Understand TikTok audios and songs

The difference between TikTok audios and songs matters when you research a trend. One describes the exact audio people use in videos; the other describes the released music behind it.

TikTok audios

Every TikTok video has audio: TikTok calls it a sound. A creator can use the video's original audio or choose one that somebody else has uploaded.

It can be anything: music, a spoken conversation, a meme, a sound effect, or a piece of original audio. Opening it on TikTok shows the feed of videos that use it.

In Tokchart this TikTok object is always called audio.

Released songs

Songs are released recordings available through music and streaming services. The same song can appear in several different TikTok audios, including different excerpts, speeds, edits, or uploads.

The matched song is the released recording behind a TikTok audio. Use it to move from the performance of one exact audio to the wider performance of the song.

For example, a sped-up chorus and an original upload can be two separate TikTok audios while both match the same released song.

Use the right chart

Choose audio charts when you want to know which exact audios creators are using. Choose song or artist charts when you want to understand the music behind those audios.

Next steps

Explore trending audios and songs, or track and save audio research.