Avoid 0-sound mutes, demonetization, and rejected TikTok Shop videos. Verify whether your background music complies with commercial copyright licensing laws in 2026.
Record label pop songs from the General Music Library CANNOT be used for commercial intent. TikTok will mute the entire audio track or reject the TikTok Shop product showcase.
Standard music licensing agreements with Sony, Universal, and Warner explicitly forbid using pop music for commercial promotions without individual sync licenses ($10,000+).
Switch to an audio track from TikTok's Commercial Music Library (CML) or use an original voiceover with royalty-free background lo-fi music.
In 2024–2026, TikTok tightened its copyright enforcement algorithms dramatically following high-profile negotiations with Universal Music Group (UMG) and Sony Music. Today, using commercial sounds without proper rights results in automatic muting or video suppression.
The CML is an in-app repository of over 1,000,000 pre-cleared songs and sound effects. Tracks found inside the CML have pre-negotiated global commercial master and publishing rights, allowing businesses and TikTok Shop creators to monetize freely without copyright strikes.
When adding sound to your video in the TikTok app, tap "Add sound", then tap the dropdown at the top center and switch from "Sounds" to "Commercial sounds". Every song listed under this tab is 100% legal for commercial promotions.