How to Make a Sound on TikTok and Go Viral
If you’re wondering how to make a sound on TikTok, chances are you want to become famous on one of the most promising platforms of the year. And you can.
Especially after the COVID-19 outbreak, TikTok has become one of the most influential social networks out there, with more than 500 million active users on a monthly basis. Social media enthusiasts keep asking themselves about the most effective strategies to go viral on TikTok when the right question is “how to make a sound on TikTok and go viral.”
Because everything comes down to the audio that you’re going to use.
Luckily enough, this is what this post covers. Being a network that heavily relies on audio, and not only on video, TikTok works as a great way to promote yourself or your brand via viral and trending sounds.
Before You Create Your TikTok Sound: The Rise of TikTok in 2020
TikTok started with the less inspired name, “Musica.ly,” and back then, it was completely audio-based since many people were just lip-syncing their favorite tunes. Fast forward to today, and it’s now considered a video platform where people can upload themselves singing, lip-syncing, giving tips, and sharing their creative skills.
From video creators (YouTube much?) to influencers, and from brands to music artists using it daily, one thing is for sure: TikTok is here to stay. But why? And, most importantly, how?
Well, it literally took a pandemic to make people listen.
During self-isolation and while the world was on lockdown, TikTok worked as a means of entertainment and connection for people around the world. With an easy-to-consume interface and digestible, 60-second-long videos, the creators managed to engage younger audiences who were looking for a new way to keep busy.
And it delivered.
Just weeks after the whole planet went in quarantine, TikTok saw its user base growing at the speed of sound.
The Case of TikTok Sounds
Although TikTok is a video-based platform, audio is everything — from songs to notable quotes. In fact, numerous artists owe their whole careers to the Chinese platform. Take Doja Cat, for example. Two of her most popular hits became popular on TikTok and then on Spotify.
Another interesting case is Melanie Martinez’s “Play Date,” a song released in 2015 that rose to fame just recently because more and more users were adding it to their TikToks.
And then, TikTok dancers came.
People who were just trying to find a way to express themselves through dancing now had a platform that would allow millions to watch them. And the truth is, it was a little cringy at first, but we all got used to it, right?
And then, the creatives came.
It took a while for actual TikTok creators (i.e., people who invest time in their content with extreme video editing and humor) to bubble up to the surface. And that was when the platform turned from a Generation-Z-only tool into a global means of entertainment.
In any case, the majority of TikTok audio presented in videos is not original. Users can search the app’s sound library to add music and funny punchlines to their videos so they can appear relevant.
But more on how to make a sound on TikTok and become famous in a while. First, we need to understand why.
Why Create TikTok Sounds
For artists, the rising popularity and benefits of TikTok sounds are more evident since all they need to do is post funny and catchy videos with their work as a soundtrack so more people can discover them.
This is exactly what happened to Shuba, who’s also been featured in Jimmy Fallon:
But what about influencers or even brands who want to raise awareness and grow their following? You guessed it right. Everyone can benefit from it.
The power of TikTok lies in personalization, and sooner or later, users who’ve engaged with content similar to yours will discover your videos. But it’s not just that.
If you’re someone looking to build an online career as an influencer or a web personality, TikTok is a great way to start due to its primarily younger audience. And younger audiences dominate the Internet right now.
Think of it this way: TikTok users are the consumers of the future; those who choose what trends they and the generations to come will follow.
But it’s not just aspiring influencers who can benefit from this TikTok madness. Brands are also able to engage broader audiences through TikTok by showing a human face. Especially engage users in their early twenties.
All this can happen only with viral TikTok sounds. So, if you’re wondering why you need to create a TikTok sound to build a social media presence, this is the answer: because you can build a brand identity.
So, what makes an excellent TikTok sound? Let’s find out below.
The Principles of a Successful TikTok Sound
We saw many TikToks. Thousands. Millions, maybe. And we identified patterns that will help you create sounds on TikTok that will go viral.
Like it or not, believe it or not, social media are all about surprises and excitement. So, it’s all about the unexpected. This leads us to our first point on how to create amazing TikTok sounds that can go viral:
1. It Has to Be Weird
The internet is not just about high-quality content anymore. It’s also about things that the viewer has never come across before. Embrace unexpectedness, weirdness, and quirky ideas.
On TikTok, you’re mainly talking to those who’ve been born in the Internet era, so they’ve seen and heard it all. So make it weird because this is what this generation is looking for.
When creating a TikTok sound, creators keep in mind different effects, pitches, or even sound effects. They play around with songs that they believe that their audience will love, and they never forget that it has to be unexpected. Like, ever.
2. It Has to Be Relevant
Think of what your parents, grandparents, or even your older siblings. What are their influences? What does “virality” mean to them? Now think of yourself. Your taste is more or less different.
Connecting with people through audio feels less personal than video. So, there’s one extra reason to be more relevant to the audience you’re speaking to. And relevancy is a key connector because it feels like you’re delivering to your audience the audio they already know and feel familiar with.
3. It Has to Be Fast
TikTok’s engagement rates are so high due to the fact that videos can’t be longer than 60 seconds maximum. So, how much can someone say in just one minute? How can a TikToker communicate their message as fast as possible?
Well, it’s their job to figure this out.
When TikTokers record their audio, they have to speak faster than they usually do but not too fast so people can understand what they’re saying. To create a TikTok sound that meets success, users need to make a point, write a script, and, of course, stick to it.
