How to Add Songs to TikTok: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

how to add songs to tiktok

TikTok has taken the world by storm, becoming one of the most popular platforms for sharing short, entertaining videos. Whether you want to dance, lip-sync, or create fun transitions, adding the right music can make your video stand out. If you’re wondering how to add songs to TikTok, don’t worry! This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, step by step.

Adding music to your TikTok videos is not only easy but also essential for catching viewers’ attention. In this blog, you’ll learn how to pick the perfect track, use TikTok’s built-in features, and even upload your own sounds. Let’s dive right in!

Why Is Music Important on TikTok?

Before we get into the technical steps of how to add songs to TikTok, it’s important to understand why music matters so much on the platform. TikTok thrives on trends—and most trends are driven by popular songs or audio clips. Whether it’s a trending dance challenge or a funny meme, the right background track can:

  • Grab attention instantly.
  • Make your videos relatable and shareable.
  • Help your content go viral by tapping into trending sounds.
  • Express emotions or tell a story effectively.

In short, music sets the mood for your video. Choosing the right song can make all the difference!

How to Add Songs to TikTok Using TikTok’s Sound Library

The easiest way to add songs to TikTok is by using the app’s built-in sound library. Here’s how you can do it:

Step 1: Open the TikTok App

First, open the TikTok app on your smartphone and tap on the “+” icon at the bottom center of the screen. This will open the video recording interface.

Step 2: Tap on “Add Sound”

At the top of the recording screen, you’ll see the “Add Sound” button. Tap on it, and TikTok’s vast sound library will appear.

Step 3: Browse or Search for a Song

You can either browse through TikTok’s featured playlists or search for a specific song using the search bar. TikTok categorizes sounds into sections like:

  • Trending
  • Recommended
  • Genres (Pop, Rock, Hip Hop, etc.)
  • Viral tracks

Simply scroll through and pick the sound that fits your video.

Step 4: Preview the Song

Tap on any song to preview it. Once you find the perfect track, click on the checkmark icon to select it.

Step 5: Record or Upload Your Video

With the sound selected, you can now record your video. TikTok automatically syncs your video with the song you’ve chosen. If you’re uploading a pre-recorded video, you can adjust the sound’s timing later.

Step 6: Edit and Post

Once you’re happy with your video, edit it using TikTok’s built-in tools. Adjust the volume, add text, or include filters. When everything looks perfect, tap “Next” and post your video.

Adding songs to TikTok this way is simple and beginner-friendly. Now, let’s explore some additional ways to customize your music!

How to Add Your Own Songs to TikTok

Sometimes, you may want to add a custom sound—like a song you created or an audio clip not available in TikTok’s library. Here’s how you can upload your own sound:

Step 1: Record or Prepare Your Audio

First, you need to have your audio file ready. It could be a song you’ve made or a piece of sound you’ve recorded. You can use music apps or recording software to create your audio clip.

Step 2: Upload Your Video to TikTok

  • Open TikTok and tap on the “+” icon to upload a video.
  • Select your pre-recorded video from your phone gallery.

Step 3: Add Your Custom Sound

Once your video is uploaded, tap on the “Sounds” icon and choose the option to add your own sound. Here’s what to do:

  • If you’ve recorded the sound with the video, TikTok will automatically extract the audio.
  • If you want to add an external sound, you can use a third-party video editor to merge the audio with your video file before uploading.

Step 4: Save and Post

Once the custom sound is added, save your video and post it on TikTok. You can now use your own sound for future videos by tapping on “Use this sound” from your post.

Tips for Choosing the Right Songs for TikTok

Choosing the right song for your TikTok video can make it stand out. Here are some quick tips to help you:

  1. Follow Trends: Keep an eye on the trending songs on TikTok’s For You page. Using viral sounds can increase your video’s reach.
  2. Match the Mood: Pick songs that match the theme or mood of your video. Happy songs work great for fun content, while emotional songs are perfect for storytelling.
  3. Use Popular Playlists: TikTok’s sound library features playlists like “Trending” or “Top 40 Hits.” These are great starting points if you’re unsure what to choose.
  4. Experiment with New Sounds: Don’t hesitate to experiment with less common songs or create your own audio to stand out from the crowd.

By following these tips, you’ll have no trouble finding the perfect music for your TikToks.

How to Edit Music Timing on TikTok

Sometimes, the song you select may not align perfectly with your video. Here’s how you can adjust the music timing:

Step 1: Select Your Sound

Once you’ve added your sound, tap on the “Scissors” icon next to the song.

Step 2: Adjust the Timing

TikTok will open a timeline of the song. Drag the slider to select the part of the song you want to use in your video.

Step 3: Preview and Save

After adjusting the sound, preview your video to ensure the timing is perfect. If it looks good, save your changes and proceed to post.

How to Add Songs to TikTok Using Third-Party Apps

If you want even more flexibility, you can use third-party apps like CapCut or InShot to edit your video and add songs before uploading it to TikTok. Here’s how:

  1. Open a video editing app and import your video.
  2. Add the song or audio track to the video.
  3. Adjust the timing, volume, and effects.
  4. Export the video and upload it to TikTok.

Using third-party apps gives you more control over your edits, but TikTok’s built-in features are usually sufficient for most creators.

Final Thoughts: How to Add Songs to TikTok

Adding songs to TikTok is simple once you get the hang of it. Whether you use TikTok’s sound library or upload your own custom tracks, music is a powerful way to enhance your videos and engage your audience. Follow the steps in this guide, experiment with different sounds, and most importantly—have fun creating.

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