the MP3 to video conversion tool and import the MP3 file you want to convert.
Step 3: Customize the video settings if desired, such as aspect ratio, resolution, and background image.
Step 4: Start the conversion process and wait for the tool to create a video file from your MP3. This may take a few moments depending on the file size and tool capabilities.
Step 5: Once the video file is generated, download it to your device.
Step 6: Open the TikTok app and start creating a new video.
Step 7: Select the video file you just converted as the background music for your TikTok video.
Pros | Cons
—–|——–
1. Quick and straightforward solution for adding MP3s to TikTok videos.| 1. Limited customization options compared to full video editing tools.
2. No need for separate video editing apps or music apps.| 2. Potential loss in audio quality during the MP3 to video conversion.
3. Works well for adding background music without the need for precise synchronization.| 3. May require additional steps and time to convert each MP3 file.
Why Can’t I Use My Own Music on TikTok?
1. Limited Licensing: TikTok has specific licensing agreements with music labels and artists, which means not all songs are available on the platform. If the song you want to use is not licensed for TikTok, you won’t be able to directly add it to your videos. However, you can still use the methods mentioned above to use your own music.
2. Copyright Infringement: TikTok has strict guidelines regarding copyright infringement. If you try to use copyrighted music without permission, your video may be taken down or you could face penalties. It’s important to use your own original music or obtain the necessary rights and licenses to use copyrighted songs.
3. Compatibility Issues: TikTok supports various audio formats, but there may be compatibility issues with certain file types. Make sure your music files are in a compatible format, such as MP3 or WAV, for seamless integration with TikTok.
To overcome these challenges, it is important to explore alternative methods, such as the ones mentioned earlier, to add your own music to TikTok and avoid any copyright or licensing issues. Additionally, you can reach out to artists, indie musicians, or creative commons platforms to find music that is available for use on TikTok.
Implications and Recommendations
1. Create Original Music: If you are musically inclined, consider creating your own original music for TikTok. This not only avoids copyright issues but also allows you to showcase your talent and creativity.
2. Collaborate with Artists: Reach out to independent musicians or local artists who may be interested in having their music featured in TikTok videos. Collaboration can help both parties gain exposure and reach a wider audience.
3. Familiarize Yourself with Copyright Laws: It’s crucial to have a good understanding of copyright laws and how they apply to the music you want to use on TikTok. Educate yourself about licensing options, fair use guidelines, and creative commons licenses to ensure you use music legally.
5 FAQs about Using My Own Music on TikTok
Q1: Can I use any song I want on TikTok?
A: While TikTok provides a vast library of songs to choose from, not all songs are available due to licensing restrictions. However, you can use the methods mentioned in this blog post to add your own music to TikTok.
Q2: Can I use copyrighted music if it’s for personal use only?
A: TikTok has strict guidelines regarding copyright infringement, even for personal use. It’s best to use your own original music or obtain the necessary rights and licenses for any copyrighted songs you want to use.
Q3: Are there any consequences for using copyrighted music on TikTok?
A: Yes, if you use copyrighted music without permission, your TikTok videos may be taken down or you could face penalties. It’s important to respect copyright laws and use music legally.
Q4: Can I use my own music on TikTok if it’s not a popular song?
A: Yes, you can use your own music on TikTok, regardless of its popularity. TikTok provides a platform for creators to showcase their own original content, including music.
Q5: Can I edit the music within the TikTok app?
A: While TikTok offers basic editing features for music, such as adjusting the duration, it may not provide advanced editing options. If you require more precise editing, using external video editing apps or converting MP3s to videos is recommended.
Final Words
Using your own music on TikTok can elevate your videos and add a personal touch to your content. Whether you’re a musician, content creator, or simply want to express your creativity, the methods discussed in this blog post provide various options to incorporate your own music into your TikTok videos. Remember to respect copyright laws, explore licensing options, and have fun creating unique TikTok content!