Why Some TikTok Videos Are Muted? All About TikTok UMG Ban

Would you like to know why some of your TikTok videos are suddenly muted or why specific tracks disappear from your favorite clips? 

The answer often lies in the complexities of digital rights management and recent legal developments involving TikTok and music rights holders, such as Universal Music Group (UMG). 

Here we’ll explain why are some TikTok videos muted? How does the TikTok UMG ban affect your content? And what can you do to keep your original audio intact? 

We’ll also explore broader implications, such as the potential for a TikTok ban in the U.S., stemming from legislative actions like President Joe Biden’s recent directive.

TikTok Muted My Video – Why and How to Fix This?

On average, users spent about 52 minutes per day on TikTok in 2023, showcasing its massive appeal and potential reach for creators. However, navigating the platform’s copyright and content policies can be a challenge, especially when it comes to using audio & ban sounds.

a hand holding a smartphone opening the TikTok app

Here are some reasons why TikTok may mute your video:

Copyrighted Music or Audio Usage

TikTok strictly enforces copyright laws to prevent legal issues for both the platform and its users. If your video includes sound or music that you do not own, TikTok is likely to mute the audio to avoid copyright infringement. This is particularly true for commercially popular music or sounds that could generate revenue, as the rightful owners are vigilant about claiming their royalties.

Duration of Audio Content

TikTok may also mute your video if the music exceeds the platform’s maximum allowed duration for audio clips. This measure ensures that the use of copyrighted music stays within legal bounds.

Unfortunately, TikTok does not publicly specify a uniform maximum duration for music clips used in videos, as it can vary based on the licensing agreements they have with music rights holders.

Generally, the platform allows creators to use commercially licensed music for short video clips, often up to 10 minutes, which is typical for social media platforms to stay within fair use guidelines. 

However, the allowed duration can be different for each song depending on the specific rights agreement TikTok has with the music distributor or rights holders.

Content Violations

If your video contains audio that is deemed hateful, harmful, or violates community guidelines in any way, it will be muted. This includes audio that promotes hate speech, violence, or includes content like nudity or fake news. In these cases, it is often difficult, if not impossible, to have the audio restored.

How to Fix Muted Videos on TikTok?

“Your Video Has Been Muted Due to Exceeding the Allowed Maximum Duration for Music.”

Facing this error on TikTok? Experiencing a “mute apocalypse” on TikTok because your video contains music that surpasses the allowed duration can be frustrating. 

Fortunately, there are effective strategies to rectify this issue and prevent it from recurring. Here’s a step-by-step guide to fixing muted videos on TikTok:

1- Open the TikTok app. If the muted video isn’t in your gallery, save it first. Tap the plus icon to re-upload the video.

screenshot of how to upload a video on tiktok fast

2- Click the Upload button beside the big red button.
3- Select the muted video from your phone’s gallery.

screenshot of how to upload a new video on tiktok

4- Click on the “x” sign next to the original sound to remove it.

screenshot of how to remove the original sound from your tiktok videos

5- Next, click on “add sound”.

screenshot of how to add songs on tiktok

6- Choose a song from TikTok’s library to avoid copyright issues.

screenshot of how to add new songs to your tiktok videos

Write a description, add relevant hashtags, and click Next to re-upload the video.

These steps help efficiently manage audio issues, allowing your content to remain vibrant and compliant with TikTok’s guidelines.

Tips for Seamless Audio Integration

Keep It Short and Sweet: Always double-check the length of audio clips. TikTok has specific guidelines for how long a sound clip can be used within videos. Staying within these limits can prevent muting.

Stay Updated: TikTok’s music policies can change. Regularly review their guidelines to stay informed about any new changes to music durations and copyrights.

Engage With Community: Sometimes, other creators can offer advice based on their experiences. Engage with the TikTok community through forums or groups to learn more about how they handle audio issues.


💡 Read More: How Do Trends Start on TikTok? 

How to Keep Original Audio on Your Video?

Keeping the original audio in your TikTok videos can enhance authenticity and engagement. Here’s a concise guide to help ensure your videos maintain their original sound:

Record Directly in TikTok: Capture your video using TikTok’s camera to automatically use the sound captured during filming. This is the most straightforward way to ensure your audio remains intact.

Upload Pre-Recorded Videos: If you are uploading a video that was recorded outside of TikTok, ensure the audio is integral to the video file. Avoid editing the audio in third-party apps if possible, as TikTok might detect changes and restrict the audio usage.

Check Sound Settings: Before finalizing your post, preview your video and check the sound settings. Ensure that any added tracks or effects do not override your original audio.

Avoid Copyrighted Music: If your original audio includes copyrighted music playing in the background, it may be muted by TikTok. Try to keep background music to a minimum or use copyright-free tracks to prevent this issue.

By following these steps, you can better maintain the original audio in your TikTok videos, making your content more personal and impactful.

