Copyright & music guide

1. The simple rule

If you didn't get the song from inside the platform's app, don't use it. Songs ripped from YouTube, Spotify, Instagram Save, screen recordings or 'mp3 download' sites are almost certainly going to get flagged.

Each platform has its own in-app library. Pick songs only from there.

2. Where to find safe music on each platform

• TikTok: Sounds → Commercial music library (this is the only library that is safe for business / hiring accounts).
• Instagram Reels: tap the Music icon while editing — Meta's in-app library is licensed.
• Facebook Reels: same in-app music library as Instagram.
• YouTube Shorts: YouTube Audio Library (studio.youtube.com → Audio Library).

3. Free royalty-free sources (for editing outside the app)

• Pixabay Music — free, no attribution required.
• YouTube Audio Library — free, attribution sometimes required.
• Free Music Archive — many CC0 / Creative Commons tracks.
• Uppbeat (free tier) — modern background tracks.

4. What happens when you get flagged

Best case: the video is muted but stays up. Mid case: the video is removed and you get a warning. Worst case: repeated strikes within 90 days disable the account.

If you use a personal account's trending sound on a business / hiring account, you'll often be silently shadowbanned even without a takedown — reach just disappears.

5. Quick checklist before you post

• Did the song come from the platform's in-app library? Yes → safe.
• Is your account a Business / Creator account? Use the Commercial library only.
• Posting on multiple platforms? Re-edit with each platform's own audio — don't rely on the same audio working everywhere.