Copyright Issues on TikTok
TikTok has strict copyright rules to avoid infringement. As stated in their Music Terms of Service, users must have the necessary rights and permissions to share any copyrighted content on the platform. Uploading full songs could get your video taken down for copyright violation. However, short snippets of songs are usually allowed under fair use copyright laws.
TikTok uses an automated system called Content ID to detect copyrighted music. Any videos using copyrighted content without permission will be removed. While you can’t upload full songs due to licensing restrictions, short clips and samples are permitted in many cases under fair use principles.
According to music experts, videos using less than 60 seconds of a song are unlikely to be taken down for copyright issues. Anything longer starts posing legal risks. Sticking to short snippets allows you to tap into familiar songs while avoiding full copyright claims.
Licensing Restrictions
TikTok is quite strict when it comes to the use of copyrighted music due to licensing agreements and legal requirements. TikTok only allows certain licensed music to be used on the platform. Their terms state “Our global music license agreements may require us to place limits on the duration of music that can be used in your video” (source).
Getting a license can be difficult for independent artists trying to promote their music on TikTok. As they explain, “If you’re an independent artist, you’ll need to confirm you have the necessary rights to commercially use the music in your video before uploading” (source). So unless you already hold the rights, you can’t simply upload full songs.
This licensing system presents a major hurdle for unsigned musicians hoping to gain exposure on TikTok’s huge platform. They are restricted in how much of their music they can share. TikTok aims to compensate rights holders through this system, but it limits promotional opportunities for indie artists.
Content ID System
TikTok uses an automated system called Content ID to detect copyrighted music in videos uploaded to the platform. Content ID scans new videos and compares the audio against an extensive database of copyrighted content (Source). When a match is found, the copyright holder has the option to block the video, monetize it, or track analytics. This prevents users from uploading infringing content using someone else’s song without permission.
The Content ID system makes it challenging to post cover songs or remixes, as the system will flag any use of copyrighted music (Source). Videos containing even short snippets of copyrighted songs often get removed or blocked. As a result, indie artists and creators struggle with having their videos taken down unexpectedly.
While Content ID aims to protect copyright, it can also block videos containing original music if the system falsely flags it as infringing. Creators must be careful to avoid false positives when posting their own songs. Overall, TikTok’s stringent Content ID system severely limits the music that can be used legally on the platform.
Building an Audience on TikTok as a New Artist
TikTok can be a challenging platform for new and emerging artists to build a substantial audience, as the algorithm and users tend to favor established artists with an existing fanbase. Unlike other social platforms, TikTok’s algorithm heavily factors in existing engagement and popularity, making it difficult for unknown artists to get their content seen
As TikTok curates an endless stream of short videos for each user, the algorithm prefers to show content from verified accounts with a large following. Newer artists often get buried, as the algorithm has little data to suggest their content will retain users. Additionally, without an existing fanbase that actively engages with their posts, the algorithm has no signal that a new artist’s content is compelling.
Established artists with millions of followers have a significant advantage on TikTok. Their content immediately reaches a large viewership, fans actively engage through likes, comments, and shares, and the algorithm picks up on these signals to recommend their content more widely. This creates a self-reinforcing cycle where popular artists keep getting pushed by the algorithm, while lesser-known artists struggle for any views.
While organically building an audience as a new artist on TikTok can be an uphill battle, emerging musicians should focus on cross-promoting across multiple platforms, running targeted ads, collaborating with influencers, and leveraging niche communities to gain an initial foothold on TikTok.
Promoting Your Music on TikTok
While uploading full songs to TikTok can be restricted due to copyright issues, there are other effective ways for artists to promote their music on the platform.
One strategy is to use short clips or snippets of your songs in TikTok videos. This allows you to showcase your music without running afoul of copyright rules. You can include links to stream or purchase the full song in your TikTok profile or video descriptions (Source).
Artists can also take advantage of TikTok’s popular hashtag challenges to gain exposure. Creating dance challenges or memes featuring your music is an engaging way to get your songs heard. Leveraging influencers and creators to use your tracks in their own videos can further extend your reach.
TikTok isn’t the only platform you can use. Promoting your TikTok videos and account on other social media sites like Instagram, Twitter and YouTube can help drive more followers. Similarly, linking to your music on streaming platforms like Spotify from your TikTok profile makes it easy for interested listeners to become fans.
While uploading full songs has limitations, smart cross-promotion, strategic content creation, and influencer marketing can help artists succeed on TikTok without running into copyright issues.
TikTok’s Evolving Music Policy
As TikTok has grown into one of the most popular social media platforms, its policies around music usage have continued to evolve. Initially, TikTok had very strict rules prohibiting the use of copyrighted music without licenses and permissions. But over time, TikTok has partnered with major music companies like Sony, Universal Music Group, and Warner Music to make their catalogs available through the TikTok sounds library [1].
