Why TikTok Removes Audio When You Download Videos (2025 Fix Guide)

Why TikTok Removes Audio When Downloading

You downloaded a TikTok video — and suddenly it has no sound.
No background music. No creator voice. Nothing.

This is one of the most common issues TikTok users run into, especially on sounds that are:

  • copyrighted
  • restricted
  • region-locked
  • muted by TikTok’s algorithm
  • owned by a record label

In this guide, you’ll learn why TikTok removes audio from downloads and exactly how to fix it on iPhone, Android, and desktop.

Why TikTok Removes Audio from Downloads

TikTok’s audio rules change frequently, especially as record labels tighten licensing agreements. In 2024 and 2025, TikTok expanded its sound restrictions, causing more downloads to lose their audio entirely.

Here are the 7 main reasons your TikTok downloads have no sound:

1. Copyright-Restricted Music

If a TikTok uses a copyrighted song, TikTok disables sound in the download.
This prevents distribution outside TikTok.

You’ll see this often with:

  • Popular songs
  • Trending remixes
  • Commercial music
  • Artist-owned audio

If you’re downloading the video for personal use, you’ll still get a silent MP4.

2. Business Account Restrictions

If your TikTok account is set to Business, you cannot use most trending sounds.

If you download a video with a restricted sound:

  • Your downloaded copy will be muted
  • The video may also auto-switch to TikTok’s Commercial Music Library

3. The Creator Used a “No Download” Sound

Some audio tracks are flagged as:

  • “No Download”
  • “Video Only”
  • “Sound unavailable”

TikTok automatically removes audio from downloaded videos in these cases.

4. The Video Is Private or “Friends-Only”

Downloading private TikToks is restricted.
If TikTok does allow a partial download:

  • It will strip the sound
  • It may reduce resolution
  • It may watermark heavily

5. The Video Has Been Muted Due to a Copyright Strike

If TikTok mutes a video after posting, and you try to download it later, the downloaded copy will also be muted.

6. Region-Locked Audio

Some sounds are only licensed in certain countries.
Downloading from outside the licensed region = muted audio.

7. The Creator Deleted the Sound

If the original sound is removed from TikTok:

  • All videos using it lose audio
  • Downloaded copies will be silent

How to Fix TikTok Downloads with No Sound (2025)

Here are the best working solutions right now.

Fix #1: Use a TikTok-to-MP3 Tool (Most Reliable)

If TikTok removes the audio during download, you can extract the audio separately using a TikTok MP3 converter.

Steps:

  1. Copy the video link
  2. Paste into an MP3 extractor
  3. Download the audio
  4. Add the MP3 back into your editor

This lets you rebuild the video perfectly.

Fix #2: Save the Original Video Before Posting

If you’re the creator:

Steps:

  1. Create your TikTok
  2. Tap Next
  3. Toggle Save to Device
  4. THEN post the video

This exports:

  • Full sound
  • Highest resolution
  • No compression

TikTok’s download restrictions only apply after posting.

Fix #3: Use Screen Recording

Works when everything else fails.

Steps:

  1. Screen record your device playing the video
  2. Trim the recording
  3. Extract audio if needed

This method bypasses TikTok’s download limitations.

Fix #4: Switch Back to a Personal Account

If you’re using a Business account:

  • Switch to Creator or Personal
  • Delete the muted video
  • Re-upload using trending sounds

Fix #5: The “Save as Live Photo” Trick (iPhone Only)

Sometimes TikTok blocks video audio but not Live Photo audio.

Steps:

  1. Tap Share
  2. Select Live Photo
  3. Save image
  4. Convert Live Photo → Video in Photos app

Audio may reappear.

How to Prevent TikTok from Muting Downloads in the Future

To avoid silent downloads:

  • Use original audio where possible
  • Use TikTok’s Commercial Music Library if you’re a Business account
  • Download your video before posting
  • Keep your account set to Personal
  • Avoid region-restricted sounds
  • Save a copy locally before using remixes

Final Thoughts

TikTok removing audio from downloads isn’t a glitch — it’s a licensing and copyright rule. Fortunately, with the methods above, you can still save audio legally and safely in most cases.

If you’re a creator, always save your original video (and audio) before posting.
If you’re a viewer, remember that copyrighted music can’t always be exported.

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