Can You Use Copyrighted Music on TikTok? A Complete Guide for Creators

December 3, 2024 Know The Music
Can you use copyrighted music on TikTok

In today’s social media era, TikTok has become a hub for creative expression. Whether you’re sharing dance trends, educational snippets, or comedy skits, music plays a huge role in bringing your content to life. But when it comes to using music, there’s a big question: Can you use copyrighted music on TikTok? Let’s dive deep into this topic to clear up any confusion.

What Does “Copyrighted Music” Mean?

Copyrighted music is any song or track that someone owns the rights to. When you use such music without permission, it could violate copyright laws. This applies not just to TikTok but to all platforms. Yet, TikTok offers some unique ways to legally use music.

How TikTok Handles Copyrighted Music

TikTok has agreements with many music publishers and artists, allowing creators to use licensed tracks directly from its app. This means you can access a huge library of pre-approved music without worrying about legal issues.

However, there are limits:

  1. Personal Use: The music library is typically available for personal accounts.
  2. Business Accounts: Commercial accounts often have restricted access to popular tracks. They must use royalty-free music or TikTok’s commercial audio library.

Yes, but only under TikTok’s guidelines. If you use songs available in TikTok’s music library, you’re in the clear because the platform already pays licensing fees for those tracks. Using music outside of this library could result in:

  • Muted videos
  • Copyright strikes
  • Account suspension

TikTok is bound by international copyright laws, which require them to protect artists’ work. When someone uses copyrighted music without permission, it affects the income artists earn from their creations. That’s why platforms like TikTok enforce strict policies.

What Happens If You Use Unlicensed Music?

If you upload a video with unlicensed music, TikTok may take the following actions:

  1. Mute Your Video: The sound will be removed.
  2. Block Your Video: Your video could be taken down entirely.
  3. Legal Consequences: In rare cases, legal action could be taken by the copyright holder.

How to Check If a Song Is Copyrighted

To avoid problems, always check if the song is in TikTok’s official music library:

  • Browse TikTok’s Audio Library: Search for tracks within the app to ensure they’re safe to use.
  • Check Licensing Status: For commercial accounts, make sure the track is labeled for commercial use.

Tips for Using Music Safely on TikTok

1. Use TikTok’s Music Library

Stick to the library provided by TikTok, which is pre-licensed for use.

2. Explore Royalty-Free Music

If you have a business account, use royalty-free tracks or TikTok’s commercial music library.

3. Credit the Artist (Optional)

While not legally required on TikTok, tagging the artist shows respect and encourages collaboration.

4. Avoid Uploading Entire Songs

Using too much of a copyrighted song could lead to violations. Use short clips when necessary.

Alternatives to Using Copyrighted Music

When in doubt, consider these options:

  1. Royalty-Free Platforms: Websites like Epidemic Sound and Artlist offer royalty-free tracks.
  2. Original Music: Create and upload your own music.
  3. Work With Independent Artists: Collaborate with lesser-known musicians who might let you use their tracks.

TikTok for Businesses: Special Rules

If you run a business or creator account, your music options may be limited. TikTok provides a Commercial Music Library specifically for business purposes. It includes royalty-free tracks you can use in ads or promotional videos.

FAQs About Copyrighted Music on TikTok

Q1: Can I use any song for personal videos?

A: Yes, but only if the song is available in TikTok’s music library.

A: TikTok might mute or remove the video, depending on the severity of the violation.

A: Not necessarily. Always check if the music used in a trend is licensed within TikTok.

How Creators Can Stay Safe and Creative

Being a creator means balancing creativity with responsibility. Here’s how to stay safe:

  • Stay Updated: Keep track of TikTok’s music policy changes.
  • Use Licensed Music: Stick to music available in the app or from royalty-free sources.
  • Be Original: Experiment with creating your own audio content.

As TikTok grows, its copyright policies are likely to evolve. The platform is expanding its partnerships with record labels, which could mean more licensed tracks for creators in the future. For businesses, expect enhanced commercial libraries with diverse options.

Final Thoughts

Can you use copyrighted music on TikTok? The answer is yes, but with conditions. By following TikTok’s rules, you can enjoy using music without worrying about legal issues. Whether you’re dancing to a trending song or promoting your brand, understanding these guidelines ensures your content remains safe and enjoyable.

For further reading, explore these related articles:

For additional resources on music marketing and distribution, visit Deliver My Tune.

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