TikTok Commercial Music Library explained
Short answer
The Commercial Music Library is TikTok’s collection of tracks pre-cleared for business use. Business accounts only see this library when they add sound in the app. It’s the safest built-in option for brands, but it mostly holds independent and production music, not chart hits, and it doesn’t cover songs creators add on their own accounts.
What it covers
| Situation | Covered by the library? |
|---|---|
| Brand posts from a business account using a library track | Yes |
| Library tracks in TikTok ads made in TikTok’s tools | Generally yes check the ad terms |
| A creator’s sponsored post using a popular song from the general library | No |
| A creator video with a popular song, boosted as a Spark Ad | No |
| Library tracks reused on Instagram, YouTube or other sites | Check the clearance is for TikTok |
| Music you licensed elsewhere and uploaded in your video | Your own license applies |
How to use it
- Switch your brand account to a Business Account in settings (it’s free).
- When adding a sound, use the commercial sounds filter, or browse the library in TikTok’s ads tools.
- If you upload a video with music licensed elsewhere, keep the license and confirm your music use when TikTok asks.
- Ask creators you pay to use library tracks or original audio, and put it in the brief and contract.
Where brands still get caught
- Creators’ accounts. Creators see the full general library. Their sponsored posts for you are still commercial.
- Affiliates. TikTok Shop affiliates post from their own accounts, often with trending songs, about your products.
- Off-platform reuse. Downloading a TikTok and running it on Instagram or in a paid ad elsewhere.
- “Original sound” uploads. A hit song edited in before upload can appear as original sound. It’s still the label’s song.
What happens when it goes wrong
CrumblWarner Music Group · Apr 2025
Promotional videos on Crumbl’s TikTok and Instagram accounts.
159 works · Up to $23.9M (at $150K per work) · Source
QuinceUniversal Music and Concord · Apr 2026
TikTok and Instagram videos, including paid influencer videos. In one, Quince reposted a creator’s video and swapped in a hit song.
138 works (67 recordings, 71 songs) · Up to $20.7M (at $150K per work) · Source
See every case in the lawsuit tracker →
Common questions
Is TikTok’s Commercial Music Library free?
Yes, for use on TikTok by business accounts, under TikTok’s terms.
Does it include popular songs?
Mostly not. It’s largely independent artists and production music. Most major-label hits aren’t in it.
Can creators I pay use songs outside the library?
Only if the song is licensed for that commercial use. Otherwise, ask them to use library tracks or original audio.
Can I use library tracks on Instagram or YouTube?
Don’t assume so. Check the track’s terms, since the clearance is for use on TikTok.
Part of: TikTok music for brands
Related guides
General information, not legal advice. Platform rules and licenses change; check the current terms or ask your lawyer about your situation. Lawsuit figures are as reported and represent claims, not findings, unless noted.