TikTok does not automatically favour videos with trending sounds, but trending audio can help videos reach interested viewers who engage with that sound. Sounds act as discovery signals and can boost visibility when relevant.
Using a trending sound only helps if the video itself performs well. Choose sounds that fit your content and audience. Original audio can also go viral and become a trend. Business accounts have limited access to commercial sounds, so use the Commercial Music Library or original audio if needed.
Step-by-step plan
Use trending sounds that fit your content.
Keep audio relevant to your niche.
Combine trending sounds with original voice.
Use the Commercial Music Library for business accounts.
Track performance with and without trending audio.
Example: a fitness creator posts the same workout tip twice, once with a trending sound and once with only voiceover. The trending-sound version gets 30% more views because the audio pulls in viewers already engaging with it, but only because the tip itself held attention.
Why this works
TikTok's recommendation system predicts how likely each viewer is to watch, finish, rewatch, like, comment, share, save or follow, then ranks videos for every individual For You feed. TikTok has said follower count is not a direct factor; user interactions, video information such as captions, sounds and hashtags, and device settings are. Completion and rewatch rate weigh heavily because they show the video held attention, while captions and on-screen keywords tell the system who to test it on.
Common mistake to avoid
Adding unrelated trending sounds. Irrelevant audio can confuse targeting and viewers.
Pro tip
Use trending sounds at low volume behind your voiceover. You get the discovery benefit of the sound while keeping your message clear.
Check it before you post
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