How to Avoid and Fix Music Copyright Claims on TikTok

Did TikTok mute your video? You’re not alone—many creators are facing the same problem, and you’d think there’d be a simple guide on avoiding copyright on TikTok and fixing music copyright claims.

TikTok is getting stricter about original content, especially with their latest Community Guidelines updates.

If you’re not careful, your videos could get taken down, your account could get stuck, or your reach could shrink, hurting your growth on the platform.

But don’t stress! There are ways to get around or even prevent these problems.

This guide will walk you through copyright rules on TikTok, show you how to check for potential problems before you post, help you avoid and bypass any copyright claims you might already be dealing with.

Let’s get started!

What is Music Copyright?
What Music Can I Use on TikTok?
Can I Use My Original Work in TikTok Videos?
Why TikTok Videos Get Muted
- Reason 1: Matching Song in TikTok’s Library
- Reason 2: Video Length and Background Music
What Creators Need to Know About TikTok’s Policies
What Happens if I Use Copyrighted Music on TikTok Without Permission?
How to Bypass Copyright Claims on TikTok Videos (According to TikTok and Most Online Tutorials)
How to Potentially Resolve TikTok Copyright Claims
FAQs
Conclusion
References
Recommendations

What is Music Copyright?

Music copyright protects the rights of those who create original music. On social media, you need to get permission before using copyrighted music.

Luckily, TikTok has deals with music labels and publishers, giving you access to a vast library of songs in the app.

Ignoring these copyright rules, you might face content removal, account suspension, or even legal trouble.

What Music Can I Use on TikTok?

You can safely use music from TikTok’s library without worrying about copyright issues. Why? Because TikTok already has licensing agreements with the artists, letting you use their songs in your videos.

But remember that you can’t take music from TikTok’s library and use it on other platforms. TikTok gives individual creators and commercial users their own music set.

However, the quality and originality of the music in TikTok’s library might not always be the best.

That’s why many social media influencers, brands, and creators who profit from their content prefer to license their music for their videos.

Can I Use My Original Work in TikTok Videos?

If you’re a musician, you can use your original songs in your TikTok videos. It’s wise to upload your music to TikTok’s library first.

This way, TikTok is covered by a Copyright License Agreement or IP License Agreement with you, the creator.

Technically, you can still post videos with your original music, even if it’s not in TikTok’s library.

But it would be best to let TikTok know it’s your original work, or you might risk having your video muted or taken down.

This step helps protect TikTok by confirming that you’ve permitted them to share your song.

Why TikTok Videos Get Muted

Some Tiktokers are already making money from Tiktok. Content creators earn money on X (Twitter) by posting videos and other content.

However, there are two main reasons why your videos might get muted on TikTok if you don’t follow music copyright rules:

Reason 1: Matching Song in TikTok’s Library

Even if you have permission to use a song, TikTok might flag it if the exact version is already in their library. This usually points to a possible licensing issue.

Reason 2: Video Length and Background Music

TikTok will probably mute your video if it is longer than 60 seconds and uses copyrighted music. Shorter clips tend to avoid this problem.

What Creators Need to Know About TikTok’s Policies

Staying updated on TikTok’s policies is key to protecting your content. Recently, TikTok changed its Community Guidelines and added new features to help creators avoid copyright issues and account restrictions. Here’s what you should know:

Clearer Rules: TikTok has updated its Community Guidelines, especially around hate speech and health misinformation. Knowing these changes will help you keep your content safe.
For You Feed Eligibility: TikTok is tightening up who can appear in the For You feed. If your account repeatedly breaks content guidelines, it might be temporarily blocked from showing up in the For You feed.
Warning Strikes: TikTok is introducing a “warning strike” system for minor, first-time Community Guidelines violations. These warnings don’t count against your total strike count but remind you of the rules. If you think TikTok made a mistake, you can appeal.
Account Check: A new feature lets you easily check your account’s status. You can review recent posts, see any restrictions, and determine if the content was removed for violating policies.

TikTok’s updates are all about giving you, the creator, more power to understand and follow their rules.

Knowing these rules can reduce your chances of accidentally using copyrighted music and getting hit with account strikes.

TikTok wants a community where everyone feels safe and inspired to create fantastic content.

What Happens if I Use Copyrighted Music on TikTok Without Permission?

When you upload music and videos to TikTok, you’re considered the owner of that content, even after it’s published. That means you’re legally responsible for any issues, including copyright infringement.

If you use a song in your video that’s not in TikTok’s library or isn’t adequately licensed, TikTok will probably mute your video or take it down completely.

You might also get a cease and desist letter from the Performance Rights Organization (PRO) that manages the licensing for the song you used.

If you’re making money from your video, you could even face a lawsuit, depending on how much you’ve earned.

To avoid copyright problems on TikTok, use music from the site’s library or properly license your music for social media and online use.

How to Bypass Copyright Claims on TikTok Videos (According to TikTok and Most Online Tutorials)

So, what can you do if TikTok hits your video with a copyright claim? Unfortunately, TikTok doesn’t offer a simple way to dispute music copyright claims.

