As TikTok has skyrocketed in popularity, more and more brands are looking to leverage trending sounds on tiktok in their marketing strategies. However, the issue of copyright and proper usage guidelines for sounds is complex. Can brands actually use trending audios from popular songs, videos, and creators without permission? Let xemtiktok dive into the question can brands use trending sounds on tiktok? and TikTok’s official policies around sound usage.
Can brands use trending sounds on tiktok?
What are Trending Sounds on Tiktok?
Sounds fuel TikTok trends as unique audios inspire viral dances, lip syncs, and more. Trending sounds on tiktok include dialogue clips from movies and TV shows, popular songs, and original sounds created by TikTok users that then spread widely. When a sound accumulates millions of videos, it signifies a trend that brands want to tap into. Can brands use trending sounds on tiktok? But using copyrighted music poses legal issues.
TikTok’s Copyright and Content Policy
TikTok’s guidelines state that users, which includes brands, must obtain permission or licenses from sound/music copyright owners to use full songs. Can brands use trending sounds on tiktok? For clips under 15 seconds or procedurally generated clips, fair use may apply. However, for commercially using trending sounds on tiktok in ads or branded content, explicit permission is still recommended. Videos can be removed for unauthorized usage.
Copyrighted Audio Exceptions
Some major record labels have partnered with TikTok, allowing users freedom in creating to their music under certain conditions like not monetizing videos. Can brands use trending sounds on tiktok? Brands still should not assume commercial unrestricted use without permission. Original audio snippets need author approval for commercial repurposing as well.
Original Sounds On Tiktok
If a brand creates their own original audio on TikTok, they fully own the rights. They’re then free to have creators duet or stitch with their sound, generating new branded videos. Can brands use trending sounds on tiktok? But promoting paid partnerships as organic trends could be seen as disingenuous.
Properly Crediting Sounds
Can brands use trending sounds on tiktok? Even when following fair use, brands should credit sound owners in their video descriptions. This builds positive relationships and respect for intellectual property. Influencers promoting sponsored trends using trending sounds on tiktok also need contractual usage rights.
Seeking Permission Strategically
Can brands use trending sounds on tiktok? For big marketing pushes centered around viral sounds, smart brands contact sound owners about commercial use partnerships. This protects the brand and supports creators. Smallerhorizon scanning uses analytical research to identify rising but not fully trending sounds possibly open for tasteful experimentation before seeking explicit permissions.
Unofficial Takedowns vs. DMCA Process
While TikTok has algorithms that try to catch unauthorized usage of copyrighted works, content uploaders have no appeal if manually reported and removed. Can brands use trending sounds on tiktok? It’s best for brands to proactively understand usage rights of trending sounds on tiktok and follow proper guidelines to avoid such issues. The official DMCA counter-notification is the only legal recourse.
In summary, brands trying viral trends require care, nuance and open communication. With clever original content, proper attribution and strategic rights clearances, savvy marketers can find win-win ways to engage communities through sounds while respecting policies on TikTok. Understanding the complex guidelines is key for brands exploring marketing uses of trending sounds on tiktok.
Understanding TikTok’s Sound Usage Guidelines
Here are some additional points about how brands can leverage trending sounds on TikTok:
- Sponsoring creators: Can brands use trending sounds on tiktok? Brands can partner with popular influencers by sponsoring videos using specific sounds and hashtags to start viral dances/challenges.
- Collaborating with sound owners: For major label songs, reaching out for brand partnerships allows co-promotion and potential ad revenue sharing.
- Remixing owned songs: Can brands use trending sounds on tiktok? Brands owning song publishing rights could encourage the sounds’ remix/remaster on TikTok in lip sync/dance videos.
- Original soundtracks: Creating jingles/jingles specifically for TikTok video trends fully owns the usage rights.
- Contests: Hosting challenges with prizes using a branded original sound drives engagement.
- Hashtag targeting: Monitoring sound-focused hashtags lets brands join casual conversations versus paid promotions.
- In-feed videos: Well-produced videos directly uploaded by brands authentically join trends versus advertising.
- Off-platform promotion: Successfully trending sounds could then be featured in other social content, promotions, events.
- Stay authentic and relevant to the trend. Don’t just slap your logo on something popular – contribute value to the conversation.
- Experiment with multiple sounds to find the best fits. Track engagement to see which draw more interaction.
- Consider paying a creator to kick off a challenge using your sound. Give clear instructions for maximum spread.
- Tease an upcoming challenge to build intrigue before launching. Can brands use trending sounds on tiktok? Boost posts to target your audience.
- Comment on and share top fan videos to show support. Can brands use trending sounds on tiktok? This encourages further participation.
- Repurpose top videos on other channels like YouTube, Instagram Reels, etc. to extend reach.
- Thank participating fans with contests, prizes, discounts to reward their creativity.
- Link challenge posts to your website/store for potential conversions.
- Refresh challenges periodically to keep the trend going with your brand over time.
- Always respect copyright – embrace original sounds you fully control for lowest risk.
The key of Can brands use trending sounds on tiktok is participation that feels natural versus ads to build affinity through shared experiences with sounds on TikTok.
