Posting your latest TikTok video and seeing it reach people around the world is an awesome feeling. What’s less enjoyable is the feeling when your video is taken down because of TikTok copyright issues. Which is why knowing how to use copyrighted music on TikTok is a vital part of being a creator.
One of the great things about TikTok is you can feature the latest Nicki Minaj or Kendrick Lamarr track in your content. But while tons of popular songs are available, you can’t just use any music you like. That’s because, in a worst case scenario, your TikTok account can be taken down if you’re caught using copyrighted music without permission.
And that’s just TikTok. If you’re a creator posting across different platforms, the music available on TikTok might land you with copyright issues elsewhere. But these problems are easily avoided. All it takes is an understanding of how to use copyrighted music on TikTok.
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TLDR: Using copyrighted music on TikTok can be fine, but it can also cause some major headaches. Basically, you need to have permission to use a track in your videos, because it’s probably protected by music copyright.
If you’re not sure what music copyright is or how it works, we’ve pulled together some of the key info you need to know. But if you’re already up to speed, skip ahead to learn more about how to use copyrighted music on TikTok.
- How does music copyright work?
- What happens if you use copyrighted music on TikTok?
- What music can you use in branded TikTok videos?
- How can you dispute a TikTok copyright claim?
- Checklist: How to avoid copyright issues on TikTok
- Where to find copyright-free music to use on TikTok
- TikTok copyright: Your FAQs answered
- Avoid TikTok copyright issues easily
How does music copyright affect TikTokers?
Let’s start with the legal bit. When music’s copyrighted, it means it’s protected by copyright law. This gives artists and musicians legal protection over their work and ensures they earn money when people use it.
How much they get paid depends on different factors like the size of the project or how popular the musician is. After all, you’re going to pay more to feature Coldplay in an international ad campaign than you are for an independent artist featuring on a YouTube video.
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If you want to dig deeper into music copyright and learn about all the different types of rights musicians have, check out our guide to music licensing.
But how does music copyright affect you? Essentially it means you can’t use music unless you have permission from the artist themselves. And chances are you don’t have Taylor Swift or Ed Sheeran on speed dial.
The thing is, TikTok does actually let you use snippets of many popular songs, thanks to its licensing agreements with major labels. But it doesn't mean you can use any song in its entirety without repercussions.
You always need to have permission to use a track. Which is where copyright-free music comes in. It gives you the option of downloading music which is safe to use in your content and avoids the threat of copyright claims.
What happens if you use copyrighted music on TikTok?
Every time you post a video to TikTok, it’ll be checked for copyrighted music. You won’t have a problem if you have permission to use a track, either by selecting songs through the TikTok app or by licensing copyright-free music.
However, if TikTok finds out you’re not authorized to use a particular track, the consequences can be severe. And with three different ways TikTok can detect copyrighted material in videos, don't think you can get away with it:
✅ An automated system checks every video posted
✅ Content moderators check for content that goes against TikTok’s community guidelines
✅ TikTok’s users can report copyright infringement
What happens if you get a copyright claim?
The first time you use copyrighted music without permission, TikTok can choose to remove your video from the platform. You’ll receive a notification from TikTok if this happens, giving you the chance to appeal if you believe you have permission to use the track.
And what happens if you get more than one claim?
Be warned, TikTok can hand out stricter punishments if you’re found to post copyrighted material on multiple occasions. You could see your account suspended or terminated, and TikTok might even ban you from ever opening a new account.
What music can I use in branded TikTok videos?
Everyone on TikTok needs to be careful about the music they use, but if you’re making money from branded posts or ads you have to be extra cautious. Not everything in TikTok’s library of tracks is cleared for commercial use, which means your content could be taken down.
You do have the option of using TikTok’s dedicated Commercial Music Library. But you only have a couple of thousand tracks to choose from and the quality isn’t great. If you want a certified banger for your money-making video, the best way to guarantee your content won’t be taken down is by licensing copyright-free music.
Explore Uppbeat Download copyright-free music that's safe to use in TikTok videos 😇 Start downloading for freeUppbeat has a catalog packed full of incredible copyright-free music safe to use in your promotional TikTok videos. What’s more, you can use the same tracks across different platforms, which you can’t do with music found in the TikTok app.
How to dispute a copyright claim on TikTok
If you believe TikTok has wrongly flagged your video due to copyright issues, don't fret. It’s easy to dispute a copyright claim on TikTok. Simply check the notification you received about the violation and follow the instructions. Or you can fill out TikTok’s Counter Notification Form online. Just make sure you give TikTok as much information as possible, including any relevant licenses you have.
Checklist: How to avoid copyright issues on TikTok
There’s no reason you should be falling foul of music copyright on TikTok. Avoiding copyright issues is easier than the most straightforward dance trend. All it takes is three steps to keep in TikTok’s good books:
1️⃣ Does my content use copyrighted music?
If it does then you need to have permission from the copyright holder, otherwise you’re leaving yourself open to getting a copyright claim. Music from TikTok’s library is generally fine, but you want to be careful if you’re adding your own sound.
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TikTok has a feature which checks your videos for copyrighted material. Head to Creator Tools and then hit the toggle for Video sound copyright check. Now every time you post, TikTok will check your video and let you know if there is any copyrighted music.
2️⃣ Have I got permission to use the music?
Put simply, if you don’t have permission to use a track, you’re likely to get a copyright claim. The easiest way to get permission is to download copyright-free music that’s safe to use in your music.
3️⃣ Do I need to dispute a TikTok copyright claim?
If you believe TikTok has flagged your content incorrectly, you can dispute a copyright claim by filling out TikTok’s Counter Notification Form online.
Where to find copyright-free music that's safe to use on TikTok
Want to be certain the music in your video is safe to use across TikTok and other platforms? Copyright-free music is the way to go. By purchasing a license, you’re showing TikTok you have permission to use those tracks in your content.
Uppbeat is a music platform designed for content creators like you, with a world-class catalog packed full of incredible copyright-free music. You can find your perfect soundtrack in seconds using the AI Playlist Generator, and start downloading tracks for free. But if you’re looking for more options, we’ve compiled a list of the best free music websites for you to explore.
TikTok copyright: Answering your FAQs
Hopefully you now have a better understanding of how copyright issues happen on TikTok. And know the ways to avoid them. But when it comes to protecting your videos, you’re naturally going to have questions. So we rounded up some of the most common and answered them below:
Avoiding music copyright issues on TikTok is simple
Now you’re familiar with how copyright works on TikTok, it’s easy to steer clear of issues and keep your videos safe from being taken down. So go ahead and carry on posting content armed with the knowledge that making the right music choices will keep your TikTok account safe.
Understanding what music you can use in TikTok videos is half the battle. You also need to be aware of the limitations if you want to monetize your content or share it on other platforms. Which is why copyright-free music from Uppbeat is the way to go if you want quality music that can be used across all of your content.
