TikTok’s 60-Second Limitation
TikTok only allows up to 60 seconds of a distributed sound recording in a single video. If the clip exceeds this limit, even by just a second, the music will be fully muted for that video.
Unfortunately, once muted due to duration, it cannot be undone—you must delete the video and reupload it with the clip shortened to 60 seconds or less.
Other Possible Reasons for Muting
Licensing Agreements and Content Removal
Major label disputes can also result in muting. For example, Universal Music Group removed a large portion of its catalog from TikTok after licensing talks failed, causing many songs—including those by top artists—to be automatically muted or unavailable.
Copyright or Policy Violations
TikTok may mute audio if it violates copyright or platform policies. Users can check the exact reason by tapping the notice at the bottom of the muted video, which will reveal whether it’s due to a claims-based issue or a community guideline violation.
Community-Reported and Automated Muting
Audio can also be muted automatically—even for original recordings—due to algorithmic misidentifications or community reports. Some creators have experienced unexplained muting, with no clear reason or path for appeal.
What You Can Do: Tips to Prevent Muting
Situation | What to Do |
Sound exceeds 60 seconds | Edit your track to under 60 seconds and reupload the video. |
Content removed by licensing issue | Monitor announcements; re-enable when rights are restored. |
Muted due to claim or policy | Tap View details on the video to see the reason and appeal if allowed. |
Unexplained muting | Try reuploading or contact support—unfortunately, appeals aren’t always available. |