If you want to know how to upload audio to TikTok in 2025, the short answer is: you can either upload it directly as a TikTok “sound” in your video or submit it to TikTok’s official music library. Both methods can dramatically boost your reach, help you go viral, and turn your audio into the next trending sound.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through 3 proven methods that independent musicians, content creators, and even casual TikTok users use to get their audio onto the platform—plus step-by-step instructions, editing tips, and insider tricks from my own experience uploading original music.
In addition, If you want to know how to download TikTok audio, here’s a guide.
Method 1: Uploading Your Audio as a TikTok “Sound”
The fastest way to put your audio on TikTok is to include it in a video you upload. Once your video is live, TikTok automatically treats its audio track as a “sound” that others can use.
Why this works: TikTok is built around sounds—songs, quotes, nature noises, funny phrases, you name it. If your audio is catchy, other users will start using it in their own videos, which can snowball into massive exposure.
Real example: Musician Morgan Kennedy once uploaded a simple video of herself playing guitar. TikTok generated a sound from her video, and within months, over 335,000 videos had used it. Each time someone clicked the sound, they saw her name—and many followed her.
How to do it yourself:
- Record or prepare your audio (song, loop, voice clip, etc.).
- Film your video—this can be a live performance, lip-sync, or even stock footage from sites like Pexels.
- Use video editing software (Final Cut Pro, iMovie, or CapCut) to sync your audio with the video.
- Ensure the aspect ratio is 1080×1920 (TikTok’s standard vertical format).
- Export and upload to TikTok.
- Once posted, your audio will appear as a clickable sound under the video—other users can now “Use this sound.”
Method 2: Adding Your Audio to TikTok’s Official Music Library
If you’re a musician and want your track searchable in TikTok’s built-in music library (like Harry Styles’ “As It Was”), you need to distribute your music via a TikTok-partnered distributor such as DistroKid, TuneCore, or CD Baby.
Benefits:
- Your song will appear in TikTok’s sound library with proper cover art and artist credit.
- Users can search for your track by name without finding it through a video first.
- Potential for monetization if TikTok plays qualify under your distribution agreement.
Steps:
- Sign up for a distributor account.
- Upload your track, cover art, and metadata.
- Select TikTok as one of your distribution platforms.
- Wait for processing (usually 1–3 weeks).
- Once live, your track will be playable for 60 seconds in TikTok’s music library.
Method 3: Record Live Audio Directly in TikTok
You can also record sound within TikTok itself:
- Tap the + icon to create a video.
- Tap the microphone icon to start recording your voice, music, or sound effects.
- Finish recording and post as usual—your sound will automatically be available under “Original Sound.”
Editing and Optimizing Audio for TikTok
TikTok rewards short, engaging audio clips. When editing:
- Hook in the first 3 seconds to capture attention.
- Loop your audio seamlessly so it’s perfect for TikTok trends.
- Test different sections of your song to see which resonates.
Pro tip: Use tools that convert audio to text to create captions or lyrics for your video. Captions increase accessibility and can improve watch time.
Enhancing Your Content with Audio Repurposing
Once your audio is on TikTok, you can repurpose it:
- Use video to text software to generate scripts for YouTube Shorts or Instagram Reels.
- Create lyric videos, tutorials, or behind-the-scenes clips using your original sound.
- Collaborate with influencers to spread your audio faster.
Final Tips for Going Viral with Your TikTok Audio
- Always pair your audio with eye-catching visuals.
- Encourage followers to use your sound by starting a challenge or trend.
- Post consistently—TikTok’s algorithm favors active accounts.
- Engage with videos that use your sound to boost visibility.
Conclusion:
Whether you’re a musician aiming for chart-worthy exposure or a creator experimenting with original sounds, uploading your audio to TikTok as both a video “sound” and an official library track gives you the best shot at reaching new audiences. Follow the steps above, optimize your clips, and you might just create TikTok’s next viral audio.
