Can Businesses Use Trending Sounds on TikTok?

TikTok has become a powerful marketing tool for businesses due to its vast reach and viral nature. One of the key strategies businesses use to increase engagement on TikTok is by incorporating trending sounds into their content. But can businesses freely use these sounds, or are there restrictions they need to be aware of?

Understanding Trending Sounds on TikTok

Trending sounds on TikTok can be anything from snippets of popular songs to sound bites from movies, memes, or user-generated content. These sounds become popular as they are repeatedly used by various TikTok users, often going viral and gaining millions of views. For businesses, using these sounds can be an effective way to reach a wider audience, but there are important legal considerations to keep in mind.

Legal Considerations for Using Trending Sounds

When it comes to using trending sounds on TikTok, businesses must be cautious. Many of the trending sounds on TikTok are copyrighted material, and using them without proper permission can lead to legal issues. This is particularly important for businesses, as commercial use of copyrighted material typically requires a license.

TikTok offers a library of sounds that are specifically cleared for commercial use, but this library is much smaller than the general library of trending sounds. If a business wants to use a trending sound that is not in TikTok's commercial sound library, they need to obtain the necessary rights or licenses from the copyright holders. Failure to do so could result in the content being removed, and in some cases, legal action.

The Importance of TikTok’s Commercial Music Library

To help businesses navigate these issues, TikTok offers a Commercial Music Library, which contains music and sounds that are pre-cleared for business use. This library is constantly updated, and while it may not include every trending sound, it provides a safe option for businesses to use music in their TikTok content. Businesses should make it a point to check whether a sound is available in this library before using it in their marketing campaigns.

Best Practices for Businesses Using TikTok

To make the most of TikTok’s potential while staying on the right side of the law, businesses should follow these best practices:

1. Use the Commercial Music Library: Always start by checking TikTok’s Commercial Music Library for sounds that are cleared for commercial use. This will help avoid any copyright issues.

2. Obtain Licenses for Non-Commercial Sounds: If you find a trending sound that you want to use that isn’t in the Commercial Music Library, reach out to the copyright holder to obtain the necessary licenses.

3. Create Original Sounds: If obtaining a license seems too complex, consider creating your own original sounds or music. This not only avoids copyright issues but can also help establish your brand identity on TikTok.

4. Stay Updated on TikTok’s Policies: TikTok’s policies regarding music and sound usage can change, so it’s important to stay informed. Regularly reviewing TikTok’s guidelines and updates can help you avoid any potential pitfalls.

Case Study: A Business Successfully Using TikTok

Let’s look at an example of a business that successfully leveraged trending sounds on TikTok without running into legal trouble. A small clothing brand wanted to capitalize on a trending song that wasn’t available in the Commercial Music Library. Instead of risking legal issues, they contacted the song's copyright holder and negotiated a license to use the song in their TikTok campaigns. The result was a series of viral videos that significantly boosted their brand visibility and sales.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while businesses can use trending sounds on TikTok, they must do so with caution. Understanding the legal implications and using TikTok’s Commercial Music Library can help businesses avoid potential issues. By following best practices and staying informed, businesses can successfully use TikTok as a powerful tool for marketing and engagement.