You can record and upload a sound directly in the TikTok app, then use it in your own videos or share it with other creators
Creating a sound on TikTok means recording audio — either your voice, music, or ambient noise — and uploading it to TikTok's sound library. Once uploaded, you can add that sound to any video you make, and other TikTok users can find and use it too. The process takes about five minutes and works on both iPhone and Android phones.
You do not need special equipment or audio software. The TikTok app handles the recording and uploading for you. The sound will live in your account's sound library, and you can use it as many times as you want in future videos.
Key Takeaways
- You record a sound by opening the Sounds tab in your profile, tapping the plus icon, and recording directly in the app.
- TikTok lets you record up to 60 seconds of audio, and you can re-record as many times as you need before uploading.
- Once uploaded, your sound appears in your personal sound library and can be used in any video you create.
- Other creators can find and use your sound if you make it public, which can help your sound spread across the platform.
- You can delete a sound from your library at any time, but videos that already use it will keep the sound.
How to record and upload a sound in the TikTok app
Open TikTok and tap your profile icon at the bottom right. Then tap the three horizontal lines (the menu icon) at the top right. Scroll down and tap Sounds.
On the Sounds page, tap the plus icon in the top right corner. TikTok will ask for permission to access your phone's microphone — tap Allow. You will see a recording screen with a red circle button in the center.
Tap and hold the red circle to start recording. Speak, sing, or play audio from another source (like a speaker or instrument) into your phone's microphone. The timer at the top shows how many seconds you have recorded. You can record up to 60 seconds. When you are done, release the red circle to stop recording.
Listen to your recording by tapping the play button. If you want to re-record, tap the X button and start over. If the recording sounds right, tap the checkmark button to move to the next step.
Name your sound and choose who can use it
After you tap the checkmark, TikTok shows a screen where you name your sound. Tap the text field and type a name that describes what the sound is — for example, "My dog barking" or "Bedroom guitar riff." This name helps you find the sound later and helps other creators understand what it is.
Below the name field, you will see a toggle for Public. If the toggle is on (blue), other TikTok users can search for and use your sound in their videos. If you turn the toggle off, only you can use the sound. Most creators leave this on so their sounds can spread, but you can turn it off if you want to keep the sound private.
Tap Save at the bottom right. TikTok uploads the sound to your library, which usually takes a few seconds. You will see a confirmation message, and the sound is now ready to use.
Find and use your sound in a new video
To use your newly created sound in a video, start recording a new TikTok the normal way — tap the plus icon at the bottom center of the home screen. On the recording screen, tap Sounds at the top left. You will see the Sounds library with trending sounds at the top.
Scroll down to find the My Sounds section. Your newly uploaded sound will appear there. Tap it to select it. The sound will play, and you will see a checkmark next to it showing it is selected. Now record your video as usual — the sound will play in the background as you film.
If you want to use the sound again in a future video, it will always be in your My Sounds section, so you do not have to re-record it.
What to do if your sound does not upload
If you tap Save and the sound does not appear in your library after a minute, check your internet connection. TikTok needs a stable connection to upload audio. Close the TikTok app completely and open it again, then go back to your Sounds page to see if the sound appears.
If the sound still does not show up, try recording a shorter sound — sounds longer than 60 seconds will not upload, and very quiet recordings sometimes fail. Re-record the sound, make sure it is clear and loud enough, and try uploading again.
If you see an error message, take a screenshot of it and try again in a few minutes. TikTok's servers occasionally have brief issues that clear up on their own.
How other creators find and use your public sound
When you make a sound public, other TikTok users can find it by searching for the name you gave it. They can also discover it if they browse trending sounds or if it gets picked up by the algorithm and shown to them. When another creator uses your sound, you will see a notification in your inbox, and your sound's view count increases.
If your sound becomes popular, TikTok may feature it on the Discover page or in the trending sounds section. This can lead to many more creators using it, which means more views and engagement for your account. You do not earn money directly from sounds, but popular sounds can help build your audience.
Delete or change a sound you have uploaded
To delete a sound from your library, go to your profile, tap the menu icon, and tap Sounds. Find the sound you want to delete and swipe left on it (on iPhone) or long-press it (on Android). Tap Delete. The sound will be removed from your library immediately.
If other creators have already used your sound in their videos, those videos will keep the sound even after you delete it from your library. You cannot edit a sound after you upload it — if you want to change the name or make it private, you have to delete it and re-upload it as a new sound.
Common mistakes to avoid when creating sounds
Do not record in a noisy environment. Background noise like traffic, fans, or other people talking will make your sound less useful to other creators. Find a quiet room and close the door if you can. If you are recording music, make sure the volume is loud enough that TikTok can hear it clearly.
Do not upload copyrighted music that you do not own. If you record a song by another artist, TikTok may mute the sound or remove it. You can record covers of songs, but TikTok's system may still flag them. Stick to original sounds, your own music, or sounds you have permission to use.
Do not give your sound a vague name like "Sound 1" or "Audio." Use a descriptive name so you can find it later and so other creators know what they are getting. Names like "Laugh track," "Door slam," or "Ukulele intro" are much more useful.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use copyrighted music in a sound I upload?
No. If you record copyrighted music from another artist, TikTok will likely mute the sound or remove it entirely. You can record your own music, covers you have written, or royalty-free music you have permission to use. Stick to original audio to avoid problems.
How long does it take for my sound to show up in other creators' sound libraries?
Your sound appears in your own library immediately after you upload it. Other creators can find it right away if you made it public. However, it may take a few hours for TikTok's algorithm to start recommending it to other users or featuring it in trending sounds.
What if I want to keep my sound private but change my mind later?
Go to your Sounds library, find the sound, and swipe left (iPhone) or long-press (Android) it. Tap Edit and toggle the Public switch on. The sound will now be searchable and usable by other creators. You can switch it back to private at any time.
Can I record a sound using music playing from my computer or another device?
Yes. Play the audio from your computer or another device and hold your phone's microphone close to the speaker. TikTok will record whatever sound enters the microphone. Make sure the volume is loud enough and the room is quiet so the recording is clear.
Do I get paid if other creators use my sound?
No. Creating and sharing sounds does not earn you direct payment. However, if your sound becomes popular and gets used in many videos, it can help grow your audience and increase your visibility on the platform, which may lead to other opportunities.