4. It Has to Be Funny
The comedy never dies. On the contrary, it’s always relevant, and more and more people are turning on their phones to crack a smile before sleep. That’s a proven recipe for success.
Successful TikTokers create TikTok sounds and videos to entertain people and make them forget about their everyday problems.
5. It Has to Be Rewatchable
Except for likes and followers, TikTok’s algorithm takes into account how much people engage with content. Which translates into how many times videos are being watched. And audio plays an important part.
When creating audio for TikTok videos, users must keep in mind that viewers must engage with content so much that they’ll want to rewatch.
So, these are the five main points that an aspiring TikToker needs to address when creating content, videos, and sounds for TikTok.
In a second, we’ll look at how to create a TikTok sound that makes a huge impact. But first, how do you actually do it?
What should you do to create and upload TikTok audio? Here’s a complete guide:
How to Create a TikTok Sound: A Guide
You’ve got all the basics. All the principles and the main guidelines you need to follow to do it. Now let’s get down and dirty. Let’s see how you can create and upload sounds on TikTok from scratch or use audio that you can find online.
Here you go.
Step #1: Download or Record Your Audio
The very first thing you want to do is either download your sound from an audio library, YouTube, or create your very own sound from scratch by simply hitting the record button in your voice recording app.
Keep your microphone as close to your mouth as possible but tilt your device so your labial consonants don’t come off too harsh.
Step #2: Create a Video with That Sound
If you want to download a sound from YouTube, make sure you download it as a video because TikTok no longer allows users to just upload sounds.
On the other hand, if you want to use an original sound that you’ve just recorded, you need to use a third-party app to convert it into a video.
Step #3: Upload Your Video on TikTok
Now that you’ve got your 60-second-max video with your sound, all you have to do is post it on TikTok.
Sign in to your account, tap the “+” icon, and choose “Upload” at the bottom right of your screen. Go to the folder your video is in, select your video, and tap “Next.” Add effects if you want to, and then move to the next step.
Step #4: Mark the Video as Private
On your screen now, you get to see some options like “add a description,” “allow comments, reactions, duets,” etc.
There’s also another option saying, “Who can view this video.” Tap and choose “Private” so no one can access your upload, except for you.
Now you can hit “Post.”
Step #5: Use Your Sound and Create a New Video
Your TikTok is now live and accessible only by you. To use your own sound, all you have to do is access your TikTok and tap your sound’s title on the bottom left while watching it.
Shoot your TikTok, follow the exact same steps you followed to upload your first video, and you’ll be good to go.
Mark the video as Public and your video is now live and accessible.
But Here’s How to Create a Viral TikTok Sound
Thousands of videos and sounds go live on TikTok every single day. How can you make sure that yours is the one that will stand out from the crowd and make it in such a competitive landscape?
Of course, your TikTok video needs to be fun and entertaining, but your audio should also be top-notch and has to follow some technical guidelines that you need to keep in mind when creating your first final product.
Here are seven tips for creating an original TikTok sound that will amaze your audience:
Tip #1: Make It Loud
Not everyone has the best smartphone in the world with the best speakers that will allow them to hear a crystal clear sound when you’re speaking or delivering your audio.
To get your audio to go viral, first, you need to make sure that it’s audible and clear. And, of course, loud.
Tip #2: Make It Professional
Your sound needs to be professional. As much as possible.
So, have zero background noise, no reverb, and more bass. Give your voice some color and your music (if you want to add a soundtrack) some effects to give your audio some depth.
This will give the illusion of a professional sound recording that will be pleasant to your audience’s ears.
Tip #3: Make It Quirky
Quirkiness sells. Our world is thirsty for weirdness. Use it as much as you can but not too much because it might come off cringey. Use different tones of voice, various effects, and embrace playfulness.
Don’t be shy. Play with your audio and see how it goes. In other words…
Tip #4: Make It Fun
We’ve already talked about the importance of entertainment in this Internet-of-Things era. It’s crucial. Have fun while recording or editing your sound. Use your “happy” voice, feel confident, and talk while keeping in mind that you want to make people feel happy.
Think of radio producers in the morning shows. Smile while recording your TikTok audio and add effects for extra happy chills.
Tip #5: Make It Shareable
You develop your audio, put it in your final TikTok video, and think about your audience. And it’s fine. Now, you need to add an extra step: Think of your audience’s audience.
If you do it right, you basically enable shareability and people will share your TikTok audio with their inner circle who, in turn, will share your TikTok with their circle as well. And do you know what this means? More views.
Tip #6: Make It Loopable
Want to know a secret? You can create a TikTok sound (and video) that people are going to rewatch multiple times without even realizing it. The secret? It’s all about video-editing and sound-mixing.
TikTok’s algorithm takes into account how many times your videos are being watched. So, with the right video and sound editing, you’ll be able to have your viewers watch your videos in a loop.
Tip #7: Make It a Challenge
At the end of the day, TikTok is a social network, and just like with any social network it works with hashtags, trends, and, of course, challenges. Many famous TikTok sounds are associated with specific challenges, and people reproduce them when they want to participate.
Take this Taylor Swift song from 2008, for example. Recently, it became a “challenge” with guys trying to …dance (?) to the tune.
Conclusion: This is How To Create a TikTok Sound Easily
Basically, it all comes down to using TikTok as a social medium. It’s not just about how to make a TikTok sound and upload it. It’s also about having fun.
TikTok is a platform that younger audiences prefer so they don’t want to see someone using it as their job. They want someone who’s having fun and delivers content effortlessly. So, keep that in mind as well.
