Music Restrictions on TikTok Business Accounts: The Full 2025 Guide 🎵💼📱✨
You’ve finally switched to a TikTok Business Account — ready to boost your brand, track analytics, and launch your next viral campaign. But then you hit record… and discover that your favorite trending sounds are gone. 😩
Welcome to one of the most confusing (and misunderstood) parts of TikTok for brands: music restrictions on Business Accounts.
Don’t worry — this guide breaks it all down for you. You’ll learn why TikTok limits music for business users, what you can legally use, how to find the right sounds, and even a few creative workarounds professionals use to keep their content engaging without breaking copyright rules.
Let’s dive in 👇
Why Music Is Restricted on TikTok Business Accounts 🎧
TikTok divides its audio library into two main categories:
- Commercial Sounds Library (CSL) — Copyright-free, licensed for business use.
- Mainstream or Trending Sounds — Popular songs and user-generated audios under strict copyright.
Business Accounts can only use sounds from the Commercial Sounds Library.
Why? Because TikTok must comply with copyright and advertising laws worldwide. When you use a Business Account, TikTok assumes your content may be promotional — meaning the app has to ensure you’re not violating music licensing agreements that apply to personal use only.
In short:
Creators can use trending songs. Businesses cannot — unless they own or license the track.
Legal Background ⚖️
TikTok’s approach to music licensing is shaped by global copyright law:
- U.S. Copyright Act (Title 17) — Protects song recordings from commercial use without permission.
- EU Copyright Directive — Requires explicit rights for any music used in branded or promotional content.
- TikTok’s Music Licensing Agreements — Cover personal, creator-based use but exclude commercial use.
This is why Business Accounts can’t use songs from artists like Billie Eilish or Drake in marketing content — those tracks are licensed only for personal/entertainment videos.
What Happens When a Business Account Uses Restricted Music 🚫
TikTok’s algorithm automatically detects copyrighted tracks in your uploads. If you use restricted music:
- ❌ Your video may be muted or removed.
- ⚠️ You may get a copyright warning.
- ⛔ In repeated cases, your account may lose eligibility for ads or promotions.
The Commercial Sounds Library (CSL) 🎶
This is TikTok’s official collection of safe-to-use audio tracks for Business Accounts.
You can access it by:
- Tapping “Add Sound” on the upload screen.
- Choosing “Commercial Sounds.”
These tracks are pre-cleared for business use, meaning you can safely use them in:
- Organic brand posts
- Paid TikTok ads
- Product demos
- Promotional campaigns
And yes — you can still make engaging content with CSL sounds! The library is massive and growing daily, featuring:
- Background instrumentals 🎸
- Ambient tracks 🌿
- Genre playlists (pop, electronic, acoustic, etc.) 🎹
Common Complaints & Misunderstandings ❌
| Issue | Explanation |
|---|---|
| “I can’t find trending sounds.” | Only personal and creator accounts have access to popular copyrighted music. |
| “My videos have no sound!” | You used a restricted track — TikTok automatically muted it. |
| “Switching to Business killed my reach.” | It’s not the switch itself, but losing access to trending audios that reduces discoverability. |
| “I want to use a viral sound legally.” | You need a commercial license or permission from the rights holder. |
Real-World Example 🎬
A small fashion brand in London switched to a Business Account to access analytics and ad tools. Suddenly, they noticed every trending audio they’d used before was unavailable. Their solution? They started using voiceovers and Commercial Sounds — and their engagement actually increased, because their videos stood out in feeds full of similar music trends.
Moral of the story: music limitations don’t have to kill creativity — they just shift it.
Step-by-Step Fixes & Workarounds ✅
1. Access the Commercial Sounds Library
Go to TikTok → + → Add Sound → Commercial Sounds.
Explore playlists by mood, theme, or campaign type.
2. Create Original Audio
Record your own sound or voiceover. TikTok will label it as “Original Sound – [Your Username]”, which others can reuse — perfect for branding!
3. Collaborate with Musicians or Use Royalty-Free Platforms
Sites like Epidemic Sound, Artlist, and Soundstripe offer commercial licenses that TikTok allows.
4. License Trending Music Legally
Through TikTok’s partner program or by obtaining direct rights from the song owner. This is ideal for major brands running paid campaigns.
