Proven Ways to Learn How to Use Copyrighted Music on TikTok

TikTok is one of the most influential platforms for creators, brands, and everyday users to share short-form videos that reach millions worldwide. Music plays a central role in this field, often driving trends, challenges, and popular content. But when it comes to using copyrighted music, the rules aren't always clear. Some of the content creators wonder if they can access their favorite track without encountering any issues. Well, understanding how TikTok licenses music, what counts as fair use, and the difference between commercial and personal accounts is important for staying compliant while still making engaging content. Are you interested in learning how to use copyrighted music on TikTok? Then, there is a reason for you to read this article. Check here and get more insights about the discussion.

Part 1. How Does Copyright Work on TikTok

Copyright on TikTok works by protecting original creative works from being used without permission. It includes the music, videos, and images. The TikTok platform has licensing agreements with many major music labels. This way, personal users can access a large library of music directly within the app. However, not all music is covered. If you upload copyrighted music outside of TikTok's licensed library, the platform's automated systems or copyright owners may flag your video content. Depending on the owner's decision, your video could be removed, blocked, or muted.

The rules are stricter when it comes to commercial and business accounts. They often cannot use mainstream copyrighted content and must depend on royalty-free or properly licensed music libraries. In addition, repeated copyright violations can result in account strikes or even permanent bans. To stay safe, creators should stick to TikTok's built-in music library, access royalty-free songs, or make their own original music or audio. It ensures compliance with copyright law while still letting creative freedom on the platform.

What does Copyright Mean on TikTok?

Definition - It is a legal right that secures and protects the original works of authorship, like music, videos, and images. It covers the expression of ideas, not just ideas themselves.

Automatic Protection - You don't have to register to obtain copyright. As you create your masterpiece, the protection already exists.

Part 2. What Happens when You Use Copyrighted Music on TikTok

When you use a copyrighted track on TikTok, the platform will start checking whether it is part of a licensed music library. Once confirmed that the music is part of the library, you can access it without encountering any issues, especially on a personal account. It is because TikTok has agreements with major labels. On the other hand, if you are using a commercial account or if the music is not licensed, your video content may be blocked, removed, or muted. Well, copyright owners can also report infringement, which can result in a warning or a strike against your TikTok account.

Furthermore, repeated violations can have more serious consequences. It may lead to restrictions on your posting ability or even permanent account suspension. To prevent these issues, content creators are encouraged to stick to TikTok's built-in music library, use royalty‑free tracks, or upload original audio. With this solution, you stay compliant with copyright law while still creating engaging and appealing content.

What is the TikTok Copyright Policy?

The platform's policy is built on giving respect to the intellectual property rights of others, especially the original owners. You must not post, distribute, or modify content that:

• • Belongs to someone else without their consent.
• • Infringes on others’ copyright, trademark, and other legal rights.
• • Includes songs, videos, and photos that are licensed or you don’t own.

Part 3. What Music Can I Use on TikTok

Can you use copyrighted music on TikTok? Well, the kind of track you can use on TikTok depends on your account type and whether TikTok licensing agreements cover the music. To learn more about the music you can access, see the details below.

Personal Accounts

You can access the songs from TikTok's built-in music library. The music is licensed via TikTok's deal with major labels. With that, they are safe to use on your video content. This may be the reason why you see some popular music available directly on the platform.

Commercial/Business Accounts

Rules are stricter when you are using a business or commercial account. You cannot easily use mainstream copyrighted tracks. With that, you must rely on royalty-free music or a song licensed specifically for commercial use. You can access various music on TikTok's Commercial Music Library section.

Original Audio

You can always upload and record your own music or audio. If you own the rights, then you won't encounter any issues when using it on your content.

TikTok Royalty-Free Music

You can use various royalty-free music from the platforms' royalty-free libraries. There are various services that TikTok has cleared. Some of them are Uppbeat, Artlist, Epidemic Sound, and more.

Part 4. How Can I Use Copyrighted Music on TikTok Legally

If you like to use copyrighted music legally, ensure that you are only accessing music in one of the three ways below.

• • Only access music that you originally wrote and recorded. This way, the audio you use on your video is yours.
• • It would be better to reach out to the artist directly and negotiate how to use their music for specific uses.
• • Access a music licensing company, like Soundstripe. This platform can provide you with royalty-free music that has been fully licensed and cleared.

Part 5. FAQs about How to Use Copyrighted Music on TikTok

Conclusion

Now you have learned how to use copyrighted music on TikTok. You also discovered what music you can use and what might happen when you access copyrighted music without the right holder's permission. Thankfully, this post provided all the information you need, letting you be aware of this kind of discussion.