How to Upload a Sound to TikTok

Uploading your own sound to TikTok is a powerful way to make your content stand out and spark a new trend. This guide will show you exactly how to get your original audio, music, or viral soundbite onto the platform using two different methods, whether you're a casual creator, a business owner, or a professional musician.

Why Custom Sounds Are a Game-Changer on TikTok

TikTok runs on audio. The right sound can turn a simple video into a viral sensation, and while the platform's library is massive, using your own audio creates a unique signature that others can't replicate - at least not at first. For brands, this means creating a memorable jingle or audio logo that becomes instantly recognizable. For artists, it's about getting your music in front of millions of potential fans. For creators, it's about starting a meme or inside joke with your community.

An "Original Sound" builds an identity. When other people use your sound, they are essentially promoting you or your brand for free. Every video made with your audio links back to the original, creating a powerful network effect that can drive both visibility and follower growth. Understanding how to upload and manage your own sounds is a foundational skill for anyone serious about growing on TikTok.

Method 1: The Video Workaround (For Everyone)

This is the most direct and accessible way for any TikTok user to get a custom sound onto the platform. The trick is to understand that TikTok doesn't let you upload an MP3 file directly. Instead, you upload a video that contains the sound you want, and TikTok automatically extracts that audio for you to reuse.

This method is perfect for:

• Adding voiceovers you recorded separately.
• Using soundbites, audio memes, or funny clips.
• Uploading music snippets or original audio that you’re not releasing officially through a distributor.

Step-by-Step Guide to the Video Workaround Method

Step 1: Create a Short Video with Your Sound

First, you need to attach your desired audio to a video file. The video itself doesn't matter, it's just a container for the sound.

1. Open a video editing app on your phone. Popular and easy-to-use options include CapCut (made by the same parent company as TikTok), InShot, or even your phone's built-in editor. For a more professional touch, you can use software like Adobe Premiere Rush or Final Cut Pro on a computer and transfer the file to your phone.
2. Start a new project. You can use a completely black screen, a random photo from your camera roll, or a simple graphic you've made. The visuals here are temporary and only serve to hold the audio.
3. Import your audio file. Add the sound, song, or voiceover you want to use. Line it up with your placeholder video. Trim the video length to match the audio length perfectly.
4. Export the video. Save the final video to your phone's camera roll. You now have a standard video file (like an MP4 or MOV) that has your custom sound embedded in it.

Step 2: Upload the Video to TikTok

Now, head over to the TikTok app and upload the video you just created.

1. Tap the plus icon (+) at the bottom of the screen to start a new creation.
2. Tap the "Upload" button on the bottom right of the camera screen.
3. Select the video file you exported from your video editor. Tap "Next."
4. Don't add any sounds from the TikTok library or make edits. The sound is already baked in. Go ahead and tap "Next" again.

Step 3: Post the Video (Publicly or Privately)

This is a critical step. To turn the audio into a reusable sound, the video must be posted.

• Write a caption and configure your settings just like any other video.
• You have a choice here: post it publicly or privately.
  • Publicly: If the placeholder video is interesting on its own (maybe it’s a cool graphic with the sound title), you can post it to your profile for everyone to see.
  • Privately: If you don't want the placeholder video cluttering your public profile, set the "Who can watch this video" setting to "Private" or "Friends," depending on your preference. Your audio will still become a usable "Original Sound," but the source video will only be visible to you and your selected audience.
• Tap "Post" to upload the video.

Step 4: Use and Rename Your New Sound

Once the video is live (or posted privately), your sound is ready to use!