5. Use Voiceovers and SFX for Engagement
Many business creators replace music with dynamic voiceovers, captions, and on-screen text — still performing great on the FYP.
Quick Comparison Table 📊
| Feature | Creator Account | Business Account |
|---|---|---|
| Access to trending music | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Commercial use allowed | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Analytics dashboard | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Ad promotion tools | ⚙️ Limited | ✅ Full access |
| Copyright risk | ⚠️ Moderate | ✅ Minimal |
Pro Tip 💡
If you want both analytics and trending music, stay on a Creator Account instead of Business. You’ll lose ad features but retain full sound access — ideal for personal brands, influencers, and artists.
However, if you’re representing a company, service, or product, using trending copyrighted music is risky — even if it “works.”
How Music Licensing Affects Ads & Promotions 💰
TikTok Ads Manager enforces even stricter music rules.
When promoting videos, TikTok checks:
- Audio source (must be from Commercial Library or original)
- Music rights (cannot include copyrighted tracks)
- Country-specific laws (especially in the EU and U.S.)
If your video includes non-commercial music, your ad will be rejected automatically.
10 Detailed FAQs ❓
- Why did TikTok remove my sound after switching to a Business Account?
Because it was a copyrighted track not cleared for commercial use. - Can I switch back to a Creator Account to use trending music again?
Yes — go to Settings → Account → Switch to Creator Account. - Are “viral sounds” ever allowed for business use?
Only if TikTok or the music label has released them into the Commercial Library. - Can I upload my own licensed music?
Yes — if you have legal rights, TikTok lets you upload the audio manually. - Will TikTok mute my videos if I use trending music accidentally?
Yes, TikTok may mute or remove videos that break commercial licensing rules. - Do Business Accounts get any free music at all?
Absolutely — thousands of copyright-free Commercial Sounds are available. - Can I use original songs I composed myself?
Yes — as long as you own the rights or can prove authorship. - Does switching to Business affect my existing videos’ sounds?
Yes — older videos using trending songs may lose audio playback. - Can I use YouTube or Spotify music on TikTok Business?
No — those licenses don’t transfer to TikTok. - Do paid partnerships on Creator Accounts face the same limits?
Yes — even creators promoting brands must follow commercial music rules.
People Also Asked 🧐
Why do brands on TikTok use the same background music?
Because they all use the same royalty-free Commercial Sounds — it’s the only legally safe option.
Can I add trending music to TikTok ads?
No — ads must use TikTok’s approved Commercial Library or original audio.
Why does my Business Account show “Sound not available”?
The track isn’t licensed for your account type or region.
Is there any way to unlock more sounds for Business Accounts?
Only by obtaining direct licenses or switching to a Creator Account.
Will TikTok ever expand the Business music library?
Yes — TikTok has been steadily adding new royalty-free tracks every quarter.
Visual Overview: How TikTok Handles Music Licensing 🗺️
Creator Account
⬇️
Access to trending & user-generated sounds 🎵
⬇️
Personal use only — not legal for business promotion
Business Account
⬇️
Access limited to Commercial Sounds Library 🎶
⬇️
Fully licensed for advertising & brand use
A Real Brand Story 🌈
A skincare startup in Canada switched to a Business Account for analytics but panicked when they lost access to trending audios. Instead of switching back, they built a content style using soothing instrumentals and ASMR voiceovers from the Commercial Library. Their engagement actually increased 2.3x — proof that authenticity beats trend-chasing when done right.
Music isn’t your only hook — storytelling is. 🎥💬
Final Takeaway ❤️
If your TikTok Business Account can’t use trending music, that’s not a bug — it’s by design. TikTok enforces music restrictions to protect creators, businesses, and rights holders alike.
✅ What You Can Do:
- Use TikTok’s Commercial Sounds Library.
- Create original sounds or voiceovers.
- License tracks through approved sources.
- Stay compliant to avoid muting or penalties.
✅ What You Can’t Do:
- Use trending, copyrighted songs from the main TikTok sound feed.
Remember: Business Accounts trade sound freedom for professional credibility. And that’s a smart trade — because your brand deserves to grow safely, legally, and creatively.
In 2025 and beyond, it’s not about following every sound trend — it’s about making your own. 🎶💼✨