Brands posting from Instagram or TikTok business accounts should consider usage rights as well as popularity when choosing music.
The fact that a song is available inside an app does not mean that it can be used by every account type or in every commercial post.
Can an Instagram business account use music?
Instagram’s licensed music library is primarily provided for personal and non-commercial use. As a result, some business accounts may have limited access to the music library or may be unable to use certain songs.
For businesses, it is safer to:
- Check whether the account is a business account.
- Review whether the music is permitted for commercial use.
- Prefer Meta’s sound library intended for commercial use.
- Use brand-owned or separately licensed music.
Meta provides sound options for businesses and commercial use. However, you should still check which content types and territories are covered for the specific music you plan to use.
Which music can a TikTok business account use?
TikTok provides business accounts with a Commercial Music Library. Music in this library is prepared for use in commercial content within the scope defined by the platform.
The presence of a song in TikTok’s general music library does not mean that a business account can use it in an advertisement or promotional post.
User-created sounds also require separate care. The fact that a sound exists on TikTok does not mean that brands may use it commercially.
Checklist before publishing
- Check your account type.
- Review whether the music is suitable for commercial use.
- Assess the terms separately for advertisements, sponsored content and organic posts.
- Do not add songs without permission to a video after the fact.
- Keep records of music licences and permissions.
- Check the platform’s current music policies regularly.
Common mistakes
- Assuming that every popular song can be used by a business account.
- Using music available to a personal account on a brand account as well.
- Using the general music library in advertising content.
- Sharing user-created sounds without checking permission.
- Reusing the same music in another video after receiving a copyright warning.
The safest approach for business accounts is to use the platform’s commercial music libraries or music whose usage rights are clearly documented.
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