TikTok Sounds: The Secret to Trending on TikTok (December 2024)

TikTok is more than just a visual social media channel. While fun, dynamic videos help make your content strategy pop, what drives virality and success on the channel is the auditory experience. TikTok is all about sounds. Using the right sound at the right time can be the difference between your best video sinking or skyrocketing to the ‘For You’ page.

Figuring out how to use popular TikTok sounds and which sounds work best can be challenging for social media managers. TikTok trends change fast, and keeping up with trends is a job in itself. In many ways, brands have to rethink everything they know about social media as it transforms into social entertainment, and users scroll through their feeds for entertainment above everything else.

To help you navigate this new era of social marketing, this blog covers: 

• What Sounds are trending on TikTok, updated monthly. 
• What are TikTok sounds? 
• Why TikTok sounds are important. 
• How to add your own sound to TikTok.
• How to find and use TikTok sounds. 

How To Find Trending TikTok Audio

Diving into the vibrant world of TikTok, you'll quickly notice it's not your average social platform. It's a playground for music and entertainment enthusiasts. TikTok's heartbeat is its music — a dynamic mix of sounds and songs neatly categorized into viral hits, spanning various genres and moods. Perfect for nailing that dance challenge or mastering your lip-sync game.

Now, here's the juicy part: finding those trending TikTok audios. Picture a chart, like a treasure map, leading you to the top-performing songs that are making waves across countless videos. These aren't just any tracks; they're the ones setting the TikTok universe on fire. And let's not forget the remixes — they're a big deal here. Each track transforms, creating multiple versions that fuel fun, viral dance challenges. They're easy to film, and before you know it, you might just be the next viral sensation.

So, how do you tap into this goldmine of trending TikTok audio? It's all about exploring the viral section, where the magic of music meets the pulse of popular culture. However, this can be challenging for brands with a TikTok Business Account — often, trending viral sounds aren't approved for business use, meaning brands with these accounts might need to get more creative when it comes to sourcing sounds. Here's a simple way to filter through the right sounds for you:

• Head to TikTok's Creative Center.
• In the header menu, select 'Trends', then 'Songs'.
• Check the box next to 'Approved for business use'.
• From there, you can sort and discover songs by when they were added (By last seven, 30 and 120 days) And whether they’re new to the top 100 or not.

If you don't have endless hours to scroll on TikTok to find the next big sound, we've curated a list of the top trending TikTok audio (updated monthly) sure to set your video up for success.

Trending TikTok Sounds — December 2024

It's time! With the holiday season in full swing, here are some sounds trending on TikTok this December.

Christmas - neozilla 

This approved-for-business sound is perfect to usher in the holiday season — whether you’re sharing gift ideas, decorating schemes or any other decorating content, this is a great choice to complement holiday promotions.

‍Audio: Christmas - neozilla

Christmas song “Let’s decorate” - 3KTrack

Decorating your office or sharing promotional holiday content? This fun, instrumental version of ‘Deck the Halls’ is the perfect song to complement any holiday-centric content — and it's approved for business use.

Audio: Christmas song "Let's decorate:  3KTrack

Trending TikTok Sounds — November 2024

With Thanksgiving right around the corner — and the holidays on our mind — here are some trending songs you can expect to see on your Explore page and use in your content.

Missing Pieces - Flawed Mangoes 

‘Missing Pieces’ by Flawed Mangoes is a calm, instrumental song, that’s a perfect fit for, wellness content, travel or any other visual content with a serene feel. 

Audio: Missing Pieces - Flawed Mangoes

Dear Mama - 2Pac

While it’s been popular since it’s 1995, ‘Dear Mama’ by 2Pac has found new life on TikTok with a recent trend of people joking with their moms. To do this trend, people use a text overlay to write ‘My mom: Take my card and buy me a bag of chips (or another item), and get yourself something too’. In the video content itself, folks are pulling the requested item from mom out of the bag, and then a very expensive gift — think Play Stations, cell phones or laptops. 

Audio: Dear Mama - 2Pac

Trending TikTok Sounds — October 2024

After a brat summer full of female-led pop stars, here are the sounds shaping our FYP’s this October.

Maps - Yeah Yeah Yeahs (360.9K Videos) 

This song is trending with a simple, fun dance, but can also be used as a backing track for your other content. Even Cool Math Games are getting in on the trend with an animated figure dancing to the revived song.

Audio: Maps - Yeah Yeah Yeahs

Akon’s Beautiful Day (133.9K Videos)

‘Beautiful Day’ by Akon is a rare song approved for business use on TikTok, and is perfect for any of your TikTok content that centers around positivity or having a great day. Brands could use this song on a product release day or showing your product or service in action. 

