Understanding TikTok’s Original Sound Feature and Audio Copyright

TikTok’s “original sound” feature allows users to upload, record, and share unique audio content that can be reused by other creators on the platform. When a user creates a video with an original audio track, TikTok automatically labels it as “original sound” and attributes the audio to the creator’s profile. This functionality serves as a primary engine for viral trends, enabling users to layer new content over existing audio clips.

How Original Sound Functions on TikTok

When a creator records a video directly within the TikTok app or uploads a video with an original audio track, the platform generates a unique sound page. According to TikTok’s official creator resources, this page displays the name of the sound, the creator who first uploaded it, and a list of every other video that has utilized that specific audio file.

Users can tap the spinning record icon in the bottom right corner of a video to access this sound page. From there, they can save the audio to their “Favorites” or select “Use this sound” to record their own video using the same audio track. The platform tracks these interactions to determine which sounds are trending, which influences the visibility of content within the app’s “For You” feed.

Copyright Considerations for Original Audio

While the “original sound” feature encourages creativity, it operates within the framework of TikTok’s intellectual property policies. Creators are responsible for ensuring they have the rights to the audio they upload. If a user uploads an original sound that contains copyrighted music or intellectual property owned by a third party, the platform may mute, remove, or restrict the availability of that sound to comply with copyright laws.

TikTok utilizes automated content recognition systems to scan for copyrighted material. If a sound is flagged, it is often removed from the library, which impacts all videos that previously used that audio. The platform maintains a Terms of Service agreement that requires users to confirm they own the rights to the content they post or have obtained necessary permissions.

Key Differences: Original Sound vs. Commercial Library

TikTok distinguishes between personal and commercial usage to manage licensing agreements. The platform provides two distinct experiences for audio:

• General Library: Available to personal accounts, this library includes popular music and user-generated original sounds.
• Commercial Music Library: Required for business accounts, this library contains millions of royalty-free tracks cleared for commercial use. Business accounts are generally restricted from using trending music or certain original sounds that contain copyrighted material to avoid licensing disputes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make my original sound private?

If you set your account to “Private,” your videos and original sounds are only visible to your approved followers. However, if you have a public account, any original sound you create is discoverable and reusable by the broader TikTok community.

What happens if my sound is deleted?

If an original sound is removed due to a copyright claim or a violation of community guidelines, videos that utilized that sound will be muted. The platform typically notifies the creator when such action is taken.

Can I rename my original sound?

Yes, creators can edit the name of their original sound by accessing the sound page associated with their video. This helps other users identify the audio and increases the likelihood of the sound being discovered in search results.