“Can I just use any sound on TikTok?”
Short answer: No. But also, kinda yes. It depends.
If you’re a creator, brand partner, or influencer trying to keep it cute AND compliant on TikTok in 2025, you need to understand the real deal with copyright, music licensing, and what’s fair game—before your content gets muted, flagged, or worse… you get sued.
Let’s break down what’s changed, what still applies, and what every content creator NEEDS to know about TikTok sounds and copyright rules—especially if you’re posting for money, clients, or any kind of collab deal.
The Basics: What Even Is a TikTok Sound?
When you upload or use audio on TikTok, it falls into one of three buckets:
1. Official Licensed Music (from TikTok’s music library)
These are songs TikTok has secured rights for. You’ll see them labeled as “Original sound – [Artist Name]” or tied to an official track.
Good for: Personal videos, fan content, fun trends
Not always OK for: Brand promos or paid partnerships (more on that below)
2. User-Generated Sounds (UGC)
This could be someone singing, a meme soundbite, or your voice saying something iconic.
Safe if it’s your original creation
Risky if you pull it from movies, songs, or copyrighted material
3. Commercial Sounds Library (for business accounts)
This is TikTok’s pre-cleared, copyright-safe music catalog.
Safe for business use, influencer deals, and ads
Limited selection, but no takedown risk
The Risk: Why It Matters for Influencers
If you’re just vibing with your cat or doing a goofy lip-sync on your personal account, the risk is low.
But the moment your video becomes part of:
- A brand collaboration
- A sponsored campaign
- A product promo
- Anything where you’re making money or promoting someone else’s biz…
Then using copyrighted music without the proper rights?
That’s a big problem.
What’s Changed in 2025: TikTok’s New Rules (And Cracks)
As of early 2025, TikTok has:
- Tightened commercial usage guidelines
- Branded content CAN’T use most mainstream tracks unless the brand itself licenses them.
- Added audio tagging to help auto-detect usage type
- Some songs now trigger a “Not licensed for commercial use” warning.
- Rolled out stricter enforcement with record labels
- More muted videos, removed sounds, and DMCA takedowns
- Increased partnerships with licensing agencies
- Some artists (like Doja Cat, The Weeknd, Yoasobi) allow certain uses — but often only through TikTok’s commercial music library.
Bottom line: If you’re an influencer or brand partner, you can’t just use the trendiest audio without checking its commercial clearance.
Creator Collabs = Commercial Use (Yes, Even the Micro Deals)
If you’re doing ANY of the following, you’re now officially in “commercial” territory:
- Paid sponsorships
- Affiliate marketing
- Brand gifting or whitelisting
- UGC creator deals
- Agency-led brand collabs
- Paid brand shoutouts
Even if it’s just a “gifted” skincare product and 1,000 views, it counts.
Using Olivia Rodrigo’s new track in that video? Not cool unless the brand secured the rights.
What You Can Do Without Getting Flagged
Here’s how to play smart and safe:
1. Use TikTok’s Commercial Music Library
Available through Business accounts, this includes music pre-approved for:
- Ads
- Branded content
- Creator Fund/Brand Partnership posts
It’s growing fast and includes indie hits, viral remixes, and lo-fi bangers.
2. Create or Edit Your Own Original Sound
If you produce your own music, voiceover, or remix? You’re golden.
Pro tip: Layer your audio creatively with voice effects, or overlay commentary on top of trend songs to increase originality.
3. Use Royalty-Free Music Platforms
Sites like:
- Epidemic Sound
- Artlist
- Soundstripe
- Uppbeat
- Lickd (specializes in mainstream music licensing for YouTube/TikTok)
Make sure your license covers social media promotional use, and keep your receipt.
4. Get Written Permission From the Artist
If you’re featuring an indie musician or song, you can reach out for direct permission. Many small artists LOVE being featured—but get it in writing.
DM = cool. Signed release = better.
What Not to Do (Please, Save Yourself)
- Don’t upload Taylor Swift’s album snippet as your “original sound.”
- Don’t grab movie clips or music from YouTube rips.
- Don’t think, “No one will notice if I use 8 seconds of that Billie Eilish song.” (They will.)
- Don’t use trending audio in paid posts without checking its licensing status.
Even if TikTok lets you post it, the artist or label can still issue a takedown.
The Consequences: What Happens If You Slip
If you use copyrighted music without the proper rights, you risk:
- Your video getting muted
- Your video being taken down
- Losing a brand deal (many now audit audio use)
- TikTok removing your account for repeat violations
- In rare cases, legal action or fines (yikes)
Real-Life Example (aka “Don’t Be That Creator”)
A lifestyle influencer used a Dua Lipa song in a paid post promoting a skincare brand.
Song was trending. The video went viral.
The brand reposted it.
Warner Bros. filed a takedown.
Video was muted on all platforms.
Brand backed out of a follow-up campaign.
Influencer lost $8K in future work.
Lesson? Just because it’s trending doesn’t mean it’s allowed.
TL;DR for Busy Creators:
| Safe to Use (Commercial) | Risky or Not Allowed |
|---|---|
| TikTok’s Commercial Sounds Library | Mainstream songs in paid ads |
| Royalty-free licensed tracks | Audio ripped from movies |
| Your own music/speech | User-uploaded trending sounds in spon posts |
| Artist-approved custom tracks | Anything you “think” is safe but isn’t sourced |
Final Thought: Be Trendy, Be Creative—But Also Be Legal
In 2025, your content is your career. Don’t risk it over a catchy 8-second chorus.
Want to go viral and keep your account safe?
- Use approved music
- Get licenses
- Get creative with original audio
- When in doubt: Don’t post it until you’ve checked it