Can Businesses Use Trending Sounds on TikTok?
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Sometimes, but a trending sound is not automatically cleared for business use. When a TikTok post promotes a brand, product, or service, TikTok recommends using music from its Commercial Music Library (CML). TikTok says licenses for music outside the CML do not cover commercial use in content.
For a business post, choose music based on its usage rights, not just its popularity.
What counts as commercial use?
Content that promotes a brand, product, or service is commercial content under TikTok's music guidance. This can include a business's organic post as well as branded or paid content. A popular sound available in the general music library is not, by itself, proof that the sound is cleared for a business promotion.
TikTok recommends the CML because its music is pre-cleared for commercial use. TikTok's CML guidance describes it for business content, including organic videos, branded content, and video ads.
Can a business use a trending sound?
Only if the sound is cleared for the way you plan to use it. Check whether it is available in the CML for your region and intended placement. If it is outside the CML, do not assume that the sound's presence on TikTok gives your business permission to use it commercially.
TikTok says that if you use original sound or music outside the CML while the content disclosure setting is on, you must complete the Music Usage Confirmation. You confirm that the post has no copyright-protected music or that you have obtained and paid for the necessary licenses.
Where do you find Commercial Sounds?
Open Add Sound when creating a video and look for Commercial Sounds. TikTok's current CML instructions say the menu differs by account type:
- Business Account: TikTok says Add Sound shows sounds from the Commercial Music Library.
- Personal Account: open Add Sound, then choose Commercial Sounds from the Sounds menu.
In the CML, choose the region where your campaign will run and review the available placements and usage details. Music availability can differ by region and placement.
See TikTok's instructions for using the Commercial Music Library.
Which sound option should a business choose?
| Sound option | Commercial-use guidance | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial Music Library | TikTok identifies CML music as pre-cleared for commercial use | Region and available placement |
| General music library or trending sound | Do not assume its license covers business promotion | Whether you have separate commercial rights |
| Your own original sound | May be used if it contains no unlicensed copyright-protected music | All music and audio rights in the recording |
| Music licensed outside TikTok | Use only if the license grants the rights your post needs | Platforms, territory, paid use, and duration covered |
If the sound includes music made by someone else, treat the recording and the composition as rights that need to be cleared. TikTok's confirmation asks you to confirm there is no protected music or that the necessary licenses have been obtained.
What should you check before posting?
- Is the post promotional? If it promotes your business, use the commercial-use guidance.
- Is the sound in the CML? Check the library rather than relying on a trending label.
- Does it cover the campaign? Confirm region and placement, especially for an ad or branded post.
- Is the sound your own? Make sure it contains no music or audio you do not have rights to use.
- Are you using external music? Confirm the license explicitly permits the planned TikTok commercial use.
Quick rule: if you cannot confirm commercial rights, pick a Commercial Music Library track or use audio you have properly licensed.
Frequently asked questions
Can a business use trending sounds on TikTok?
Only when the sound is cleared for that commercial use. TikTok recommends the CML for posts promoting a brand, product, or service.
Are trending sounds automatically cleared for businesses?
No. A sound's popularity or availability in TikTok does not establish that its license covers commercial use.
Can businesses use TikTok's general music library?
TikTok says music licenses outside the CML do not cover commercial use in promotional content. Check for the appropriate rights before using it.
Can a business use its own original sound?
Yes, if the audio contains no copyright-protected music you lack rights to use. TikTok's Music Usage Confirmation asks you to confirm that condition or that you obtained the necessary licenses.
Can CML music be used in ads?
TikTok's CML guidance includes video ads as a commercial use. Check that the specific track is available for your region and placement.
Where do you find Commercial Sounds?
In the video creation flow, open Add Sound and choose Commercial Sounds. The exact menu can vary by account type.
Bottom line
Do not choose a sound for a business post based only on the trend. TikTok recommends the Commercial Music Library for content promoting a brand, product, or service. If you use other audio, make sure the rights cover your use.
For another TikTok planning question, read our guide to scheduling TikTok posts.
Sources: TikTok Help Center: commercial use of music, how to use the CML, and about the Commercial Music Library.
