TikTok has become one of the most popular social media platforms for sharing short video clips. Its huge user base and powerful algorithms make it easy for videos to go viral. Using custom soundtracks and properly editing the audio can help your TikTok clips stand out and get more engagement. Here is a detailed guide on how to add your own music and sounds as well as edit audio for TikTok.
Table of Contents
Finding and Adding Music from TikTok’s Library
TikTok has licensing deals with major record labels and distributors to offer an extensive music library right within the app that you can use for free. Here is how to find and add music:
- Open the TikTok app and tap the + button to create a new video
- Tap the Sounds icon at the bottom left
- Browse TikTok’s music library or use the search bar to find a specific song
- Tap the song you want to add. You’ll see the waveform of the music.
- Use the sliders at the bottom to select only a short section of the song rather than the full length.
- Tap the check mark to add the song to your video’s soundtrack.
You can tap the scissors icon next to the song at any point to further trim or edit the section of music you have selected.
Uploading Your Own Music
If you can’t find the song you want in TikTok’s library, you can upload your own music to use, provided you have the rights or it is your original work. Here is how:
- Record your song at the highest quality possible so it sounds good when compressed for streaming.
- Trim the song to only the section you will use for TikTok. Short clips work best.
- Download a third party video editing app like InShot. Open your exported song file in the app.
- Create a simple video clip and add your song file to the video soundtrack.
- Export this video and upload it to TikTok. You can delete the video after uploading if you only want the audio clip.
- The song will now be available in your “My Sounds” section on TikTok to add to any video.
Editing Audio Length
Once you’ve added music from any source to your TikTok video, you can edit the audio clip length like this:
- Tap the scissors icon next to the sound at the top of the editing screen
- Drag the sliders at the bottom to adjust which section of the song plays
- Tap the sections in the waveform to listen to that part of the song
- Tap “Done” when you are happy with the audio length
Trimming down long songs helps highlight only the most recognizable or catchy parts that will draw attention.
Adjusting Audio Volume Levels
You can adjust the volume levels of both the original video clip audio and any added music using the following steps:
- After adding music, tap the icon with sound waves at the top
- Adjust the Original Sound slider to increase or decrease the volume of your video’s native audio
- Move the Added Sound slider to make the added music louder or quieter
- Tap “Done” to save the changes
Setting appropriate volume levels ensures important audio can be heard clearly without being overpowering.
Using Voice Effects
TikTok has built-in voice effects like helium, giant, robot, and more. Try these out using this method:
- Tap the Voice Effects button before recording your TikTok clip
- Browse the available effects and tap one to select it
- Record your video normally. Your voice will now have that special effect applied.
Fun voice effects can make ordinary videos more interesting and share-worthy.
Adding Voiceovers
You can add a voiceover narrative on top of existing video clips to better explain them or tell a story. Here is how:
- Import your video clip into TikTok
- Tap the Voiceover button
- Record your voiceover audio while watching a playback of your video clip
- Tap “Save” when done
The voiceover volume can then be adjusted just like any other audio track on TikTok using the sound wave icon.
Using Text to Speech
As an alternative to recording voiceovers, TikTok also offers a text to speech feature:
- Tap the Text button from video editing
- Type out the text you want turned into speech
- Tap the Text to Speech button
- Select a computerized voice and tap “Done”
This automates voiceovers quickly without recording but results may sound unnatural.
Applying Effects
TikTok has lots of fun audio effects you can add to customize the sound of your video clips:
- Tap Effects next to the song or audio clip
- Swipe through categories like Trending, Bass, Space, TV, and more
- Tap an effect to preview it
- Tap “Save” to apply the effect
Experiment with different effects to transform audio and make it more immersive. Subtle effects work best rather than overdoing it.
Using Trending Sounds
Leverage trending sounds and challenges that are going viral across TikTok. This helps increase visibility since your clip may appear in searches for that sound:
- Tap the Discover tab on TikTok
- Browse trending sounds and challenges
- Tap a sound you want to use
- Record a video featuring that trending sound
Jumping on the latest hot trend is an easy way to get more eyes on your TikTok content.
Checking Sound Attribution
See which other TikTok videos are using a particular sound. This helps you assess if it is still a relevant sound to use:
- Tap the sound icon at the bottom of your clip after posting
- Scroll down and tap “See all” to view other videos using this sound
- Check how old the videos are – newer ones indicate a still trending sound
Use this to continually update your audio tracks to maximize exposure.
Properly editing audio and adding complementary soundtracks takes some practice but is crucial for creating captivating TikTok clips. Use the tips in this guide to customize sounds and help your short videos stand out from the crowd.