1. Go to your profile and find the video you just uploaded.
2. Tap the spinning record icon in the bottom-right corner of the screen. This is the link to the sound page.
3. You will now be on the official audio page for your new "Original Sound." At the bottom of this screen, you'll see a big red button that says "Use this sound." Tap it, and you'll be taken back to the camera screen, ready to record a new TikTok with your custom audio playing in the background.
4. Rename the Sound: On the audio page, you have the option to rename your sound. Instead of letting it remain "Original Sound - @yourusername," tap the little pencil icon (or edit button) next to the name. Give it a descriptive, memorable, or searchable title. This is huge for discoverability. A good name like "Catchy Summer Guitar Riff - Your Band" is much better than a generic one.

Method 2: For Musicians & Official Releases

If you're an artist, band, or label and you want your song to be officially available in TikTok's sprawling music library for anyone to browse and use, you can't just use the video workaround. You need to go through a music distributor. This process gets your track added to the in-app audio library with your artist name and cover art.

How to Upload Music Through a Distributor

TikTok partners with a wide variety of music distribution services. These companies are responsible for delivering music to platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and - most importantly for this guide - TikTok and Instagram.

Step 1: Choose a TikTok-Approved Music Distributor

Many popular services work with TikTok. Some of the most well-known distributors include:

• DistroKid
• TuneCore
• CD Baby
• Ditto Music

Research each service to find the one that fits your budget and needs. They typically charge either an annual fee or a per-release fee.

Step 2: Prepare Your Music and Metadata

Before uploading, you'll need a few things ready:

• High-Quality Audio File: A WAV or FLAC file is standard.
• Album/Single Artwork: A high-resolution square image (usually 3000x3000 pixels).
• Song Details (Metadata): This includes the song title, artist name(s), composer, and songwriter credits. Having this information correct is vital for getting paid royalties.

Step 3: Upload and Select TikTok as a Platform

Once you've chosen a distributor and created an account, the process is straightforward:

1. Begin a new release upload on your distributor's platform.
2. Upload your audio file, artwork, and enter all the metadata.
3. When you get to the section asking where you want to send your music, scroll through the list of "stores" or streaming platforms. Make sure the box for TikTok is checked. Often, this is grouped with Facebook and Instagram Music.

Step 4: Choose Your TikTok Clip Start Time

This is one of the most important steps. TikTok clips are 60 seconds by default. Your distributor will let you specify exactly which 60-second portion of your song you want to be available in the library. Choose wisely! Pick the catchiest part, the chorus, the hook, or a dramatic beat drop - the part a creator is most likely to use for a dance, transition, or lip-sync.

Step 5: Submit and Wait

After you submit your release, the distributor will review it for quality and then send it to all the platforms you selected, including TikTok. This isn't instant. It can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks for your song to appear in the TikTok music library. Once it does, anyone can search for your song by title or artist name and use it in their videos.

Tips for Success with Your Custom TikTok Sound

Getting your sound on TikTok is just the beginning. The next step is encouraging people to use it.

• Respect Copyright: This cannot be stressed enough. Only upload audio that you own the rights to. Uploading copyrighted music, movie clips, or any other audio without permission can get your video flagged, muted, or taken down. Repeated violations can risk your entire account.
• Optimize for High Quality: A muffled, scratchy sound isn't going to become the next viral trend. Make sure your audio is clear, loud enough, and mixed well before creating your placeholder video.
• Name It Well: An SEO-friendly and descriptive name for your "Original Sound" makes it easier for people to find and understand. Think about what people might search for.
• Promote Your Own Sound: Don't just upload it and wait. Be the first person to use your sound! Make several different videos using your own audio to showcase its potential and give others ideas. Ask your community to use it in their next video.

Final Thoughts

Uploading your own sound to TikTok, either through a quick video workaround or official music distribution, opens up a world of creative possibilities for branding and trendsetting. By following these steps, you can get your unique audio in front of the platform's massive audience and potentially start the next big thing.

Once your custom sound is live, keeping your content calendar full and consistent is the next step to making it go viral. That's where we found a need for a tool like Postbase. We built it specifically for the short-form video era, making it simple to plan your TikToks in a visual calendar, schedule them reliably, and manage all your engagement when your new sound starts taking off.