A huge part of TikTok’s appeal is the ability to create and share short videos set to music and sounds.
As a TikTok creator, you can upload your own original sounds to use in videos. However, you may encounter issues getting your original TikTok sounds to work properly.
In this detailed guide, we’ll cover the main reasons why your original sound on TikTok may not be working and walk through various troubleshooting steps to fix it.
Reasons Why Your TikTok Original Sound Isn’t Working
There are a few common reasons why your original sound may not be working properly on TikTok when trying to use it in a video.
Uploading the Wrong File Format
TikTok only supports original sounds uploaded in the MP3 or WAV file format. Uploading a sound file in a different format like MOV, MP4 or AAC can cause issues with the sound not being recognized on TikTok. Always make sure to export or convert your original audio into an MP3 or WAV before uploading it.
File Size Too Large
TikTok places a limit on the file size for original sounds that can be uploaded. If your audio file is over the size limit, it will fail to properly upload and won’t work as a sound on your videos. The file size limit for TikTok original sounds is 5MB. If your file exceeds that size, try compressing it or trimming down the length to reduce the size.
Poor Audio Quality
Low audio quality in your original sound file can also lead to issues getting it to work. Excessive background noise, clipping, distortion or low bitrates can prevent your sound from being picked up by TikTok’s algorithm.
Use a high-quality microphone and optimal recording settings when capturing your original audio.
Copyrighted Material Issues
TikTok screens all uploaded original sounds for any copyright violations. If your audio contains copyrighted material like sampled music or recorded parts of copyrighted songs, TikTok may restrict it from being used as a sound. Only upload original audio created by you to avoid any copyright issues.
Account Standing Violations
If your TikTok account has been identified for violating community guidelines or terms of service, uploading abilities may be limited. Issues with your account standing can block you from sharing an original sound even if the file itself meets requirements. Resolve any standing violations to restore full account privileges.
Server Outages
Occasional TikTok server outages can also cause temporary issues with sounds not functioning properly. Uploading or syncing issues are common when servers are down for maintenance. Patience is key during outage periods as functionality is usually restored quickly.
Restricted Access Settings
If your TikTok account’s settings have the audio recording function disabled, this blocks you from using original sounds. Check your app permissions and toggle the setting for recording audio to allow original sound uploads.
Buggy App Issues
Like any app, TikTok can have its share of glitches or bugs. App crashes when trying to upload a sound or display issues showing an uploaded sound available for use could potentially occur. Clear the app cache/data and try reinstalling the app if experiencing technical bugs.
How to Fix TikTok Original Sound Not Working
If you’re running into issues getting your original sound to work on TikTok, there are a number of troubleshooting steps you can take to try to resolve it:
1. Check the File Format
As mentioned, the first thing to check is that your original sound file is in the MP3 or WAV format. TikTok will not recognize file types like AAC, MP4, MOV, and others. Open the file on your computer and confirm it is an MP3 or WAV. If not, you’ll need to convert or export the file into one of those compatible formats first.
2. Verify the File Size
Open the properties of your audio file and check the file size. If it is over 5MB, you’ll need to compress the sound or shorten it to meet TikTok’s requirements. Use a free audio editor to reduce the bitrate or trim down the length until the file size is 5MB or under.
3. Listen for Any Audio Issues
Even if your file is the right format and size, there could still be problematic audio reducing the quality. Listen closely to the entire sound to check for background noise, static, crackling, echoes, distortions, clipping, etc. If you notice any bothersome audio issues, you may need to re-record the sound or run it through audio processing to clean it up.
4. Avoid Copyrighted Material
Carefully review your original sound and make absolutely sure it does not include any copyrighted material like snippets of commercial songs or audio from copyrighted videos/movies.
TikTok’s algorithm actively checks for unauthorized use of copyrighted content. Only upload 100% original audio you created fully by yourself with no outside media sampled.
5. Check Account Status
Log into your TikTok account settings and check if there are any active restrictions, bans or access limitations due to terms of service violations. If your account is not in good standing, your ability to upload original sounds may be blocked.