Audio: Akon - Beautiful Day

‍

“Why are you so obsessed with Halloween?” (254.3K Videos)

This is a remix with a sample from the Disney Channel Original Halloween classic, Halloweentown — use this to promote ideas for boo baskets, costumes or any other Halloween-centric content. 

Audio: Halloweentown

Talk Talk - Charli XCX and Troye Sivan (10.1K Videos)

Yes, we’re still celebrating Brat Autumn — while we eagerly anticipate the brat remix album, this remix of ‘Talk Talk’ by Charli XCX and Troye Sivan, who are currently on the SWEAT tour together, is keeping fans fed. Use this song for anything ‘brat’ related, or unrelated content like beauty reviews or OOTDs. 

Audio: Talk Talk- Charli XCX and Troye Sivan

Taste - Sabrina Carpenter (140.3K Videos)

If you still can’t get Espresso or Feathers out of your head, prepare for another Sabrina Carpenter hit — ‘Taste’ — to infiltrate your brain. To use this song in your TikTok content, do the related dance trend or simply use it as a backing track for your regularly scheduled programming.

Audio: Taste - Sabrina Carpenter

Trending TikTok Sounds — September 2024

Fall is almost here, school is back in session and the days are shorter — with September in full swing, here are the songs trending on TikTok this month. 

Diet Pepsi - Addison Rae (132.2K)

This song is light, airy and suits a variety of content. Popular uses include beauty content, dances (make up your own!) and transitions. 

Audio: Diet Pepsi - Addison Rae

Apple x Supercut - Charli xcx ft. Lorde (15.8K Videos) 

We might be waving goodbye to brat summer, but that doesn’t mean we can’t usher in brat fall. Building on the excitement of the ‘Girl, so confusing’ remix featuring Lorde, TikTok user @jevanmusic mashed up both tracks for an ultra-catchy track. Use this sound to do the apple dance (again!) or to back food content, unboxings or nearly anything else.

Audio: Apple x Supercut - Charli xcx ft. Lorde

Disco - Surf Curse (1M Videos) 

This 2019 release is getting new life through a simple TikTok dance — this is perfect to show off a fun dance moment from your internal team, or simply use it as a backing track to spotlight new products or campaigns.

Audio: Disco - Surf Curse

Die With a Smile - Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars (24.3K Videos) 

This new track from hitmakers Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars is perfect for ‘POV’ content, and doing the simple dance trend, courtesy of Gaga herself. In your TikTok, either simply dance or share an accompanying text overlay explaining something positive that makes you want to dance, like getting off work or opening a new tube of lipstick — the possibilities are endless.

Audio: Die With a Smile - Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars

Trending TikTok Sounds — August 2024

As Summer comes to a close, here are the songs trending on TikTok. 

Juna - Clairo (1.1M Videos)

This new release by Clairo is calm and soothing with soft vocals that complement everything from OOTDs to GWRMs. Another way to use this song on TikTok is to complete the ‘you know me’, trend. To participate, simply share a photo carousel — in the first image, include a photo with text reading ‘you know me?’, and in the following photo, include a selfie with text that reads ‘you know me’ with a list of little things that make you, you, from your favorite foods to bad habits.

Audio: Juna - Clairo

Came Here for Love - Sigala & Ella Eyre (122.5K videos)

This song is upbeat, high energy, full of life and perfect to use for any content involving love or simply something you love. Another fun way creators are using this song is to poke fun at Love Island’s Kordell entrance to the island, where he spun a circle with his suitcase. Try it with your own luggage, backpack or even tote bag — the possibilities are endless.

¸Audio: Came Here for Love - Sigala & Ella Eyre

Boons - Zach Bryan (14.5K Videos) 

This is a lovely, country love song that’s perfect for any content celebrating love. One of the most popular ways to use the sound is to share a carousel image of yourself with the lyrics, ‘Leave me out of that talk downtown,’ and in the next image, use the lyric ‘I have found everything I need,’ with a photo of your significant other or whatever else is the object of your affection.

Audio: Boons - Zach Bryan

Good Luck, Babe! (Cover) - Sabrina Carpenter (210 Videos)

What happens when one artist-of-the-summer covers another? A certifiable TikTok hit. This song is still in its infancy, so it’s perfect for early adopters and trendsetters.

Audio: Good Luck, Babe! (Cover) - Sabrina Carpenter

Trending TikTok Sounds — July 2024

Looking for some trending songs to use in your TikTok content this month? Look no further — here are five of the most popular songs currently trending on the app. 

