Alex Ruben
How To Trim Sound on TikTok Before Recording Your Video
This whole process can feel a bit tricky at first, especially since TikTok’s sound editing options aren’t super obvious or a smooth experience on every device. Maybe you just want to cut a specific part of a song to match your vibe, or you’re trying to avoid playing the full track accidentally. Whatever the reason, knowing how to trim sounds so they fit perfectly into your videos is a legit game-changer. Plus, it helps keep your content slick and well-synced. In this walkthrough, you’ll find out how to select exactly the clip you want right in TikTok, with some tips that might save you from frustration on the next go-round.
How to Trim a Sound on TikTok Before Recording a Video
Accessing the sound library and starting a new video
First off, open TikTok, because – duh. Tap the Plus button (+) at the bottom. This opens up the camera/recording screen. Once there, hit the big red Record button when you’re ready, but stop — you’re gonna add sound first. Navigate to Add Sound, which is usually at the top of the screen or somewhere on the right — depends on the version, honestly. Sometimes it’s under a tab called Sounds or an icon that looks like a music note. Either way, get into that library.
Picking your sound and entering the trim mode
Scroll through the available tracks or use the search to find the perfect one. When you tap on a sound, a preview will pop up so you can listen. Now, here’s where it gets a little confusing — look for the scissor icon (✂️) or a similar trim button near the audio waveform. Tap that to open the trimming interface. This might be labeled differently in some versions, but it’s usually a pair of scissors or ‘Edit’ option. This is kind of weird because it’s not always obvious. Once there, you’ll see a waveform with two sliders or bars that you slide left or right to select the exact bit of sound you want. Trust me, experiment with different sections — sometimes the best part isn’t the obvious chorus.
Refining and confirming your trimmed clip
When you’ve dragged those sliders to the sweet spot — the part that hits right for your video — tap Done or Confirm. Sometimes, you need to tap another button like Save or Apply afterward. Because of course, TikTok has to make it harder than it should. The trimmed audio will now be set, and you’ll be taken back to the main editing screen with that sound ready to go. A quick heads-up — on some setups, this doesn’t update immediately or it glitches — a quick restart of the app sometimes helps, just in case.
Using the trimmed sound in your video
Once back on the main screen, you can proceed to record your video. The key is to start rolling *after* you’ve set your trimmed sound — or try to sync your actions with it. Keep in mind the trimming is applied to the sound itself, not the entire clip length, so plan accordingly. If you mess up, just repeat the steps — it’s a bit of trial and error, but once you get the hang of it, it’s pretty straightforward.
Extra tips & common pitfalls
- Experiment with different clips: Don’t settle for the first section you try. Sometimes the best part of the song comes later or earlier. Use the waveform to pick a clean break, not just the chorus.
- Shorter is sweeter: Short clips tend to sync easier and keep your audience engaged. Don’t overthink it—less is more.
- Sync a bit ahead of time: Remember, TikTok’s trimming isn’t perfect. Play around with the start point to get your actions matching the music better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I trim sounds from my own recordings or upload songs?
Officially, TikTok’s trim feature is mainly for sounds in the library. If you want to use your custom audio, you technically can upload your sound via the app, but trimming it inside TikTok is limited or tricky. There are some workaround apps or external editing tools that let you cut your audio first—then upload that as a new sound. But that’s more advanced and slightly clunky.
What if I want a longer part of a song, but TikTok only trims a small piece?
This happens often. TikTok limits you to specific clips, but you can try choosing a longer sound and then trimming it more precisely within TikTok. Or split the sound into parts beforehand using audio editing tools like Audacity or even rebuilt clips in apps like InShot. Not ideal, but sometimes necessary.
Are there any restrictions I should be aware of?
Yep, TikTok’s library includes licensed music, so some tracks might be restricted depending on your region, copyright laws, or if the license is expired. Always give it a listen after trimming just to double-check everything sounds right, especially if you’re going for a polished look.
Wrap-up
Getting comfortable with TikTok’s sound trimming doesn’t happen overnight, but once you get the hang of it, it makes your videos a lot more personalized. Expect some trial and error — sometimes it’s just weirdly buggy or not updating in real-time. Play around, try different clips, and don’t be afraid to restart the app if things act funky. Basically, it’s a little juggling act, but worth it for that perfect snippet of sound in your TikTok. Fingers crossed this helps someone save a bit of frustration!
Summary
- Open TikTok, start a new video, and access Add Sound.
- Select a sound and tap the scissors icon to trim.
- Drag the sliders to pick the right part, then confirm.
- Proceed to record your video with the trimmed sound ready.