TikTok is a popular short-form video app that allows users to create and share 15 to 60 second videos. One of the app’s key features is its library of voice effects that can be applied to videos to alter the sound of a user’s voice. Voice effects on TikTok include options like echo, robot, chipmunk, deep, and more. These effects help creators add a fun, engaging audio element to their videos.
TikTok’s voice effects have become incredibly popular, with certain effects like the “trickster” voice garnering widespread use. However, some users find that they are unable to access the voice effects for unknown reasons. This content will provide an overview of reasons why TikTok’s voice effects may not be working for some users, and provide troubleshooting tips to help fix the issue.
Voice Effect Availability
The voice effect feature on TikTok is only available on select videos, not all videos have it enabled. TikTok enables certain voice effects algorithmically on trending audios, viral videos, or based on content tags. So you may notice the voice effect on popular audios or some videos in your For You page feed, but not on other random videos you come across.
TikTok introduced voice effects as a creative tool for creators in late 2020. The feature gained popularity through viral audios like the “Trickster” effect. But TikTok limits voice effects to maintain their novelty and prevent overuse. You cannot manually enable voice effects on your own videos or force them on other people’s videos. The algorithm decides which videos showcase voice effects based on viewership and engagement (1).
So if you’re wondering why you don’t have the voice effect on your TikTok videos, it’s because TikTok’s algorithm has not enabled it. Focus on creating quality videos that get views and engagement organically. If your video starts trending, TikTok may automatically add a fitting voice effect to enhance it! But there is no guarantee that will happen.
Device Compatibility
Voice effects on TikTok are not supported on all devices. According to Epidemic Sound[1], voice effects are currently only available on iOS and Android smartphones. They do not work on tablets or computers. This means you’ll need an iPhone or Android phone running a recent version of the TikTok app to use voice effects.
Specifically, Socialby Lu notes that voice effects require iOS 15.0 or later[2]. For Android, you’ll need version 21.0.0 or higher. Older devices or operating system versions will not have access to the voice effects feature in the TikTok app.
So before trying to use a voice effect, check that you have a compatible smartphone and an up-to-date version of TikTok installed. Without the proper device and software, the effects simply won’t show up as an option when recording videos in the app.
App Version
One of the main reasons you may not see voice effects is because you don’t have the latest version of the TikTok app. TikTok is constantly releasing new features and updates, so you’ll need to keep your app updated to take advantage of the newest effects.
As per this TikTok video from @savannanoelll, voice effects require you to have the app fully updated, as older versions may not support the feature: https://www.tiktok.com/@savannanoelll/video/7164817056028822827?lang=en
So if you’re not seeing voice effects appear, go to your device’s app store and check for any available TikTok updates. Installing the latest version of the app should unlock the voice effects.
Region Restrictions
One reason you may not have access to certain voice effects on TikTok is due to regional restrictions. TikTok rolls out features and effects gradually across its supported markets, so not every effect is available globally at the same time.
For example, the popular “Trickster” voice effect was initially only enabled in select countries like the UK, before expanding to more regions over time. Other viral effects like the “Jesse” voice were also geo-restricted during initial testing.
If you try to use a voice changer that your friends in another country have, but can’t find it in your own TikTok effects menu, region locking is likely the cause. You may need to wait for TikTok to launch the voice effect in your geographic market.
According to TikTok’s own discover page, popular effects are often limited by country at first. So if an effect is trending elsewhere but unavailable where you are, patience may be needed until TikTok enables it more widely.
Age Restrictions
TikTok imposes age restrictions on certain features like voice effects to protect younger users. Users under the age of 18 may find voice effects unavailable due to TikTok’s safety settings.
For users ages 13-15, TikTok automatically enables the “Restricted Mode” which limits exposure to inappropriate content. This mode restricts access to some features like voice effects.
Users aged 16-17 have voice effects enabled by default, but parents can restrict access through family safety settings.
Once a user turns 18, all voice effects become available. So age restrictions are often just temporary limitations until a user becomes an adult.
Effect Controls
To access the voice effect controls in TikTok, first record your video using the app. After recording, tap the checkmark button in the bottom right corner to go to the editing screen. On this screen, tap the “Effects” tab at the bottom and you will see options for filters, effects, and voice effects.
The voice effects button looks like a face icon with sound waves next to it. Tap this icon to open the voice effects menu. Here you will find all of TikTok’s built-in voice changing filters, such as Helium, Giant, Vocalist, and more. Tap any effect to preview it.
When you find a voice effect you like, select it to apply the effect to your video’s audio. You can also tap the slider next to the effect to adjust how strong you want the effect applied. Once you finish selecting effects, tap “Save” and your video will save with the voice effect filters added.
If you don’t see the voice effects options, make sure you have recorded a video with audio in the app first. The effects will only show up after you record a clip. Additionally, make sure you have the latest version of TikTok installed and that your device is compatible with the voice changing effects (see next sections for details).
Troubleshooting
If the voice effects option is not appearing on TikTok, there are a few troubleshooting steps you can try:
First, make sure your app is fully updated to the latest version. TikTok frequently releases updates that add new features like voice effects, so having an outdated version could be the reason effects aren’t showing up.
You may also need to check your device compatibility. Voice effects are only available on newer iPhone and Android models. According to TikTok’s support page, devices need to be running at least iOS 15/Android 5.0 or higher.
If you’re using an older or unsupported device, unfortunately voice effects won’t be available. You’ll need to either update your OS or use a newer phone model.
Double check that you are allowing TikTok to access your microphone in your device settings. Voice effects need microphone access to work properly. Go into your phone’s app permissions and make sure TikTok is enabled.
As a last resort, you can try uninstalling and reinstalling the TikTok app. This will clear any corrupted data that could be preventing voice effects from loading.
Following these troubleshooting tips should help get voice effects working again in most cases. If the issue persists, you may need to contact TikTok support for additional help.
TikTok Settings
There are a few account settings within the TikTok app that can impact whether voice effects are available or not. Here are some key things to check in your TikTok settings:
Make sure the “Effects” setting is enabled. This can be found under Settings > Effects. If disabled, you won’t have access to any voice or video effects.
Double check your age settings under Profile > Edit Profile. Some effects may be restricted for younger users under 16. Setting your correct age provides proper access.
Under Settings > Digital Wellbeing, ensure “Screen Time Management” and “Restricted Mode” are disabled. These can sometimes limit effects.
Check Settings > Apps > TikTok and make sure all permissions are enabled like microphone, camera, storage etc. Disabled permissions can block certain features.
Lastly, go to Profile > Settings > Manage Data. Tap “Clear Cache” to refresh your local data. This can resolve issues with missing effects.
Conclusion
In summary, there are a few common reasons why the voice effect may not appear for some TikTok users
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- The effect is unavailable in certain countries or regions
- The user’s account or device may not meet the minimum age or OS requirements
- The latest version of the TikTok app has not been installed
- The effect settings are disabled or not properly configured
- There are temporary technical issues with the app or effect
To troubleshoot, first make sure your app and device meet TikTok’s requirements. Check your app’s permissions, update to the latest version, and toggle voice effects on/off in Settings. If issues persist, try contacting TikTok Support. With some adjustments, most users should be able to access the fun voice effects on TikTok.