Apple - Charli XCX 

'Apple' by Charli XCX is a vibrant, upbeat pop track with a thoughtful message that has gained popularity on TikTok for its catchy chorus and energetic vibe. The song's infectious melody and playful lyrics make it a favorite for the ‘apple’ dance challenge and dynamic, creative content.

Brands can use this song in their TikTok content to create lively, engaging videos that capture attention and align with energetic marketing campaigns. For example, fashion brands can use it to showcase new collections in a fun, spirited way.

Audio: Apple - Charli XCX

Hang Drum in the Mountain - Carlos Carty 

‘Hang Drum in the Mountain’ by Carlos Carty is approved for business use, and is an instrumental track that features the soothing, melodic sounds of the hang drum, set against a backdrop of serene mountain scenery. The song's tranquil and meditative vibe has made it popular on TikTok, often used in videos that emphasize relaxation, nature and mindfulness.

Brands can leverage this trending audio by incorporating it into content that aligns with themes of calmness and natural beauty. For example, travel companies can use it to showcase serene destinations, while wellness brands might feature it in content promoting meditation or self-care routines.

Audio: Hang Drum in the Mountain - Carlos Carty

Silver Soul - Beach House 

‘Silver Soul’ by Beach House is a dreamy, ethereal track with lush, atmospheric instrumentals and haunting vocals. The song's introspective feel makes it a favorite on TikTok for creating emotional, artistic videos that evoke a sense of beauty or calmness.

Brands can use this song in their emotional or visually captivating TikTok content. This song perfect for storytelling or highlighting serene and reflective moments.

Audio: Silver Soul - Beach House

Yeah Glo! (Extended) - GloRilla

‘Yeah Glo! (Extended)’ by GloRilla is an energetic, upbeat track. Its catchy beat and empowering lyrics make it perfect for any sort of content that evokes confidence. Users are leveraging this song for dance challenges, workout routines and motivational posts.

Brands can use this song in their TikTok content to create lively and motivating videos, showcasing products in an energetic and captivating manner to resonate with the upbeat vibe of the song.

Audio: Yeah Glo! (Extended) - GloRilla

too young to be old - Jax 

‘Too Young to Be Old’ by Jax is a lively track making waves on TikTok. Its upbeat tempo combined with reflective lyrics about youth and resisting the pressures of aging resonates with audiences both young and old. TikTok users are using this song to celebrate their fathers, and for nostalgic montages or celebrating youthful moments.

Brands can incorporate this song into their TikTok content to create engaging and relatable videos that highlight fun experiences or to promote products that emphasize a youthful lifestyle.

Audio: Too Young to Be Old - Jax

Trending TikTok Sounds — June 2024

As Summer takes shape, here are the songs approved for business use that are trending on TikTok in June.

BLUE - Billie Eilish (945.4K videos)

This song, BLUE, from Billie Eilish’s latest album is perfect to back nearly any content, from and outfit of the day to a DIY. One of the most interesting trends for beauty creators associated with this song is the ‘water challenge’ shown below — if you’re great at transitions, try your hand at this trend where you pour water over your head while transitioning to a blue makeup look.

Audio: BLUE - Billie Eilish

stellar (slowed + reverbed) 

This song, stellar (slowed + reverbed), is the perfect low-key, emotional-sounding song to back any TikTok content with a soft, thoughtful or tender feel.

Audio: stellar (slowed + reverbed)

A Day in My Life - Soft Boy 

‘A Day in My Life’ is another lowkey, soft-sounding song trending this month that’s also approved for business use. Not melancholic but soft, use this audio for any type of calm TikTok content.

Audio: A Day in My Life

Life Will Be - Cleo Sol

‘Life Will Be’ by Cleo Sol is a soulful track with soft, smooth melodies and heartfelt lyrics. Cleo Sol's rich and moody vocals carry the song, making it a soothing and inspiring listen. This is the perfect song for any TikTok content that could be categorized as ‘chill’. 

Audio: Life Will Be - Cleo Sol

What are TikTok Sounds?

TikTok sounds are the auditory cues that users can play during their videos. Short-form videos automatically play with the sound turned on, and your choice of audio plays an all-important role in making a strong first impression in your TikTok marketing strategy.

TikTok has a library of sounds where you can discover new sounds or listen to your favorites that you’ve saved. TikTok’s Discover section not only features the top trending tags but also calls out the top trending sounds. Users looking for variations of a particular trend may search for more content related to that sound. TikTok may also organically serve them trending content as they scroll, which is why taking advantage of trending sounds leads to higher performance on TikTok.

Megan Thee Stallion’s songs had the most catalog views of any artist in 2020 and 2021.

