How To Fix “This Sound Isn’t Licensed For Commercial Use” On TikTok

In this article, you’ll learn how to fix “this sound isn’t licensed for commercial use” on TikTok.

You’re probably reading this article because TikTok says “This sound isn’t licensed for commercial use” when you add a song to your video.

You’re experiencing this because you’re using a business account on TikTok. If you’re using a business account, this means that you can’t use TikTok mainstream sounds while in business mode.

Business or commercial accounts have limited access to songs. You will experience “this sound isn’t licensed for commercial use” because the song is not available on TikTok commercial music library.

But how can I fix this issue? Fortunately, we have written a detailed guide and practical solutions to help you fix this issue.

In this article, you’ll learn how to fix “this sound isn’t licensed for commercial use” on TikTok.

What Does “This Sound Isn’t Licensed For Commercial Use” Means?

“This sound isn’t licensed for commercial use” simply means that you can’t add the music to your TikTok video.

You will get this error message if you’re using a business account on TikTok. Business accounts have their commercial music library which differs from the general music library.

Songs not found on TikTok commercial music library cannot be used for commercial purposes. This means that you can’t use mainstream sounds on the general music library for business accounts.

Why Does TikTok Say “This Sound Isn’t Licensed For Commercial Use?”

The only reason you are experiencing “sound isn’t licensed for commercial use is because you’re using a business account on TikTok.

TikTok introduced the commercial music library for business accounts in 2020, shortly after the platform was reportedly sued for copyrighted songs.

So when TikTok says “This sound isn’t licensed for commercial use”. This means that the song is not available in their commercial music library.

Any music not found on TikTok commercial music library cannot be used on business accounts.

How To Fix “This Sound Isn’t Licensed For Commercial Use” On TikTok

When you create a new TikTok account, the default of the account is set to a personal account. But if you switch to business, some limitations come with commercial accounts on TikTok.

Business accounts are known as commercial accounts. Due to copyright infringement issues, TikTok business accounts have limited access to music features.

You can only use music that has been licensed by TikTok for commercial use.

Switch To Personal Account

Using non-commercial music not licensed by TikTok may attract suspension or account ban. To avoid this issue, you need to switch from a business to a personal account.

Open the App on your phone and log into your account.

Tap your profile avatar icon at the bottom left corner of the screen.
On your TikTok profile dashboard, tap More Options (the three horizontal lines) at the top right corner of the screen.
Select Settings and Privacy

Tap Account.
Select Switch To Personal Account
Select “Switch Anyway” from business to personal account.

TikTok mainstream sounds are only available on personal accounts.

However, if you want to participate in a challenge using mainstream songs. You need to switch from a TikTok business to a personal account.

Choose Sound From the TikTok Commercial Music Library

Another thing that you can do to fix “this sound isn’t licensed for commercial use” on TikTok is to choose a sound that has been licensed by TikTok for commercial use.

You can’t use sounds from the TikTok general music library on a post that promotes a brand, product, or service.

You can only add non-commercial sound to your videos, so far the videos are for personal entertainment and non-commercial use.

Your account will be suspended or banned if you use sound that is not licensed for commercial use.

To use non-commercial sounds in your videos, you must ensure that you have obtained all the necessary rights to use the music.

You need to obtain the music rights to avoid copyright infringement issues.

Use Your Music (Original Sound)

Another way you can fix “this isn’t licensed for commercial use” is to upload an original sound to your videos.

If you use a business account, you can upload your sounds and use it for commercial purposes. You must indicate directly in your videos that the sound is “original sound”.

However, you can’t use an original sound that has been used by someone else for commercial purposes on TikTok. You must obtain all necessary rights from the owner of the sound.

What happens if you use a copyrighted sound on TikTok?

When the TikTok system detects copyrighted music on your video after posting it, the sound in the video will be muted or the video will be taken down from the platform.

TikTok will either mute or remove the video to protect its music copyright policies.

Also if the system detects the sound before you post the video, TikTok will say “This sound isn’t licensed for commercial use”.

However, if you have obtained the rights and permission to use the music in your video and TikTok took it down. You need to file a Copyright Infringement Counter-Notification and provide proof of documents that you have obtained the necessary rights to use the music in your video.

Conclusion

Business accounts on TikTok are mainly for commercial purposes. Compared to TikTok personal accounts, there are limits to features you can access when you’re using a business account.

TikTok business accounts have limited access to music features. And you can only use music licensed for commercial use on business accounts.

TikTok commercial music library is strictly for commercial use only and General music library (for personal accounts) can be used for personal entertainment and fun purposes.

You can use any sounds including mainstream sounds as long as you’re using a personal account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does TikTok detect copyrighted music?

Yes, TikTok checks each video posted on the platform for copyrighted music. Your video will be taken down if copyrighted music is found. However, you won’t have any issues having obtained the necessary rights to use the sound.