Yep, you heard that right. Unlike YouTube or Facebook, TikTok doesn’t have an easy option to challenge copyright claims, even if you have permission from the copyright owner to use the music.

Before you start recording, it’s wise to check out the TikTok app and search for the song you want to use. Make sure other users have covered it, too.

Look for a version without any added audio, like someone talking or playing over it. Once you find a clean version, download it for your video.

#1. Pre-Recording Checklist:

Research: Search the TikTok app for the song you want to use. We hope you understand how to use the creator search insight tools.

Look for other popular videos using the same song, especially those without extra sounds or talking over it.

Download: Find a clean version of the song and download it for your video.
Settings (Optional): If available, activate a copyright check feature in your TikTok settings.
Check Rights (If Possible): Confirm if the song is royalty-free or has usage allowances.

#2. Using In-App Copyright Check:

Tap the three-dot icon in the top right corner of TikTok’s home screen.
Go to “Settings” and choose “Creator Tools.”
Scroll to find and enable the “Video Sound Copyright Check” feature.

#3. Editing with CapCut:

Open CapCut and add your video.
Select the “Audio” tab and use the copyright check tool (usually a copyright symbol) to analyze your chosen song.
Keep your video under one minute for the most accurate analysis.

#4. Before Uploading via TikTok Web:

Open Chrome and go to TikTok.com. Click “Log In” in the top-right corner and choose your login method (email, social media, etc.).
Click the cloud icon with the “Upload” label, then select your video file from your computer.
Add a catchy caption with relevant hashtags, and pick a cover image that grabs attention. Choose who can see your video (public, friends only, or private) and decide whether to allow comments, duets, or stitches.
Here’s the critical part! Look for the “Run a Copyright Check” option and turn it on. Wait a moment while TikTok analyzes your video. If everything checks out, you’re good to go!

But if TikTok flags a copyright issue, don’t panic! Try using a sound directly from TikTok’s built-in library instead. This should let you post your video without worrying about it being taken down.

How to Potentially Resolve TikTok Copyright Claims

Unfortunately, TikTok doesn’t provide an easy way to bypass copyright claims, even if you have permission from the copyright owner or are promoting your music.

There is a “Counter Notification Form,” but it’s hard to find and asks for information you probably won’t have when you get a claim.

Here’s what you can do:

#1. Minimize Future Risks

Use TikTok’s Music Library: This is your safest bet since the songs here are already available.
Keep It Short: Stick to short copyrighted music clips based on TikTok’s guidelines.
Credit the Artist: While giving credit doesn’t always protect you, it’s still a good habit.

#2. Explore Licensing Options

Get Proper Licensing: If the song isn’t in TikTok’s library, consider platforms like Soundstripe, Epidemic Sound, or Artlist, which offer licensed video tracks.
Contact the Copyright Holder: If you can’t find the song on licensing platforms, try contacting the artist, label, or publisher directly to get permission.

#3. Understand Your Rights and Limits

Licensing Complexities: Know the difference between mechanical and public performance licenses, and be aware of TikTok’s existing agreements.
Fair Use: While fair use is an option, it’s tricky and shouldn’t be your primary defense.
Remember: The rules for using music in commercial videos are stricter than personal ones.

FAQs

How Can I Legally Use Copyrighted Music on TikTok?

If you want to use copyrighted music in your TikTok videos (or on any social platform), you need permission from the song’s copyright holders. This ensures that artists get paid for their work, which is the whole point of copyright laws.

Why Is TikTok Flagging My Music?

If you’re getting a copyright claim, it’s probably because you didn’t get permission to use the track. The easiest way to avoid this is by using copyright-free music that’s safe to include in your videos.

How Can I Claim My Music on TikTok?

To claim your music on TikTok, find your profile and click “Claim.” You’ll need to prove you’re the artist by showing screenshots from your music distributor’s account or from your Spotify for Artists or Apple Music for Artists accounts.

Does TikTok Pay for Copyrighted Music?

Yes, TikTok has deals with music distributors and labels to license songs for the app. Artists get paid royalties when their music is used on the platform. Distributors like Distrokid, CD Baby, and TuneCore let artists upload their music to TikTok and streaming services like Spotify.

How Can I Tweak Music to Avoid Copyright Issues?

If you want to use a specific song but don’t have permission, you can try changing the tempo or pitch or adding effects to create a unique version. By modifying the original track, you can avoid copyright infringement while still using the elements you like.

Conclusion

Understanding copyright, TikTok’s guidelines, and your licensing options will help you avoid copyright on TikTok and fix music copyright claims.

Respecting music creators’ work keeps the TikTok community thriving and protects your account.

By now, we believe you can create content without worrying about copyright issues.

If you find this article helpful, please share your thoughts in the comment section and follow us on our social media platforms: X (Silicon Africa (@SiliconAfriTech)), Instagram (SiliconAfricaTech), and Facebook (Silicon Africa).

References

Benjamindada.com – Did TikTok mute your video? Here’s how you can avoid and fix Music Copyright claims on TikTok
Tunepocket.com – How To Avoid And Fix Music Copyright Claims On TikTok
Trackclub.com – TikTok Copyright Music: What Creators Need to Know