In 2023, the most played sounds didn't belong to one particular artist — these were:

• Love You So - The King Kahn & BBQ Show (32.5 million videos)
• Aesthetic - Tollan Kim (17.3 million videos)
• Girls Like Me Don't Cry - Thuy (9.7 million videos)
• The Wish - Ariana De Bose (4.3 million videos)
• Notice Me - Gucci and Loud Behavior (3.9 million videos)
• Paint The Town Red - Doja Cat (2.7 million videos)
• We Don't Talk About Bruno - Encancot Cast (2.5 million videos)
• Barbie World - Nicki Minaj and Ice Spice (2.4 millions videos)
• Wassup Gway - Famous Sally and YB (2.34 million videos)
• Endless Summer - Alan Walker (2.4 million videos)

How To Find and Use TikTok Sounds

Here are some tips to source TikTok sounds for your content.

Adding Sounds to New Videos

Sounds integrate directly with the TikTok camera. Once you select the plus button at the bottom of your screen, you will see the “Add sound” button at the very top of the camera.

From there, you will see the sounds library, which will most likely be the commercial music library if you have a TikTok Business account (these sounds are royalty-free and can be used commercially).

Additionally, you can search for specific sounds in the library or create content related to a sound once you’ve found it on the Discover page.

Adding Sounds to Existing Videos

You can add sound to videos from your camera roll as well. After you upload your video, tap “Sounds” and drag your intended sound from the library or your Favorites into your video.

In this case, it’s harder to sync existing video with an original sound from the library, and most marketers simply use their phones to record TikToks in the moment. It’s easy to record, and audiences on this channel are accustomed to lo-fi footage over staged video.

How To Add Your Own Sound to TikTok

Although TikTok has a robust library of sounds, all viral sounds have to start from somewhere. Case in point: the “berries and cream” earworm that took over TikTok feeds in 2021 originated from a Starburst marketing campaign in 2007. Podcaster Justin McElroy uploaded it as a custom sound to the channel in January 2021, and the sound did not take off until August of the same year.

There’s no telling which sounds will take off or when, but experimentation, keeping a pulse on TikTok analytics, and being open to unconventional new ideas is vital. The following tips will help you start creating your own sound on TikTok.

Record a Voiceover on TikTok

Once you record or upload a video, tap “Next” to go into the editor. From there, you have the option to tap the voiceover button and speak into your phone’s microphone. Once you hit “Save,” your content is ready to post.

Voiceovers are a great way to narrate your content if you don’t want to use text. Keep your sound short, sweet, and funny for a better chance of your sound going viral on TikTok.

Add Your Own Music to TikTok

You can also add your own music to TikTok by uploading a video that uses your sound. You will need to use a third-party app like iMovie to overlay the audio, but once it’s uploaded to TikTok, you can use the sound in future content by selecting “Use this sound” or adding it to your favorites.

Use TikTok’s Algorithm to Your Advantage

The best way to make a catchy sound is to keep it short and easy to loop. TikToks play on repeat, and the more time TikTok users spend watching your video, the more likely the algorithm is to recommend your content to them in the future, which is invaluable for your marketing initiatives, such as TikTok shopping.

TikTok Sounds FAQs

What are the most popular sounds on TikTok?

What's exciting about TikTok is how the most popular sounds and trends are always changing. Artists such as Megan Thee Stallion and Doja Cat are mainstays at the top of the charts, however independent artists are also able to find themselves skyrocketing to the top of the charts.

How do you download TikTok sounds?

While TikTok does not offer a native option to download sounds, you are able to select “Add to favorites” to save a sound for later and use it in your own videos.

How do I trim a sound on TikTok?

Once you’ve selected a sound on TikTok, tap “Next” to go into the editor. By selecting the scissors icon, you are able to move your selection of the song to your desired length, as well as adjust the volume.

Can you add two sounds to a TikTok?

TikTok doesn’t allow you to use two sounds, however you are able to use multiple sounds by taking advantage of your third-party video editing software of choice.

Can you block a sound on TikTok?

You are able to indicate to TikTok’s algorithm that you are not interested in a particular sound by long-pressing a video, and tapping “not interested” to stop having similar content recommended. After doing this on a couple of videos with the sound, your recommendations should be fine tuned—this tip also goes for all TikTok content.

How do I Duet on TikTok with sound?

Duets automatically use the sound from the TikTok you’re doing a Duet with. However, you can use your own sound by using the mic button to turn on your own sound. Then, after you record your video, you can select the “Volume” button and turn the added sound from the Duet all the way down so that only your audio plays.