This has opened up opportunities for creators to legally use popular songs in their videos. TikTok has also worked to improve copyright protections, implementing tools like Content ID to identify unauthorized use of music [2]. As the platform continues to evolve, there is potential for even more possibilities for indie artists to share their music and connect with new audiences.
While TikTok’s policies are still restrictive in some ways, their partnerships with major music companies demonstrate a recognition of music’s importance to the platform. This means there is hope for more flexibility and opportunities for musicians in the future as TikTok continues to grow.
Submitting a Takedown Request
If your music is uploaded to TikTok without your permission, you can issue a DMCA takedown request to have it removed. According to TikTok’s Copyright policy, copyright owners can submit a takedown request if someone has posted content that infringes on their copyright.
To submit a DMCA takedown request on TikTok:
- In the TikTok app, tap the Share button on the side of the infringing video you want to report.
- Tap Report to open the reporting screen.
- Select Copyright from the list of issues.
- Enter your contact information and any additional details to explain why you are requesting the takedown.
- Tap Submit to complete your DMCA takedown request.
TikTok states they will respond to valid DMCA takedown notices by removing the infringing content. This allows copyright holders like musicians and record labels to protect their intellectual property rights by requesting unauthorized uses of their content be taken down.
Strategies for Indie Artists
TikTok presents unique opportunities for independent musicians to gain exposure and grow their fanbase. However, finding success on the platform requires tapping into current trends and building relationships with influential creators.
Indie artists should focus on creating short, catchy songs and instrumental snippets that can be easily used for TikTok videos. Optimize tracks for 15-60 seconds in length to match common video lengths. Use relatable lyrics and hooks that prompt users to duet or stitch together collaborations.
Study trending sounds and challenges like the “M to the B” dance challenge that helped Tekashi 6ix9ine gain traction. Produce music that ties into popular memes and viral content. This increases the likelihood your song gets featured in videos with high engagement.
Collaborate with TikTok influencers in your genre by having them dance or lip-sync to your track. The right co-marketing partnership can introduce your music to their dedicated follower base. Micro-influencers with niche audiences can also provide valuable exposure.
Consistently using relevant hashtags makes it easier for TikTokers to find and use your songs. Include tags like #indiemusic, #unsignedartist, and #originalsong. Leverage TikTok’s platform tools like song credits and linking your Artist Profile.
Patience and consistently producing shareable content is key. Provide value to the TikTok community while developing your unique brand identity. With the right strategy tailored to the platform, indie artists can succeed on TikTok.
Getting Samples Cleared
Getting sample clearance for popular songs to use in short clips on TikTok can be challenging for indie artists without the resources of major labels. The process usually involves contacting the rights holder of the original track, which may be the label, publisher, or artist. Negotiating a fee to license a small sample requires finding the appropriate contacts and having an agreement drawn up. Rates can vary greatly based on the popularity of the song, length of sample, and commercial use.
As reported by Rolling Stone, major artists like Saweetie have teams to handle sample clearance and pay substantial fees, while DIY musicians struggle through the complex process themselves. For indie artists hoping to sample a hit song, it’s important to determine if it’s worth the time and cost based on expected exposure from TikTok. Creators may have better luck sampling lesser-known tracks or covers that are easier and more affordable to license.
The key is being realistic about the uphill battle of sampling popular tracks as an independent musician. Checking that clips fall under fair use, altering samples, or using original compositions can often be better approaches. With the right strategy, artists can still leverage TikTok to gain an audience without legal headaches from uncleared samples of major hits.
Alternatives to TikTok for Music Distribution
While TikTok is immensely popular, its restrictions on copyrighted music can make it a challenging platform for musicians looking to share their work. Thankfully, there are many alternative social platforms that may be a better fit for distributing your music.
For example, music-focused platforms like YouTube, Spotify, and SoundCloud allow you to easily upload and share full-length songs and albums. These platforms have built-in audiences of music fans who actively seek out new artists and songs to listen to.
Mainstream social networks like Instagram and Facebook also offer ways to share short audio and video clips that can help promote your music. You can grow a following, drive traffic to your music profiles, and use paid advertising tools to boost the reach of your posts.
The key advantage of these alternatives is that they fully support artists sharing their copyrighted material, as long as you own or control the rights. So you don’t have to worry about takedowns or limiting your music to short clips. Each platform also provides detailed data and analytics to help understand your audience and track your growth.
While TikTok presents some challenges for musicians, many other excellent options exist to help you distribute and promote your music online. Focusing your efforts on musician-friendly and music-first platforms may offer more promising results.