You must resolve the compliance issue and have your account restored before sounds can be uploaded.
6. Try During Non-Peak Times
Attempt to upload your sound when TikTok’s servers are less busy, like late at night or early morning. Peak traffic times like afternoons and evenings can slow down processing of uploads and impact reliability. Less congested off-peak windows may have better success syncing your sound.
7. Enable Audio Recording Access
In your TikTok app settings, confirm the Audio Recording permission is enabled. Having this function turned off blocks you from uploading any original sounds. Enable permission to give TikTok access to audio.
8. Restart the App
Force close the TikTok app and restart it to clear any technical glitches. Rebooting the app may resolve intermittent bugs preventing your sound from uploading or displaying correctly. Close TikTok from your recent apps list before launching it again.
9. Try Different Wifi/Data
Sometimes connectivity issues on a particular wifi network or cellular data can disrupt sound uploads. Try toggling your phone’s wifi off and on again or switching to a different wifi network. Also attempt uploading your sound using mobile data instead of wifi to rule out connectivity problems.
10. Update the App
Make sure you’re running the latest version of the TikTok app, as older versions may be vulnerable to bugs. Updating may provide a technical fix for your sound not working correctly.
Here are the steps to update the TikTok app:
For iOS:
- Open the App Store on your iPhone or iPad.
- Tap on your profile icon in the top right corner.
- Scroll down and tap “Available Updates”.
- If TikTok has an update available, you will see it listed here. Tap the “Update” button next to TikTok.
- The latest version of TikTok will begin downloading. Once finished, it will install automatically.
- You can then open the newly updated TikTok app.
For Android:
- Open the Google Play Store app.
- Tap the hamburger menu icon in the top left corner.
- Tap “My apps & games”.
- Under “Updates available”, check if TikTok is listed and has an Update button.
- Tap “Update” to download and install the latest TikTok version.
- Once updated, you can launch the new TikTok app version.
11. Reinstall the App
If you still can’t get your original sound working, another option is to completely uninstall and reinstall the TikTok app. This will clear out any corrupted files or cached data that could be preventing your sound from uploading and syncing properly in the app.
Here are the steps to fully uninstall and reinstall the TikTok app:
On iPhone/iPad:
- Hold your finger down on the TikTok app icon until the icons start wiggling.
- Tap the X icon displayed on the TikTok app.
- Confirm that you want to delete the app when prompted.
- TikTok will be removed from your home screen.
- Open the App Store and search for “TikTok”.
- Tap “Get” to redownload and install TikTok.
On Android:
- Open the Settings app on your Android device.
- Tap Apps or Application Manager.
- Find TikTok in the list and tap on it.
- Tap Uninstall.
- Confirm by tapping OK when prompted.
- Open the Play Store and search for “TikTok”.
- Tap Install to download and reinstall it.
After fully removing TikTok, download a fresh copy from the app store and try uploading your sound again in the newly installed app.
Preventing TikTok Original Sound Issues
Once you get your sound successfully working, follow these tips to avoid further problems down the road:
- Always export audio in MP3 or WAV format at optimal quality
- Truncate lengthy audio to keep file sizes under 5MB
- Use professional recording equipment and settings
- Carefully listen for audio issues before uploading
- Never sample or include copyrighted material
- Maintain your account by following TikTok’s policies
- Upload during off-peak hours when possible
- Keep the TikTok app updated to latest version
- Monitor audio permissions and wifi/data connectivity
- Periodically restart the app to clear glitches
- Reinstall TikTok app to wipe any corrupted data
Conclusion
Having your painstakingly crafted original sound fail to work properly on TikTok can be incredibly frustrating. However, methodically troubleshooting the potential culprits behind the issues can usually get your sound up and running.
Remember to verify file format and size, scrub the audio for quality problems, avoid copyright material, check account status limitations, troubleshoot connectivity and app functionality, and keep TikTok updated.
Following this comprehensive guide, you should be able to diagnose and resolve whatever problem is preventing your original sound from being usable for your awesome TikTok videos!
