TikTok has become one of the leading platforms for short-form video creation, and music is a big part of its appeal. However, when it comes to using copyrighted music, creators need to be careful to avoid legal issues or content takedowns. Understanding how copyrighted music works on TikTok—and how you can safely use it—is key to keeping your content live and your account in good standing. Here is how to use copyrighted music on TikTok.
TikTok’s Licensed Music Library
The good news is that TikTok has licensing agreements with major music labels and publishers. This means that a large selection of popular copyrighted songs is available directly within the app for personal and entertainment use. You can access this music through TikTok’s “Sounds” section. When you search for and select a track from TikTok’s internal library, it’s generally safe to use. The platform has already secured the rights for these songs, so creators don’t need to worry about copyright infringement if they use music directly from the app.
Who Can Use Copyrighted Music
It’s important to understand that TikTok’s music licensing primarily covers personal, non-commercial use. This means individual creators can use the music for fun, commentary, or trends, but businesses and brands must follow stricter rules. Commercial accounts do not have access to the full music library. Instead, they are restricted to a curated collection of royalty-free and business-safe tracks provided by TikTok’s Commercial Music Library.
If you’re running a business account or promoting a product, using copyrighted music outside the commercial library—even if it’s available in the app—could result in the video being muted, removed, or flagged for copyright violation.
Alternatives for Commercial Use
For creators or businesses who want to use copyrighted music but fall outside TikTok’s licensing permissions, the safest option is to obtain direct permission or licensing from the rights holders. This usually involves contacting the artist or music publisher and negotiating a license agreement. While this process can be complex and costly, it guarantees that your use of the song is legal.
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Alternatively, you can use royalty-free music from external platforms like Epidemic Sound, Artlist, or TikTok’s own Commercial Music Library. These services offer licenses for music specifically intended for use in branded content, social media, and commercial videos.
Consequences of Misusing Copyrighted Music
Using copyrighted music without permission or outside of TikTok’s licensing can result in a number of consequences. Your video may be muted, removed, or subject to a copyright claim. Repeated offenses may lead to restrictions on your account or even permanent suspension. To stay safe, always make sure the music you use comes from a verified source or is covered under TikTok’s licensing agreements.
