What are TikTok's policies for using music and sound in ads?

What music and sound can you use in TikTok ads?

TikTok documents that videos promoted as ads can only use original sound or sounds that are cleared for commercial purposes. This means any music or audio track included in an ad must either be created by you or come with the necessary rights for business use. Ad content must also comply with TikTok’s Terms of Service, Community Guidelines, and Advertising Policies.

Using copyrighted music without proper licensing for a commercial video can lead to the video being rejected during the platform review process. It is also important not to use music from another app or platform unless you have secured the specific rights needed for commercial use on TikTok.

What is TikTok's Commercial Music Library?

TikTok's Commercial Music Library (CML) is a global collection of music specifically designed for businesses to use in their content. This library contains more than 1,000,000 commercial sounds, making it easier for advertisers to find appropriate music for their videos. These tracks are available for businesses to use without charge.

The Commercial Music Library offers a wide variety of music, covering all styles, genres, and regions. The songs are sourced from both independent and emerging artists, as well as established top-tier music houses. These "Commercial Sounds" are specifically cleared and available for commercial use on TikTok.

How do you find and use music from the Commercial Music Library?

For users with a Business Account on TikTok, accessing commercial sounds is streamlined. When you begin creating a new video and tap the "Add Sound" option, you will automatically see only sounds from the Commercial Music Library. This ensures that the music options presented are suitable for commercial use.

To manually select from the Commercial Music Library, you can tap the "Sounds" button and then choose "Commercial Sounds" from the dropdown menu. Up to 10,000 Commercial Sounds can be displayed at any given time for selection. Once you have chosen a Commercial Sound, you can use it for both organic content and paid advertising campaigns.

When should you use Commercial Sounds?

Commercial Sounds are essential for any video intended for promotional activities or brand collaborations on TikTok. For example, if you use TikTok's Promote tool, which helps people discover your videos, guide them to your website, or gain followers, your video must use original sound or sounds cleared for commercial purposes.

TikTok specifically recommends using Commercial Sounds from its library when a collaboration video includes music, especially for brand collaborations or commercial campaigns on TikTok One. This helps avoid potential music copyright rejection during the review process. If you are uncertain whether a piece of music is cleared for commercial use, the safest approach is to replace it with a Commercial Sound or remove the music entirely from your video.

What music and sound are not allowed in TikTok ads?

TikTok strictly prohibits the use of copyrighted music in commercial videos unless you possess the proper licensing for it. If an uploaded commercial video contains copyrighted music without the necessary permissions, it is likely to be rejected during the platform's review process. This rule applies broadly to all commercial content on the platform.

Furthermore, you should not use music sourced from other applications or platforms unless you have explicitly acquired the commercial rights required for its use on TikTok. Beyond music, TikTok also has general content restrictions for ads, such as not allowing political content or content related to tobacco and nicotine.

Common questions

Can I use trending sounds in my TikTok ads?

TikTok documents that you can only promote videos that use original sound or sounds that can be used for commercial purposes. If a trending sound is part of the Commercial Music Library, then it can be used. Otherwise, it is not permitted for ads.

What happens if I use copyrighted music without a license in my TikTok ad?

If your uploaded commercial video uses copyrighted music without proper licensing, it may be rejected during the platform review. To avoid this, TikTok advises using Commercial Sounds from its Commercial Music Library.

Is the Commercial Music Library free to use for businesses?

Yes, the Commercial Music Library provides over 1 million songs sourced from various artists and music houses, which are free for businesses to use in their content on TikTok.

Can I use music from other apps or platforms in my TikTok ads?

You should not use music from another app or platform unless you have the specific rights needed for commercial use on TikTok. If you are unsure, it is best to replace the music with a Commercial Sound or remove it.