Why does TikTok not let me use a sound?
TikTok is a massively popular short-form video app with well over 1 billion active monthly users. It has seen meteoric growth in the past 2 years, becoming one of the most downloaded and used apps worldwide. TikTok growth statistics show a 123% increase in U.S. usage from Q3 2019 to Q2 2020.
One key feature of TikTok is its vast music library that users can integrate into their videos. TikTok has licensing deals with major record labels along with original TikTok “sounds” like catchphrases, songs, clips, etc. However, some users run into issues with certain sounds being unavailable or restricted from use in their videos. There are several possible reasons for the platform restricting access to particular sounds which will be covered in the following sections.
Copyright and Licensing Restrictions
Many sounds on TikTok contain copyrighted songs or other audio that is licensed for limited use. As a social media platform, TikTok must navigate complex music licensing agreements in order to legally share sounds.
For a sound to be available to all TikTok users, the platform would need an expensive blanket license from music publishers and record labels. This grants broad permission but is costly for TikTok’s large user base. Instead, TikTok either obtains limited licenses permitting sounds for certain creators, regions or time periods, or relies on exceptions like fair use.
If a sound contains copyrighted content that TikTok doesn’t have licensing rights for, its distribution to users has to be restricted. Rightholders crack down on unauthorized usage on social media through copyright takedowns and lawsuits. TikTok must comply with licensing terms to avoid legal issues.
In summary, licensing issues often force TikTok to limit which users can access copyrighted audio, if it is available at all. Securing full rights for their entire music library is too cost-prohibitive. These restrictions are frustrating but necessary given the thorny legal landscape around music copyright.
Limiting Overused Sounds
TikTok’s algorithm favors content with novelty and variety in order to serve users with fresh, engaging content. When sounds start becoming overused, TikTok will sometimes limit the use of that sound to encourage diversity.
Some notable examples of previously popular sounds that TikTok has restricted include the “Oh No” sound and the “Praise You” sound. These sounds started out as fun, viral trends but at a certain point may have started to feel repetitive to users. By restricting these very popular sounds, TikTok encourages creators to explore new sounds and creative directions.
Removing Inappropriate Content
TikTok utilizes content moderation to restrict videos, hashtags, effects, and sounds associated with policy violations. According to an article by The Intercept, TikTok’s content moderation rules are intended to “maintain a safe and positive in-app environment” by removing inappropriate content.
Types of policy violations that could prompt TikTok to restrict access to a sound include:
- Hate speech
- Harassment and bullying
- Violent, graphic, or shocking content
- Sexually explicit content
- Dangerous acts or challenges
- Misinformation
By limiting sounds tied to these violations, TikTok aims to curb the spread of harmful content and trends on its platform. However, critics argue this approach also enables censorship and impacts creative expression.
Regional Restrictions
Due to TikTok’s global footprint, some copyright and licensing deals vary by country. TikTok must ensure that all sounds abide by the relevant laws and licensing deals in each region where the app is available. As a result, some sounds won’t be available for use in specific countries
For example, a song might be licensed for use on TikTok in the US but not in France. Users in France would then be prevented from incorporating that track in their videos.
Additionally, TikTok’s moderation policies differ around the world to ensure content is culturally appropriate. Sounds containing religious or culturally sensitive content are automatically restricted in certain regions. Similarly, sounds with banter and jokes that violate local laws or cultural norms are blocked in some countries.
So if you find a popular sound isn’t available in your country, it’s most likely due to copyright restrictions or moderation policies specific to your region.
Promoting Variety
TikTok actively promotes diversity of sounds and content on its platform to encourage creativity. As noted in an article on their newsroom, “We believe that the diversity of our community is a huge part of what makes TikTok a rewarding and inspiring place to spend time, and we’re committed to cultivating an inclusive environment where people feel empowered to express themselves” (https://newsroom.tiktok.com/en-us/one-year-later-our-commitment-to-diversity-and-inclusion).
One way TikTok does this is by limiting overused sounds, which forces creators to search for and use new music and audio clips in their videos. This constant influx of new sounds not only keeps the content fresh and engaging for viewers, but inspires more creativity as creators experiment with different combinations of sounds and visuals.
Technical Issues
Sometimes TikTok sounds may become temporarily unavailable due to bugs or glitches on the app. Technical issues can prevent a specific sound from playing properly or cause sounds to stop working entirely for some users. TikTok typically resolves these issues relatively quickly.
If users encounter a technical glitch with a TikTok sound, they can report the issue directly within the app under the “Report a problem” section in their app settings. Additionally, TikTok maintains a support page with troubleshooting steps for various technical issues. When receiving reports of sound issues, TikTok’s team works to diagnose the root cause of the bug and deploy fixes to restore sound functionality.
User-Requested Takedowns
Copyright holders have the right to request that their content be taken down from platforms like TikTok if it is used without permission. This is done through DMCA (Digital Millennium Copyright Act) takedown notices.
TikTok has a process in place to handle these takedown requests. As stated on their copyright policy page, rights holders can file a DMCA notice that specifies the infringing content. TikTok will then remove the content in question. They provide contact information and an online form that rights holders can use to easily submit these requests.
So in cases where copyrighted music or other content appears on TikTok without permission, the rights owner can have TikTok block that content by using the DMCA system. This is likely one of the main ways certain sounds end up restricted on TikTok against users’ wishes.
Working with TikTok
If a sound you want to use in your TikTok video is restricted, there are some steps you can take:
- Check if the sound is available for certain TikTok programs like the Commercial Music Library. This gives brands and certain creators access to additional music.
- Submit a request to TikTok asking them to reconsider restricting the sound. Provide details on why you think your video falls under fair use.
- Reach out to the record label or owner of the song to try to get licensed permission to use it.
- Edit the audio or remix the track in order to transform it and meet fair use exemptions.
- Use alternate music and sounds that aren’t restricted while creating your video.
While TikTok has restrictions to comply with copyright and licensing requirements, they understand creators want access to trending music. By working collaboratively with TikTok and rights owners, compromise solutions may be possible in some cases.
Conclusion
In summary, there are various reasons TikTok may restrict or remove access to sounds on its platform. The most common causes are copyright and licensing restrictions to protect intellectual property, limiting overused sounds to promote variety, removing inappropriate or dangerous content, and adhering to regional content guidelines.
There are also instances where sounds become unavailable temporarily due to technical issues or if they have been flagged for review and potential take-down based on inappropriate content or copyright complaints. TikTok aims to ensure it provides a diverse, entertaining, and safe platform for users while respecting content ownership rights.
If you find you cannot access a desired sound, explore the vast catalogue TikTok offers to find alternatives to achieve the effect or vibe you want. You can also create and upload your own original sounds! With some flexibility and creativity, you can produce fun TikTok videos even with restrictions on certain sounds.