How to Use TikTok Sound on Instagram

Using a trending TikTok sound on your Instagram Reel can be a simple way to boost your video's reach, but how exactly do you get the audio from one app to the other? It's easier than you might think, and this guide will walk you through everything you need to know. We'll cover the step-by-step process for getting your TikTok video (with its sound) onto Instagram, explain the best practices for handling copyright, and show you an alternative method for finding the same trending audio directly on Instagram.

Why Bother Using TikTok Sounds on Instagram Anyway?

You might be wondering if it's worth the extra few steps. The answer is a big yes. Cross-pollinating content trends between TikTok and Instagram is a powerful strategy used by creators and brands to maximize their content's impact. Here's why it works so well:

• Viral Potential: Sounds and audio clips are the lifeblood of short-form video trends. An audio track that goes viral on TikTok has a very high chance of doing the same on Instagram Reels. By using it early, you're tapping into a wave of discoverability.
• Cultural Relevance: Trending sounds are a form of social shorthand. Using them shows your audience that you're "in on the joke" and connected to what's happening online right now. It makes your brand or profile feel more human and relatable.
• Audience Association: Your followers who use both apps will immediately recognize the sound and be more likely to engage. The familiarity of the audio can stop their scroll and make them pay attention to your video.
• Saves Creative Energy: You don't always have to reinvent the wheel. Reusing a video concept that worked on TikTok for your Instagram audience is a smart, efficient way to create content. The sound is a major part of that concept.

The Step-by-Step Guide to Getting TikTok Sounds on Instagram

The most common and effective way to use a TikTok sound on Instagram is to download your TikTok video without the watermark and then upload it as an Instagram Reel. The audio will be already attached to the video file, so you don't have to worry about finding it separately.

Here's exactly how to do it.

Step 1: Create and Save Your Video on TikTok

First things first, you need to create your video within the TikTok app. The editing tools on TikTok are incredibly robust and are often the reason people create there before posting elsewhere.

1. Find the sound you want to use on TikTok. You can discover trending sounds on the For You Page or by tapping the "Add sound" button at the top of the camera screen.
2. Record or upload your video clips and edit them to the beat or a key part of the sound. Add any text overlays, effects, or stickers you want within the TikTok app.
3. Once your video is complete, post it to your TikTok profile. You can post it publicly or set it to private if you don't want it to be seen by your TikTok audience just yet. The video needs to be posted for you to grab its link.

Step 2: Download Your TikTok Video Without the Watermark

If you use TikTok's native "Save Video" feature, it will download with a distracting TikTok watermark that floats around the screen. Not only does this look unprofessional, but Instagram's algorithm is known to deprioritize videos that have visible watermarks from competing platforms. To avoid this, you'll need a third-party app or website.

There are many free online tools for this, like SnapTik or SSTIK. The process is generally the same for all of them:

1. Go to your posted TikTok video (either public or private).
2. Tap the three dots (...) on the right side of the screen to open the sharing options.
3. Select "Copy Link."
4. Open your web browser and go to a TikTok video downloader website.
5. Paste the link you just copied into the designated field on the website and click the "Download" button.
6. On the next screen, you'll usually see a few options. Choose the option to download without a watermark. The video will save directly to your phone's camera roll or downloads folder.

Now you have a clean, high-quality video file with the original TikTok sound embedded in it, ready for Instagram.

Step 3: Upload the Video to Instagram Reels

With your watermark-free video in hand, the final step is to post it on Instagram. This part is simple and works just like uploading any other video to Reels.

1. Open the Instagram app and swipe right or tap the "+" icon and select "Reel."
2. Tap the icon in the bottom-left corner to open your phone's gallery.
3. Select the video you just downloaded. It will be the most recent file in your camera roll.
4. From here, you can add any Instagram-specific elements you want, like polls, quizzes, or stickers. However, try not to cover up the original text from your TikTok video if you have any. Make any final trims or edits if needed.
5. Tap "Next" to move to the final screen. Write a strong, SEO-friendly caption with relevant hashtags. One important detail here is to credit the original sound creator (we'll talk more about this below).
6. Choose a compelling cover photo from your video or upload a custom one.
7. Tap "Share" to post your Reel.

And that's it! Your TikTok video, complete with its trending sound, is now live on Instagram for a whole new audience to discover.

Important: Navigating Copyright and Best Practices

Just because you can easily move trending audio between platforms doesn't mean it's a free-for-all. Sound copyright is a real concern, and understanding the rules can save you from having your video's audio muted or taken down.

Why It's Different Than Using Sounds on TikTok

TikTok has commercial licensing agreements with major record labels. This means when you, as a creator or brand, use a popular song from their library, the use of that music is covered by TikTok's license. Instagram also has similar agreements for its own Audio Library.

However, when you download a video with sound from TikTok and upload it to Instagram, you're importing audio that might not be licensed for use on Instagram through this specific method. Essentially, Instagram's system might flag the commercial song in your uploaded video as an infringement because it wasn't selected from its own licensed library.

Best Practices to Stay Safe

• Always Give Credit: This is non-negotiable etiquette and can sometimes help with copyright flags. In your Instagram caption, give credit to the original creator of the sound on TikTok. A simple "Audio: @creatorusername on TikTok" or "Trending sound from @username" works perfectly. It shows respect and also helps your followers find the source.
• Prioritize Original Audio & Voiceovers: If your TikTok uses original audio - like your own voiceover, a sound you created, or a stitched clip from another creator (which is a form of original audio) - you're in the clear. These sounds don't have commercial music licensing issues and are perfect for repurposing.
• Use with Caution for Business Accounts: Instagram Business accounts have more restrictions on using commercial music. If you're a brand, be extra careful about ripping popular songs from TikTok. Your account has a higher risk of having the audio muted. Stick to original sounds or use the alternative method below.

Alternative Method: Find the Same Sound on Instagram

Want to avoid any potential copyright headaches? The safest method is to see if an exact or similar trending sound is also available within Instagram's own Audio Library. Since trends cross-pollinate so quickly, this happens all the time.

This method requires you to recreate your video in Instagram Reels, but it ensures you're always using properly licensed audio.

How to Find and Use Sounds Natively on Instagram

1. Identify the Sound Name: On TikTok, look at the music details at the bottom of the video. Note the name of the sound and the artist.
2. Search in Reels: Open the Reels editor on Instagram. Tap the "Audio" or music note icon on the left side menu.
3. Use the Search Bar: Type in the name of the song or audio clip. Instagram's library is extensive, so there's a good chance you'll find it.
4. Look for Trending Icons: As you browse sounds, look for a small diagonal arrow icon next to a track's name. This indicates the sound is currently trending on Reels, making it an excellent choice for discoverability.
5. Record and Edit: Once you've found the sound, you can create your video directly in Reels, using the audio to sync your clips and text, just like you would on TikTok.

Using this method guarantees you are compliant with Instagram's terms and lets you take part in the trend in a totally legitimate way.

Final Thoughts

Reposting your TikToks with their trending sounds onto Instagram Reels is a fantastic way to stretch your content further, stay culturally relevant, and capture audience attention on multiple platforms. Simply download the watermark-free video, upload it to Reels, and remember to always credit the original creator in your caption.

Keeping up with trends on TikTok and then planning how to adapt them for Reels can quickly feel like you're juggling a dozen different things. Since our whole platform was built for the way social media *actually* works today - with short-form video at the center - we make it simple to get a clear view of your whole content strategy. With a visual calendar in Postbase, you can plan and schedule your videos across every platform in one spot, helping you stay organized and turning that chaotic process into a streamlined workflow.

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