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How Important Are TikTok Sounds?

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TikTok is able to go on without any dance or lip-sync videos, but without TikTok Sounds its survival is definitely in the balance. After all, how do you dance or lip-sync – that which the platform is synonymous for – without any sound? 

TikTok Sounds are what has made the platform such a resounding success. As a matter of fact, here’s what found they found when they partnered with Kantar to find out more about the importance of sound on digital marketing:

Nearly 90% of TikTok users shared that sound is key to the TikTok experience.

More than 70% of TikTok users who participated in the research shared that they would watch ads on TikTok with audio.

TikTok users describe sound on TikTok as almost double the fun compared to other social media platforms.

Like it or not, TikTok sounds are integral to how the platform works. If you remove it, virtually all the content will lose its meaning. 

If you’re not using this feature to its full potential yet, here’s everything you need to know about it and how to use it to grow your brand. 

1. How Can You Include a TikTok Sound in Your Video?

If you want to add a TikTok sound to your videos, you have two options. You can either add it to an existing video or add it to a new video. We’ll walk you through both options.

Adding a sound to a new video

One of the benefits of using this approach is that it will be much easier to synchronize your moves to music. Think of it as your very own backing track.

Step 1: Tap on the “+” icon at the bottom of your home screen to begin shooting your new video.

Step 2: At the top of the screen, tap on “Add sounds”. It’s right in the middle at the top of your screen. 

Step 3: Look through the sound library. Once you’ve found the sound that you want to use, tap on it.

Step 4: Start recording your video. The sound will play while you record. 

Adding a sound to an existing video

While you can add a sound to a video after you’ve created it, this approach can make it more difficult to sync the moves to the beat of the music. That being said, what makes this feature so useful is that you can use it to “repurpose” older videos. Perhaps there’s a new release that’s currently trending? How about including it in one of your previous videos?

Step 1: Tap on the “+” icon to start. 

Step 2: Upload your content.

Step 3: Tap on “Sounds”. You’ll see it in the left-hand corner right at the bottom of your screen. 

Step 4: You’ll now see a list of recommended sounds and songs based on your video. It will also include some sounds and songs that are trending at the moment. Once you’ve found a song, click on the soundwaves and drag them to select the part that you would like to include in your video. Tap on the checkmark when you’re ready.

Step 5: As mentioned earlier, you can also add sounds and songs to your favorites. If you would rather like to use a sound bite that you’ve saved to your Favorites, all you need to do is to tap on “Favorites” and complete the same steps (aka click and drag the soundwaves) to choose the part of the audio file that you would like to include. 

2. TikTok Sound Hacks and Tips

To help you make the most of this feature, here are a couple of tips:

Study the numbers

If you want to use existing sounds from TikTok’s library, you’ll want to study the numbers. There are a few things to pay attention to. For example, how many videos have already used that particular sound? Were those videos added recently? These could give you an indication if the sound is still trending. 

Name your sound

As mentioned earlier, creating your own sound instead of using an existing one from TikTok’s library can be a great opportunity for branding and more exposure. To help other TikTok users find your audio creation so that they can use it in their own TikTok videos, you’ll want to ensure that you name it. 

Here’s how:

Step 1: Open the video that has the custom sound that you want to rename.

Step 2: Tap on the icon that looks like a spinning record in the right-hand corner at the bottom of your screen. 

Step 3: Click on the Edit button (it’s next to the title). You’ll now be able to change the title to something that’s more descriptive. 

Step 4: Tap on Save and wait for your custom audio sound to be discovered and possibly go viral. 

Record a voiceover or vlog

Voiceovers is just one example of hidden TikTok features and hacks that you can use to get more followers. 

Here’s how you can use it:

Step 1: Record your TikTok video as you would normally do. 

Step 2: Click on “Next”. You’ll be redirected to the posting screen, but instead of posting your video, double-check that your microphone is on and start recording your screen. 

Step 3: While you’re recording your screen, watch the preview of your TikTok video by tapping on the video thumbnail that’s right of the caption. 

Step 4: Narrate what’s happening in the video. You’ll be recording what you’re narrating as well as what’s happening on your screen. 

Step 5: Edit the screen recording to cut the beginning and ending of the recording so that you’re left with only the content and not the frames that show how you started and stopped the screen recording. 

Step 6: Open your TikTok app. Upload your screen recording from your camera roll by pressing on the Upload icon. 

Create a duet video

If dancing or challenges aren’t really your style, you might more like the sound of creating duet videos. It’s a popular feature on TikTok that allows you to split your screen so that you can add your own commentary to an existing TikTok video. This way, the original video will show up on the left of your screen and the video with your commentary will show on the right. 

With duet videos you have two options. You can either use any video or make a duet video with yourself. Though, if you want to go for the first approach, you’ll need to make sure that you have the original creator’s go-ahead. 

Wrapping Things Up

Sure, there are many videos that don’t include any songs and still manage to be successful, but now that you know how simple it is to add a song or sound to your videos why wouldn’t you? Not only is it easy to add, but there’s also a massive selection that you can browse. So, you don’t even have to put in the extra “effort” of creating your own sound. 

One thing to consider, though, is that just like your content will appeal to a certain group, so too will your songs. So, keep your style in mind and let it guide you. If you think you need help with your TikTok marketing efforts, feel free to contact us for a free consultation.