How Do I Mute My Video on TikTok?

step by step screenshot on how to mute your tiktok videos fast

Record or Upload Your Video:

Muting your video on TikTok is a straightforward process, allowing you to either replace the original sound with something else or simply have a silent video. Here is how to get your video muted on tiktok:

  • Open TikTok and either record a new video or upload one from your gallery.

Edit Your Video:

  • Once you’ve recorded or selected your video, tap the checkmark to go to the next screen where you can edit your video.
  • On the editing screen, you’ll see an array of options along the right-hand side.

Mute the Original Audio:

  • Look for the ‘Volume’ control icon in the editing toolbar (usually depicted as a speaker icon).
  • Tap on this icon, and you will see a slider for ‘Original sound‘.
  • Slide the toggle all the way to the left to mute the original audio of the video.

Add New Sound (optional):

  • If you want to add different music or sound, tap ‘Add a sound’ at the top of the screen.
  • Browse TikTok’s sound library and choose the audio you wish to use. You can adjust this new sound’s volume in a similar way.
  • Finalize Your Video:
  • Once you’re satisfied with the sound settings, continue editing your video or tap ‘Next’ to proceed to the posting screen.
  • Add your captions, hashtags, and adjust your privacy settings, then post your video.

Overview of the TikTok Ban in the U.S.

The United States government has raised significant national security concerns regarding TikTok’s operations, prompting legislative actions aimed at mitigating potential risks. These concerns are primarily due to the possibility of U.S. user data being accessed by the Chinese government through ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company.

President Biden signing the legislation requiring ByteDance to divest TikTok unless it is sold to a U.S. company within six months.

Here are the legislative actions so far:

March 2024: The U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation requiring ByteDance to divest TikTok unless it is sold to a U.S. company within six months.

April 2024: This legislation was included in a broader foreign aid package, which passed both the House and Senate. President Biden signed this into law as part of the National Security Act, 2024.

ByteDance has until January 24, 2025, to complete the divestiture, with a potential 90-day extension.

This potential ban has sparked widespread debate and backlash, particularly from TikTok’s vast user base, which includes 170 million Americans and nearly 5 million U.S. businesses that leverage the platform for growth and customer engagement.

In response, TikTok launched a robust $2.1 million ad campaign and even filed a lawsuit claiming the law to be unconstitutional, underlining the platform’s critical role in the social media ecosystem.

Who is TikTok’s Potential Buyers?

Speculation about potential buyers for TikTok includes major tech giants and financial moguls who could align with or form consortia to secure the app. High-profile names like former U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and companies such as Microsoft and Oracle have been mentioned as possible suitors.

Globally, TikTok faces similar restrictions in other countries, with complete or partial bans affecting operations in regions like India and the European Union. These actions underscore the global apprehension towards TikTok’s operational security and data handling practices.

Furthermore, the legislative focus on TikTok raises questions about the future of other ByteDance applications, indicating a possible broader reassessment of ByteDance’s presence in the U.S. market. As this situation evolves, the implications for TikTok and other associated apps continue to be a significant point of discussion among policymakers, business leaders, and the millions of users who rely on these platforms for daily interaction and business.

Wrapping Up

While TikTok faces regulatory challenges in the U.S., it remains a powerhouse for digital engagement and a vital platform for many businesses and creators. 

Navigating these challenges requires not only understanding the legal landscape but also maintaining a robust and engaging presence on the platform. 

For those looking to boost their TikTok profiles amidst these uncertainties, Buyfollowers.com offers an immediate solution. 

Our TikTok Instant Growth Packs can significantly enhance your visibility by providing likes, followers, views, and comments, helping you to secure a competitive edge. 

Whether you’re looking to expand your reach, increase engagement, or safeguard against the fluctuations of algorithm changes and market conditions, Buyfollowers.com provides the tools you need to thrive on TikTok.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I increase my followers on TikTok quickly?

To quickly increase your followers on TikTok, consistently post high-quality, engaging content, utilize trending hashtags, collaborate with other TikTok creators, and engage actively with your audience. Additionally, consider using Buyfollowers.com to buy real TikTok followers safely and enhance your social proof effectively.

What happens if TikTok is banned in the U.S.?

If TikTok is banned in the U.S., users would not be able to download or access the app from local app stores. Existing users might also face limitations on app functionality. To stay updated on the status, keep an eye on official communications from TikTok and news outlets.

To find trending content on TikTok, explore the ‘Discover’ page, watch for hashtags, sounds, and effects that are gaining popularity, and observe what content top creators are posting. Engaging with these trends can increase your visibility on the platform

Can TikTok reverse a video mute if I have the rights to the music?

Yes, if your video was muted and you have the legal rights to use the music, you can appeal to TikTok with proof of your rights. If TikTok verifies your claim, the mute may be reversed, and your audio will be restored.

Boosting your presence on TikTok involves engaging with trends, creating high-quality content, and interacting with your audience. In uncertain times, like potential bans, consider using Buyfollowers.com to purchase real followers and views and enhance your profile’s resilience and visibility, ensuring you stay connected with your audience regardless of external changes.

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