If TikTok won’t let you trim your audio, you could be trying to use a section of the sound that is not available.
Trimming your TikTok audio will have certain factors that will need to be considered, for example, are you recording a 15 or 60 second length video, and how long is the sound you have chosen?
In this guide, we will provide you with an extensive look into why TikTok won’t let you trim an audio, as well as everything you need to know when it comes to attaching a sound to your content. We will also make sure you are aware of using original music, so your account does not get flagged for using copyrighted sounds.
What Is a Trimmed Audio on TikTok?
Photo by Jakayla Toney on Unsplash
A trimmed audio is a song or tune that has been cut to make it shorter. Audio’s are edited in such a way when content creators need a specific sound to match their video upload, and to prevent the audio from not making any sense. The trimmed TikTok audio is a section from a whole tune.
TikTok users need to trim their audio’s in order to match the length of their videos.
How long can a TikTok video be?
A TikTok video can be 15 or 60 seconds long, as well as up to three minutes depending if you are creating, or uploading a video.
Due to the shortness of TikTok videos, it is inevitable that you will need to trim your desired audio’s when posting your content, but why won’t TikTok let you trim your sound?
Why Won’t TikTok Let Me Trim My Video?
Why won’t TikTok let me trim my audio?
TikTok won’t let you trim your audio if you are trying to cut the sound to a section that is not available for use. This is not always the case on every audio, however, there are certain songs that do not begin at the very start, so you are unable to complete a unique cut of the audio.
Another reason why TikTok won’t let you trim your audio if you are trying to cut an original audio from the TikTok platform. If you need to use the specific sound, you will need to export the audio into a third party app that will allow you to complete the necessary cuts.
A further reason why TikTok won’t let you cut the sound you want to use is because you may be trying to cut an audio that is already the same length as your video. For example, you have created a 15 second video clip, and you have chosen to attach a 15 second audio.
(Did you know; TikTok users decide within the first second of seeing a video if they want to finish watching it. Your content should therefore grab the viewer as quickly as possible to keep the engagement, and improve the success rate of your upload).
Can I Trim My TikTok Sound After Posting?
Unfortunately, you cannot trim a TikTok sound once it has already been uploaded to your profile. If you have decided you want to make changes to your posted TikTok video, you will need to delete it, and re-upload it after you have made your necessary amendments.
Before posting your video, you can however, make as many edits as you want.
How do You Trim an Audio on TikTok?
How to cut a sound on TikTok
You can trim your TikTok audio during the editing phase of your creation or upload. This is where you will be given the option to ‘cut’ your sound to the desired section and length that will match your video content. It is important to note, however, that not all audio’s can be trimmed on the TikTok app directly.
Whether you have created your TikTok video directly from the platform, or you have uploaded your content from your gallery folder, you can adjust your audio with use of the TikTok scissors icon that is included in the editing section.
Before you can trim your audio, you need to decide if you will be using an original sound from TikTok, or if you will be uploading your own audio to attach.
Using a TikTok audio
Step 1. Launch TikTok and click on the ‘Post’ button in the middle
Step 2. Record your video, or, upload your piece of content from your library on your phone
Step 3. Press the ‘Sounds’ button at the bottom of your screen
Step 4. You will be able to choose one of TikTok’s automated tunes available
Tip, click on the ‘More’ option to see all available audio’s.
Step 5. Once you have chosen your sound, select the ‘Yes’ icon followed by ‘Next’
How to Add Your Own Music to TikTok
Step 1. After you have created your video press ‘Next’
Step 2. You will be able to choose ‘Voiceover’
Step 3. Record your own sound and click ‘Save’
Now that you have your desired audio attached to your video, you can proceed with the trim;
Step 1. During the edit section, click on the ‘Scissors’ icon on the right hand side
Step 2. Drag the the placement to where you want your sound to start and remove the section you do not want
Note, make sure the check your volume has been set to how high or low you want it to be played.
An alternative method to adjusting the sound on your TikTok video is through using a third party application and uploading your content to the platform after your edits have been made.
A recognised video editor is Kapwing.
Tip, if you use this program, make sure you set the background to 9:16 to ensure the sizing is correct for TikTok.
Can I Use Any Sound on TikTok?
Can I use any sound on TikTok?
Yes, you can use any sound on TikTok, as long as it is one from the apps provided music selection, or it is an original tune directly from you. TikTok has a wide selection of audio’s that you can make use of, so you should not have any issues finding the right sound to include in your video.
If you do not stick to original music when creating your video, there is a possibility that you will use copyrighted music, and your post will be removed by TikTok.
What Happens if You Use Copyrighted Music on TikTok?
If TikTok picks up that your posted video may contain copyrighted music, they can put your upload under review. This means that they will check the audio attached to confirm whether it is copyrighted or not. During this time, your video will not be visible to other TikTok users, and it will not appear on the FYP.
If copyrighted content is confirmed, your video will either be removed, or the audio will be muted so no one will be able to hear it.
Conclusion
With this simple directory, we hope we have successfully guided you in understanding why TikTok would not let you trim an audio, as well as helped you understand how you can complete the editing process on your upload with a sound.
If you are still unable to cut your audio on TikTok, and make necessary changes, there may be a problem with your app. In this case, we recommend you first make use of the TikTok Help Center.
If this page does not resolve your issue, you can ‘Report a Problem’ through the mobile app. You will find this feature in the ‘Settings and Privacy’ section, under ‘Support’.
(Quiz Time; How long does it take a TikTok user to decide whether or not to finish watching a video? Input your answer on our online contact form).
