Can You Get Copyrighted On TikTok? | What You Need To Know
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January 23rd, 2026 by Terri Pinyerd

TikTok is known for its shortform videos that often include trending songs and catchy soundbites, but can you get copyrighted on TikTok for using a popular song?

 

The answer is yes. 

 

So before you integrate the latest hit into your TikTok video, make sure you’re protecting yourself from copyright strikes.

 

Here’s what you need to know…

 

Key Points:

 

 

Copyright claims are bad; they indicate that you’ve violated copyright in some way, whether through music, video clips, or the use of trademarked content. 

 

Getting a copyright claim on TikTok can negatively impact your account, especially if you accrue more than one of them. While getting a single copyright strike isn’t the end of the world, and while you can dispute copyright claims in some cases, it’s usually best to avoid getting hit with one in the first place.

 

 

 

TikTok has a built-in algorithm used to detect audio in user generated content. This is similar to how the app Shazam works in that it can instantly recognize the name and artist of a song.

 

If the song is not within the public domain, or not a recognized royalty-free track, TikTok may warn you about potentially copyrighted content.

 

Additionally, the copyright holder might file a claim against your content if they notice your unauthorized usage of their track.

 

How Many Seconds Of Copyrighted Music Can I Use On TikTok?

 

If you’re using music from within TikTok’s own sound library you can generally use up to 60 seconds of a track without issue.

 

If you’re using a track outside of TikTok’s sound library and it’s not public domain or royalty free, there’s no maximum requirement before you could potentially get hit with a copyright strike. 

 

That’s why it’s always best to err on the side of caution and avoid using copyrighted material in the first place.

 

Where Can I Legally Use TikTok Sounds?

 

If you’re interested in using tracks from the TikTok sound library outside of the platform, you can certain cases as long as you’re using them for non-commercial purposes.

 

It's always best to look up the specific track before you start using it outside of the platform, however, as oftentimes TikTok holds licensing specifically for in-platform use.

 

What Happens if You Get Copyrighted On TikTok?

 

If your content is hit with a copyright strike, you'll receive a notification regarding the copyright strike and your video will be muted in order to prevent the copyrighted material from being distributed.

 

In certain cases, your video may be taken down entirely.

 

For repeat offenses, your account may be suspended or outright terminated and you will be prevented from opening a new account on the platform.

 

However, if you find that the copyright strike was inaccurate or for content that was royalty free or that you do have the rights to, you can dispute it. 

 

 

Strikes remain on your account for 90 days, after which they’re removed from your account. 

 

If you receive an additional strike after the 90 day period has passed, this will not count as multiple strikes.

 

In other words, you’ll only be considered a repeat offender of copyright violation if you receive multiple strikes within the same 90 day period.

 

How Do I Legally Use Copyrighted Music On TikTok?

 

 

There are two foolproof ways to legally use copyrighted music on TikTok without risking your account.

 

Get Permission

 

The first method is to simply get permission from the copyright holder to use their track in your content.

 

This isn’t just verbal permission, however; you’ll need to get actual licensing to prove that you have the right to use this specific track in your video and oftentimes the copyright holder isn’t actually the creator of the track.

 

Third party publishing companies usually retain licensing permission. Sites like Soundstripe, Premium Beat, and Epidemic Sound are popular choices, since they offer tracks for commercial use for a small fee.

 

Create Your Own Music

 

No, this doesn’t mean make a cover or a remix of an existing track. 

 

Creating your own music from scratch might sound complicated, but if you’re a creative it can be a great way to build an additional layer of brand recognition.

 

For this method, you’ll have to add your original music into your video during editing, since TikTok’s music library doesn’t allow user-generated content at the moment.

 

 

If you don’t feel like getting licensing for a song and you don’t want to bother with making your own original tracks, here are a few ways to avoid copyright issues with your content. 

 

TikTok Sound Library

 

TikTok’s sound library has thousands of tracks available for users to include in their content, including copyrighted songs that TikTok has licensing permissions for.

 

You’ll be safe from copyright infringement when using these tracks in your TikTok videos, but just remember that if you re-use your content on other platforms like YouTube Shorts or Instagram Reels, you’ll need to double check that the track isn’t violating any copyright on those platforms.

 

TikTok Copyright Checker

 

If you’re using a song outside of the sound library and want to make sure that it’s free to use, TikTok has a built-in way to check for copyright issues on your content.

 

Tap the three horizontal lines on the top right corner of your profile page.

 

Tap TikTok Studio.

 

 

Tap the settings gear icon on the top right corner.

 

 

Make sure Video Sound Copyright Check is toggled to ON.

 

 

 

This will automatically turn on copyright detection, and the app will check your music whenever you upload a new post to ensure you're not violating any copyrights.

 

 

If you were hit with a copyright claim, you’ll receive a notification detailing the specific claim and the video affected by it.

 

You can tap this notification to learn more and dispute your claim within the app.

 

Alternatively, you can submit your claim dispute via the online Counter Notification Form.

 

When you file your claim, you’ll need to have sufficient evidence to back up your dispute, which could include:

 

  • Proof of licensing from an online music distributor

  • Proof that the track is royalty-free or public domain

  • Proof that the track is original and created by yourself

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

What happens if I get a copyright claim?

You’ll receive a notification which you can tap to either dispute or take down the offending video.

Why are they muting my videos on TikTok?

TikTok mutes videos when they include copyrighted tracks. If your video has music that you didn’t get permission to use, it may be muted.

Can I play music during my TikTok live?

Yes, as long as it’s royalty-free or from TikTok’s own Sound Library.

How do influencers use copyrighted music?

Oftentimes they use sites like Epidemic Sound, which offer music licenses for a small fee or they get licensing permission directly from the copyright holder. Most of the time they simply use licensed tracks from within TikTok or Instagram’s own sound libraries.

Can I upload a song from Spotify to TikTok?

You can only post a song to TikTok from Spotify if you’re the holder of the Spotify Artist account. Otherwise you won’t be able to simply share a Spotify song to use within a TikTok video.

Can you get copyrighted on Tiktok without copyright?

Yes, it’s possible to get a copyright strike even if you did nothing wrong. In this case, you’ll have to file a dispute.

Can you get copyrighted on TikTok Live for playing music?

Yes, just like a regular shortform video, TikTok Live videos are subject to TikTok’s terms which includes respecting copyright holders and their intellectual property. 

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