How to Make a Sound on TikTok: Complete 2025 Guide
TL;DR - Quick Answer
6 min readComprehensive guide with practical insights you can apply today. Focus on the key principles for immediate impact.
How to Make a Sound on TikTok: Complete 2025 Guide
Quick Steps to Create Your Sound
- Open TikTok and tap the + button
- Record your video with original audio
- Add voiceover or use recording tools
- Edit and enhance your sound
- Post with a catchy sound name
- Your sound becomes available for others
Method 1: Direct Recording
Step-by-Step Process
1. Open TikTok Camera
Tap the + button at the bottom center of your screen
Tip: Choose a quiet environment for clearer audio
2. Set Recording Duration
Choose between:
- 15 seconds (best for quick sounds)
- 60 seconds (standard length)
- 3 minutes (extended content)
3. Record Your Sound
Press and hold the red record button
- Speak clearly into the microphone
- Maintain consistent distance from phone
- Avoid background noise
4. Review and Adjust
Tap the checkmark, then review your recording You can re-record if needed by tapping back
5. Proceed to Editing
Tap "Next" to access editing tools
Method 2: Voiceover Feature
Adding Voiceover to Existing Video
-
Record or upload your video Film your content or select from gallery
-
Tap "Voiceover" button Located in the editing menu on the right side
-
Position the timeline Drag to where you want the voiceover to start
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Press and hold to record Red button records, release to stop
-
Adjust volume levels Balance original sound with voiceover
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Save your changes Tap "Save" in the top right corner
Method 3: External Audio Import
Using Pre-Recorded Audio
Option A: Screen Recording Method
- Play your audio on another device or app
- Screen record with audio while it plays
- Upload the screen recording to TikTok
- Crop out the visual, keep the audio
Option B: Video Editor Method
- Use apps like CapCut or InShot
- Add your audio to a blank video
- Export the video
- Upload to TikTok with the embedded audio
Option C: Computer Upload
- Edit audio on computer (Audacity, GarageBand)
- Add to video file using editing software
- Transfer to phone or use TikTok web
- Upload the complete video file
Audio Editing Tools
In-App Tools
- Volume Control: Adjust audio levels
- Trim: Cut unwanted parts
- Speed: Slow down or speed up
- Effects: Add echo, reverb
External Apps
- CapCut: Advanced audio editing
- InShot: Simple audio tools
- Audacity: Professional editing
- GarageBand: Music creation
Making Your Sound Go Viral
Viral Sound Strategies
Sound Characteristics
✅ Catchy and memorable ✅ Easy to lip-sync or dance to ✅ Relatable or funny ✅ Clear audio quality ✅ Perfect length (8-15 seconds) ✅ Unique but familiar
Promotion Tips
📢 Use trending hashtags 📢 Create a dance or challenge 📢 Collaborate with creators 📢 Post at peak times 📢 Encourage duets 📢 Cross-promote on other platforms
Types of Sounds That Perform Well
Comedy & Memes
Funny one-liners, relatable situations, unexpected punchlines Example: "POV: When your mom says..."
Music Remixes
Mashups, slowed versions, sped-up songs, beat drops Example: Popular song + unexpected transition
Motivational Quotes
Inspiring messages, affirmations, life advice Example: "Remember this when you feel..."
Tutorial Narrations
Step-by-step instructions, how-to guides, tips Example: "Here's how you actually..."
Storytelling
Personal stories, plot twists, cliffhangers Example: "Story time about when I..."
Pro Tips for Sound Creation
Recording Quality
- Use external microphone if possible
- Record in quiet environment
- Keep phone 6-12 inches from mouth
- Use pop filter for plosive sounds
Sound Naming
- Use descriptive, searchable names
- Include your username
- Add context or use case
- Keep it under 100 characters
Timing Strategy
- Post during peak hours
- Jump on trends early
- Create seasonal sounds
- Plan for viral moments
Legal Considerations
- Avoid copyrighted music
- Credit original creators
- Use royalty-free sounds
- Check commercial use rights
Common Issues & Solutions
Sound Not Saving
Solution: Ensure you complete the posting process. Sounds only become available after publishing your video.
Poor Audio Quality
Solution: Re-record in quieter space, clean your microphone, or use external recording app.
Sound Not Available to Others
Solution: Check privacy settings, ensure account is public, and video isn't under review.
Copyright Strike
Solution: Remove copyrighted content, use original audio only, or use TikTok's sound library.
Start Creating Today!
Creating original sounds on TikTok is one of the best ways to grow your account and start trends. With these methods, you're ready to make sounds that could be used by millions.
Remember: The best sounds are authentic, clear, and provide value or entertainment. Start simple, experiment often, and watch your sounds spread across TikTok!
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