How to Make a Sound on TikTok: Complete 2025 Guide

Quick Steps to Create Your Sound

1. Open TikTok and tap the + button
2. Record your video with original audio
3. Add voiceover or use recording tools
4. Edit and enhance your sound
5. Post with a catchy sound name
6. 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

1. Record or upload your video Film your content or select from gallery

2. Tap "Voiceover" button Located in the editing menu on the right side

3. Position the timeline Drag to where you want the voiceover to start

4. Press and hold to record Red button records, release to stop

5. Adjust volume levels Balance original sound with voiceover

6. Save your changes Tap "Save" in the top right corner

Method 3: External Audio Import

Using Pre-Recorded Audio

Option A: Screen Recording Method

1. Play your audio on another device or app
2. Screen record with audio while it plays
3. Upload the screen recording to TikTok
4. Crop out the visual, keep the audio

Option B: Video Editor Method

1. Use apps like CapCut or InShot
2. Add your audio to a blank video
3. Export the video
4. Upload to TikTok with the embedded audio

Option C: Computer Upload

1. Edit audio on computer (Audacity, GarageBand)
2. Add to video file using editing software
3. Transfer to phone or use TikTok web
4. 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need special equipment to create sounds on TikTok?

No, your phone's built-in microphone is sufficient for creating TikTok sounds. However, for better quality, consider using a quiet environment and keeping your phone 6-12 inches from your mouth while recording.

How long should my custom sound be?

The optimal length for TikTok sounds is 8-15 seconds. This allows enough content to be engaging while being short enough for creators to use in various video formats.

Can I use copyrighted music to create custom sounds?

No, avoid using copyrighted music in your custom sounds as this can lead to content removal or copyright strikes. Create original audio or use royalty-free sounds instead.

Why isn't my sound available for others to use?

Sounds only become available to others after you post the video. Make sure your account is public, the video has finished processing, and hasn't been flagged for review by TikTok's moderation system.

How do I make my sound go viral?

Create catchy, memorable sounds that are easy to lip-sync or dance to. Use trending hashtags, collaborate with other creators, and make sounds that inspire creativity or relate to current trends.

Can I edit my sound after posting?

No, you cannot edit a sound after it's been posted and made available to others. If you need to make changes, you'll need to create a new video with the corrected sound.

What makes a sound successful on TikTok?

Successful sounds are typically clear, relatable, funny, or inspiring. They often have a clear hook in the first few seconds and are versatile enough for other creators to use in different contexts.

How can I see how many people have used my sound?

Tap on the sound name at the bottom of your video, and you'll see the total number of videos created with that sound. This shows you how popular your custom sound has become.

Can I delete a sound I created?

You cannot delete a sound once it's been used by other creators. However, you can delete your original video, though this won't remove the sound from the platform if others have already used it.

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!