Adding sound to your TikTok videos can significantly enhance their appeal, making them more engaging and fun for your audience. While the TikTok mobile app is the primary platform for creating and uploading content, you might sometimes prefer using the website for certain tasks, such as editing or managing your videos. However, the process of adding sound on the TikTok website differs slightly from the mobile app. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about adding sound to your TikTok videos via the website. Whether you're looking to add music, voiceovers, or sound effects, we've got you covered. So, let's dive in and get your TikTok videos sounding great!

Understanding TikTok Sound Options

Before we get started, it's important to understand the different sound options available on TikTok. When you create a TikTok video, you can add various types of audio, including:

• Music: TikTok has an extensive library of licensed music that you can use in your videos. This is the most common type of sound added to TikToks.
• Original Audio: This refers to any sound you record yourself, such as your voice or ambient noise. Original audio can be used in its raw form or enhanced with effects.
• Voiceovers: A voiceover is when you record your voice over an existing video. This is great for adding commentary or narration.
• Sound Effects: These are short audio clips that can add emphasis or humor to your videos. TikTok provides a range of sound effects to choose from.

Knowing these options will help you make informed decisions when adding sound to your videos. Each type of sound can serve a different purpose and contribute to the overall impact of your TikTok.

Why Add Sound to Your TikToks?

Adding sound to your TikTok videos is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, sound enhances engagement. Videos with music or interesting audio tend to capture viewers' attention more effectively than silent videos. Secondly, sound helps convey emotion and set the mood. A well-chosen song or sound effect can dramatically change how your video is perceived. Thirdly, using trending sounds can increase your video's visibility. TikTok's algorithm often favors videos that use popular audio clips, increasing the chances of your video being discovered by a wider audience. So, whether you're aiming for entertainment, education, or promotion, sound is an indispensable tool in your TikTok arsenal.

Limitations of Adding Sound on the TikTok Website

While the TikTok website offers several functionalities, including uploading and basic editing, it has limitations when it comes to adding sound directly. Unlike the mobile app, the website doesn't provide a built-in library of music or sound effects. This means you can't directly add TikTok's licensed music or sound effects to your videos via the website. However, there are still ways to incorporate sound into your TikToks when using the website, which we'll explore in the following sections. Understanding these limitations upfront will help you plan your video creation process more effectively and avoid frustration. Keep in mind that TikTok primarily focuses on its mobile app for content creation, so many advanced features are exclusive to the app.

Workaround 1: Adding Sound Before Uploading

One effective workaround is to add sound to your video before uploading it to TikTok via the website. This involves using video editing software on your computer to incorporate the desired audio. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Choose a Video Editing Software: Select a video editing software that suits your needs. Popular options include Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, iMovie (for Mac users), and Filmora. Many free and user-friendly options are also available, such as OpenShot and DaVinci Resolve.
2. Import Your Video: Import the video you want to upload to TikTok into your chosen video editing software.
3. Add Music or Sound Effects: Import the audio file (music or sound effect) you want to add to your video. Most video editing software allows you to drag and drop audio files onto the timeline.
4. Edit and Synchronize: Adjust the audio levels and synchronize the sound with your video. Ensure the audio complements the visuals and enhances the overall impact.
5. Export the Video: Once you're satisfied with the edits, export the video in a format compatible with TikTok (MP4 is recommended). Make sure the resolution and aspect ratio are optimized for TikTok's platform.
6. Upload to TikTok: Finally, upload the edited video to TikTok via the website. Since the sound is already embedded in the video file, it will play automatically.

By adding sound before uploading, you bypass the limitations of the TikTok website and have full control over the audio in your video. This method is particularly useful for adding custom music, voiceovers, or specific sound effects that aren't available on TikTok's built-in library.

Tips for Editing Sound

When editing sound into your videos, keep these tips in mind to achieve the best results:

• Adjust Audio Levels: Ensure the music or sound effects don't overpower your voice or other important sounds in the video. Balance the audio levels to create a harmonious mix.
• Use High-Quality Audio: Start with high-quality audio files to avoid distortion or background noise. Clean audio will make your video sound more professional.
• Sync Audio Carefully: Pay close attention to synchronization. The sound should match the visuals perfectly to create a seamless viewing experience.
• Consider Copyright: If you're using copyrighted music, make sure you have the necessary permissions or licenses to avoid copyright infringement issues.

Workaround 2: Using Original Audio

Another way to add sound to your TikTok videos on the website is by using original audio. This involves recording your own sound separately and then adding it to the video during the editing process. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Record Your Audio: Use a microphone or recording device to record the audio you want to add to your video. This could be your voice, ambient sounds, or any other audio you create yourself.
2. Edit the Audio: Use audio editing software (such as Audacity or Adobe Audition) to clean up and enhance the audio. Remove any background noise, adjust the levels, and add effects if desired.
3. Import Audio and Video: Import both the video and the edited audio into a video editing software.
4. Combine Audio and Video: Add the audio track to the video timeline and synchronize it with the visuals. Adjust the timing and levels to ensure a good fit.
5. Export the Final Video: Export the combined video with the original audio in a TikTok-compatible format.
6. Upload to TikTok: Upload the edited video to TikTok via the website. The video will now include your original audio.

Using original audio can give your videos a unique and personalized touch. It's a great way to add your own voice, create custom sound effects, or incorporate unique audio elements that aren't available in TikTok's library.

Best Practices for Recording Original Audio

To ensure your original audio sounds great, follow these best practices:

• Use a Good Microphone: Invest in a decent microphone to capture clear and crisp audio. A good microphone can make a significant difference in the quality of your recordings.
• Record in a Quiet Environment: Choose a quiet room with minimal background noise for recording. This will help reduce unwanted sounds in your audio.
• Use Pop Filters and Windscreens: Use pop filters and windscreens to reduce plosives (popping sounds) and wind noise in your recordings.
• Monitor Your Audio: Use headphones to monitor your audio while recording. This will help you catch any issues and make adjustments in real-time.

Alternative: Using the TikTok Mobile App

If you find the workarounds for adding sound on the TikTok website too cumbersome, the easiest alternative is to use the TikTok mobile app. The app provides a seamless and intuitive interface for adding sound directly to your videos. Here’s how to do it:

1. Open TikTok App: Launch the TikTok app on your mobile device.
2. Create a New Video: Tap the “+” button at the bottom of the screen to create a new video.
3. Record or Upload Video: Record a new video or upload an existing one from your device.
4. Add Sound: Tap the “Add sound” button at the top of the screen. This will open TikTok's music library.
5. Choose a Sound: Browse or search for a song or sound effect you want to add to your video. You can also explore trending sounds or use sounds from other TikTok videos.
6. Adjust Sound: Adjust the volume of the sound and trim it to fit your video. You can also add multiple sounds or use voice effects.
7. Post Your Video: Add a caption, hashtags, and other details, then post your video to TikTok.

The TikTok mobile app offers a comprehensive suite of tools for adding sound, making it the preferred method for most users. It's quick, easy, and provides access to TikTok's extensive library of music and sound effects.

Conclusion

While the TikTok website doesn't directly support adding sound from its built-in library, there are effective workarounds you can use to enhance your videos. By adding sound before uploading or using original audio, you can create engaging and captivating TikToks. However, for the most seamless and feature-rich experience, the TikTok mobile app remains the best option for adding sound to your videos. Whether you're a seasoned TikTok creator or just starting, understanding these methods will help you create content that stands out and resonates with your audience. So go ahead, experiment with sound, and unleash your creativity on TikTok!