how to add your own sound on tiktok

To make your own sound on TikTok, add a voiceover, or record a separate video for audio purposes.
If you don't want to make your own sound, TikTok users have access to an in-app music library.
Make your sound go viral by ensuring the audio is clean, short, and unique.
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Sounds are central to TikTok. A video paired with just the right sound can increase the shareability of your post, and viral sounds can inspire creators from all over the TikTok community to use your sound in their own videos.

When making videos on TikTok, you can use your own sounds, sounds from other videos, or sounds from TikTok's music library. You can also record a voiceover. Below, we walk you through the different options.

How to make a sound on TikTok

If you want to create your own sounds to use in future TikTok videos, you can do so using this workaround in the app. Custom sounds can be a funny voice, a sound effect, a cover of a popular song, or anything else you can come up with.

1. Open the TikTok app. Tap the plus + icon at the bottom of the screen to create a new video.

The first step to uploading a new TikTok video is the "+" button.

2. Tap the red circle on the bottom of the screen to record a video. This audio will become your custom sound. When you're finished recording, tap the red circle again, then tap the red checkmark on the bottom-right of the screen.

3. (Optional) Edit your audio recording using the options on the bottom and side panels. You can slow down the audio using the slow-mo effect, clip the audio, or add a voice effect. When you're finished, tap Next.

4. Post your TikTok by tapping Post.

5. On the TikTok video, tap the spinning record on the bottom-right of the screen.

The spinning "Record" icon indicates the name of the audio clip used in a TikTok video.

6. Tap Add to Favorites to use the audio later. Alternatively, tap Use this sound to create a new TikTok video using your custom sound.

Add your audio to Favorites to quickly access it in Sounds when creating a future TikTok video.

How to add a voiceover to TikTok

Whether you're uploading a cooking tutorial or narrating your dog's inner monologue, a voiceover can be useful.

1. Open the TikTok app. Tap the plus + icon at the bottom of the screen to create a new video.

2. Record or upload a video, then tap the red checkmark on the bottom-right of the screen.

3. On the side panel, tap Voiceover.

4. Tap or long press to record a voiceover. If you want to keep the video's original audio in the final video, ensure the circle next to Keep original sound is checked. When you're finished, tap Save.

Tap to record a voiceover over the entire video, and long press to add a voiceover to certain sections.

5. Tap Next, then post your TikTok.

How to add a sound to TikTok from the in-app music library

If making your own audio isn't your thing, TikTok has a substantial in-app music library to choose from.

1. Open the TikTok app. Tap the plus + icon at the bottom of the screen to create a new video.

2. Tap the red circle on the bottom of the screen to record a video. When you're finished recording, tap the red circle again, then tap the red checkmark on the bottom-right of the screen.

3. Tap the Sounds icon at the bottom-left of the screen.

In the Sounds library, you'll find instrumental tracks, radio hits, and more.

4. Tap to select a sound from the Recommended list, or tap More to search for additional sounds.

Recommended tracks based on your video's content will appear at the bottom of the screen.

5. Tap the snipping tool, then drag the audio clip left and right to pick the section you want to include. Tap the red checkmark when you're finished.

6. When you're finished adding sound, tap Next.

7. Post your TikTok by tapping Post.

Abigail Abesamis Demarest is a contributing writer for Insider based in New York. She loves a good glazed donut and nerdy deep dives into the science of food and how it's made.