Are you having issues with TikTok not recording your original sound when making TikTok videos? This can be frustrating if you want to add your own unique audio or commentary to your TikTok videos.
In this detailed guide, I’ll walk you through some of the common reasons why TikTok may not be recording your original sound and provide troubleshooting steps to help get it working properly.
Why Is TikTok Not Recording My Original Sound?
There are a few potential reasons why TikTok may not be recording the original sound you want to include in your videos:
Microphone or Audio Permissions Not Enabled
One of the most common reasons TikTok can’t record your voice or other audio is if you haven’t enabled microphone access for the app.
TikTok needs access to your phone’s microphone in order to record any original sounds you make. This includes your voice, ambient sounds around you, or audio played into the mic.
If you haven’t allowed microphone access, TikTok won’t be able to detect or record any sounds to include in your video. Double check that TikTok has microphone permissions enabled for your device.
Using Copyrighted Audio
TikTok has restrictions on using copyrighted music or audio clips in your videos. If you try to record a cover song or use a short clip of copyrighted audio, TikTok may block it from being recorded properly.
You’ll only be able to use original audio recordings that don’t include unauthorized use of copyrighted materials. TikTok’s algorithms automatically detect copyrighted music and sounds and prevent them from being recorded.
Poor Microphone Quality or Too Much Background Noise
The quality of your phone or headset’s microphone can also impact TikTok’s ability to record clear original audio.
If you have an older phone with a subpar microphone, it may have difficulty picking up the nuances of your voice or ambient sounds. There also may be too much background noise.
Try recording in a quiet environment and speak loudly and clearly when adding voiceovers. Make sure you’re using a high-quality microphone for best results.
App Glitches or Outdated Software
In some cases, glitches within the TikTok app itself could prevent original sounds from recording correctly. App crashes, frozen screens, or interruptions during recording can all cause issues.
Make sure the TikTok app is updated to the latest version available for your device. Outdated app software can lead to bugs that disrupt audio recording capabilities.
Unsupported File Formats
If you’re trying to upload an original audio file from your phone rather than record directly within the TikTok app, make sure it’s a supported file format.
TikTok only allows certain audio formats like MP3, WAV, and M4A. Uncommon formats may not upload and record properly. Convert the file to a compatible format before uploading to TikTok.
How to Fix TikTok Not Recording Original Sound on iPhone & Android
If you’re running into issues with recording voiceovers, ambient sounds, or other original audio for your TikTok videos, try these troubleshooting steps:
Confirm Microphone Access is Enabled
The first step is to check your microphone privacy settings. TikTok can’t record any audio if it doesn’t have access to the microphone.
- In your phone’s Settings, find the Apps or Application Manager menus. Locate the TikTok app permissions.
- In the permission manager, tap on “Microphone.”
- Ensure the Microphone permission is enabled for TikTok. If not, toggle it on.
- You can also go into TikTok settings, choose Privacy and Safety, and enable Microphone access there.
- Restart the TikTok app and try recording original audio again.
Use Original Audio Only
Double check that you’re not trying to use copyrighted audio material. TikTok is very strict about using only original sounds created by you.
- Don’t record yourself singing over licensed songs or commercial tracks.
- Don’t use snippets of copyrighted noises, sound clips, or music.
- Stick to entirely original vocal and ambient sound recordings to avoid issues.
- If you want background music, use the TikTok music library which provides copyright-free options.
Find a Quiet Environment
Look for external issues impacting your microphone’s audio recordings. Noisy backgrounds or poor mic quality can both affect TikTok’s sound detection.
- Move to a quiet room with minimal ambient noise when recording your voiceovers or sounds. Turn off any music or televisions.
- Ensure you’re speaking loudly and clearly. Position the microphone close to your mouth.
- If using your phone’s mic, don’t cover it with your fingers while recording.
- If the mic still has issues detecting sound, try connecting high-quality external microphones.
Update the TikTok App
An outdated version of TikTok could be the issue if you’re running into recording glitches or crashes.
- Open your device’s App Store or Google Play Store.
- Search for TikTok and check if there are any pending updates available to install.
- Update TikTok to the latest available version and try recording again.
- If that doesn’t work, delete and reinstall the TikTok app completely.
Convert Unsupported Audio Formats
If you want to upload an original sound file from outside TikTok, make sure it’s a supported format.
- TikTok only allows common formats like MP3, WAV, and M4A. Check your audio file’s format before uploading.
- If it’s an incompatible format, use an audio converter app to change it to MP3 or another supported format.
- There are free online file converters available if you search for “convert audio files to mp3.”
- Once converted, you should be able to upload and use the original sound file.
Contact TikTok Support
If you still can’t get TikTok to record your original sounds after trying all troubleshooting steps, you may need help from TikTok’s support team.
- In the TikTok app, go to your profile page and find the Support button.
- Tap through the options until you can select Audio and Sounds as your issue type.
- Explain the problem in detail and what troubleshooting you’ve tried.
- The TikTok team can then investigate and hopefully provide a fix for your microphone and audio issues.
Best Practices for Recording Original Sound on TikTok
Once you get TikTok’s audio recording working again, keep these best practices in mind:
Get Clear Audio Consent
Always get consent from anyone appearing in your TikTok videos before recording their voice. Their audio is protected by privacy laws in some jurisdictions.
Use a Ring Light for Better Lighting
Proper lighting can make a huge difference in audio quality. Ring lights reduce shadows which improves how clearly your microphone picks up sounds.
Edit Out Mistakes Before Posting
Don’t be afraid to re-record segments or edit out verbal stumbles in a video editor before uploading to TikTok. Clean audio quality keeps viewers engaged.
Add Captions for Accessibility
Don’t rely only on original voice recordings. Add captions to your TikTok video so it’s accessible for those with hearing issues.
Balance Game Volume and Voiceover Audio
If recording your voice over gameplay footage, adjust the game and mic volumes so one doesn’t drown out the other.
Use Lavalier Mics for Mobile Recording
Lavalier or lapel microphones provide great sound quality for recordings on the go from your mobile device.
Monitor Recording with Headphones
Wear headphones while capturing original audio so you can monitor the recording quality and make adjustments on the fly.
Why High-Quality Original Audio Matters on TikTok
Putting effort into getting great original sound quality for your TikTok videos is worth it. Here’s why it makes a difference:
Engages Viewers
Quality original audio keeps viewers watching and engaged. Bad mic quality is distracting and may cause viewers to keep scrolling.
Increases Watch Time
Videos with longer watch times are rewarded by TikTok’s algorithm. Clear voice and sound makes it easier to sit through longer videos.
Provides Production Value
Original high-quality sound makes videos feel more polished and professional. It adds production value that helps them stand out.
Improves Accessibility
Clean audio with minimal background noise ensures videos are accessible for those who are hard of hearing or rely on captions.
Helps Videos Go Viral
Videos with good engagement metrics like watch time are more likely to go viral. Proper audio helps boost those metrics.
Final Tips for Recording Great Original Audio on TikTok
Fixing issues with TikTok not picking up original sounds takes some troubleshooting. But once you get it working properly, you can elevate your videos with custom voiceovers, ambient sounds, and unique audio elements.
Remember to use the highest quality external microphone available for best results. Edit out any mistakes in post-production. And make sure to get consent and balance game volume if necessary.
Stick to royalty-free music if you need background tracks. And consider adding captions as well for accessibility.
With great original sound, your TikTok videos will engage more viewers and get more exposure. The extra effort to record proper audio really pays off once people start watching, liking, and sharing your content.
