TikTok is an app known for sound. Upon opening the app, you’ll more often than not see videos of people singing, lip-syncing and/or dancing. If you want to learn how to add basic sound to clips, I got you covered. Plus, a few other things I want to share.
Picking sound
Open the app and click the plus (+) sign at the bottom. This takes you to a screen where you can record video or upload video. In the center at the top of the screen you’ll see ‘Sounds’ – this will allow you to pick a song or sound you want to use while you record a new video or to add to your pre-recorded video.
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Adding sound
People do more than lip-sync to songs on TikTok. I’ve seen movie quotes recited or memes enacted. But what if the app doesn’t have the sound you’re looking for? You can either pre-edit the video before you upload it if you know how to do that – either via an app or computer. Or you can play the sound from another device (a computer or secondary phone) while you record your video in the TikTok app using your phone.
You can also alter your voice in the app. First, record a video and click the check sign when you’re done. Then when you watch it on playback (before you post it) you will see something that says “Voice effects” on the right side of your screen. You can click that to change how your voice sounds.
Note: Legally, be careful where and how you use sound. Know the legal rights before publishing anywhere that could be an issue.
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Matching sound
TikTok can also match your video to a sound or song it thinks fits. I recorded this video above, for example, of myself wearing a dress. Then I went to upload it and was looking for a song when the app auto-matched it to this prom dress song. I also took a video of my dog and it matched it to a ton of different options including titles ‘Cutie,’ ‘Dogs Are Great’ and ‘what is the dog actually thinking.’ Yes, it appears to use image recognition for recommendations. So just like anything on the internet, be aware of what you’re sharing.
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So that’s sound on TikTok in a nutshell. If you have questions, tips or advice to share – please comment below!
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Rebekah says
how can you properly credit music on tiktok? (music that isn’t in the tiktok library)
Olivia Smith says
Hi Rebekah,
Crediting music can be tricky so try to do some legal research first and foremost. It will also depend on what song you’re using. You need to get permission to use the song. Some artists ask that a credit be added to the footage (credits are often placed in the top corner of the screen) or you may need to add a credit in the caption. Other artists may ask for a fee to use their music. If the song isn’t on TikTok it can get complicated.