If you’ve selected the wrong audio or want to switch to a trending track, you may be wondering: how do you change a sound on TikTok? TikTok makes it easy to add or replace sounds while you’re creating a video, but once a video has been posted, your editing options become much more limited.
Whether you’re recording a new TikTok or editing an existing draft, this guide explains how to change the sound, replace music, and troubleshoot common audio issues.
Can You Change a Sound on TikTok?
Yes—but only before you post the video or while it’s still saved as a draft.
If your TikTok has already been published, you generally cannot change or replace the sound. To use different audio, you’ll need to create a new version of the video and upload it again.
How to Change the Sound Before Posting
If you’re still editing your video, changing the sound is simple.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Open TikTok and tap the + button.
- Record a new video or upload one from your device.
- Tap Add Sound at the top of the screen.
- Browse or search for the audio you want to use.
- Select the new sound.
- Adjust the volume if needed.
- Continue editing and post your video.
The newly selected sound will replace the previous one.
How to Change the Sound in a Draft
If you’ve already saved your video as a draft:
- Go to your Profile.
- Open the Drafts folder.
- Select the draft you want to edit.
- Tap Add Sound.
- Choose a different song or audio clip.
- Preview the video.
- Save or post the updated version.
Drafts remain editable until they are published.
Can You Change the Sound After Posting?
No.
Once a TikTok is live, you generally cannot:
- Replace the music
- Add a different song
- Remove the original audio
- Swap one sound for another
If you want to use a different soundtrack, you’ll need to re-upload the video.
How to Replace a Sound on a Posted Video
Since direct editing isn’t available, you can:
- Save the original video (if downloads are enabled).
- Tap + to create a new post.
- Upload the saved video.
- Tap Add Sound.
- Select the new audio.
- Publish the updated version.
Keep in mind that likes, comments, and views from the original video won’t transfer to the new upload.
How to Remove a Sound Completely
If you don’t want background music:
- Tap Volume during editing.
- Lower the added sound volume to zero.
- Keep the original audio if desired.
- Continue editing and post.
This lets you feature only your recorded voice or ambient sound.
Can You Use Your Own Audio?
Yes.
You can:
- Record while filming.
- Upload a video with existing audio.
- Add a voiceover during editing.
- Use original sounds you’ve created.
TikTok automatically labels many of these as Original Sound.
How to Adjust Music and Original Audio
TikTok lets you balance different audio sources.
To adjust volume:
- Tap Volume in the editor.
- Move the sliders for:
- Added sound
- Original sound
- Preview the mix.
- Save your changes.
This is useful if background music is overpowering your voice.
Why Can’t I Change the Sound?
Possible reasons include:
The Video Is Already Posted
Published videos cannot typically have their audio edited.
Copyright Restrictions
Some songs may become unavailable due to licensing changes.
The App Needs Updating
Updating TikTok may resolve audio selection issues.
Regional Availability
Certain sounds may not be available in every country.
Tips for Choosing the Right Sound
Preview Before Posting
Listen to the full track before publishing.
Match the Mood
Choose audio that complements your video’s theme.
Check Volume Levels
Ensure music doesn’t drown out important dialogue.
Save Trending Sounds
If you find a popular sound, save it to your favorites for future use.
Common Problems
Wrong Song Selected
If the video hasn’t been posted, simply choose another sound before publishing.
Music Disappeared
Licensing changes or copyright issues can sometimes remove audio from videos.
Can’t Find a Specific Sound
Search by the song title, artist, or use the sound from another TikTok video if available.
Audio Out of Sync
Re-uploading or trimming the clip again may help align the music correctly.
ALSO READ: How to block certain words on TikTok
