For Gen Z, the popular Chinese video-sharing app, TikTok, needs little introduction. This shorts-focused app lets users mix audio clips and choreographed video clips and post them online for hilarious effect.
In fact, TikTok even made shorts a thing on Millennials’ favorite video-sharing platform—YouTube! Naturally, being able to add and trim audio to fit TikTok videos perfectly is a key feature. Without sound, most TikTok videos would fall flat.
As such, it can be a real disaster when a user reports that TikTok won’t let me trim sound! Not to worry—here are some solutions to ensure you don’t miss your moment of fame.
Why Is It That TikTok Won’t Let Me Trim Sound?




When a user reports that TikTok won’t let me trim sound, there are a few reasons this may occur. Most often, TikTok users try to trim audio that is shorter than their video, which will not work. If you are a user who noticed, TikTok won’t let me trim sound; a longer audio clip may be necessary.
Those trying to trim or change the sound once they’ve posted their TikTok video online are also out of luck. TikTok doesn’t allow you to—you’ll need to save your video, delete it, and start again. Lastly, note that you cannot use any missing sections if you are using an artist’s song or clips offered in-app. If a part of the audio is not provided, you won’t be able to trim it in or out.
How to Fix the Issue TikTok Won’t Let Me Trim Sound?




If you are noticing, TikTok won’t let me trim sound; it’s 99.99% likely not to be a technical issue. As such, contacting TikTok support to fix the problem probably won’t help. However, there are a few workarounds to help you be able to trim your audio.
Test Another Audio Clip
So, the TikTok trim function isn’t working for your selected audio clip? If so, you can test out other audio clips to rule out technical issues.
To test if the app and trim functions are working correctly:
- Check if the audio clip length is longer or shorter than your recorded video. If it is longer, you should be able to trim it.
- Swap your preferred audio clip for another that is the same format and length.
- Swap your preferred audio clip for shorter and longer clips of different formats.
- If no audio clips allow trimming, even if longer than the video, then you may need to contact TikTok to report the issue.
- Note that the latest TikTok versions may experience bugs, which often crop up after an app update.
- Also, try these Tik Tok won’t allow me to post tips if you can’t post your clip at all.
Choose Another Audio Clip
Have you tried a few different audio clips and noticed that TikTok won’t let me trim sound on a particular clip? If so, you may need to cut your losses and opt for another audio clip.
To choose another audio clip in the TikTok app:
- Go back into the sounds section and choose another audio clip.
- Consider adding a voiceover or speaking while recording instead.
- You can edit your captured voice audio using funny TikTok effects afterward.
- Alternatively, record sounds and save them as a favorite in TikTok to use in your videos.
- You can also download or record a longer version of your preferred audio clip to see if this works.
Opt to Shoot a Shorter TikTok Video
In the app, TikTok only allows you to shoot either an up to 15-second or up to 60-second video. Longer video clips demand longer audio clips in order for the trimming function to work.
If you are experiencing issues trimming your audio for longer clips, try these fixes:
- Opt to shoot a shorter video than your audio clip.
- Try to trim down your recorded video to a smaller length than your audio clip.
- Check out these TikTok sound issue fixes if you are experiencing other issues with using sounds.
Edit Your Audio Clip on Other Software
TikTok isn’t the only option when it comes to trimming your audio files. If the length of your audio clip is causing the TikTok won’t let me trim sound issues, do this. Edit your audio clip using a mobile app, PC software, or browser application, such as InShot, VEED, or PowerDirector 365.
Here are a few things you can do with external audio editing software or apps:
- You can add silent periods to the beginning or end of the audio clip. Then trim the sections of the uploaded audio to fit your video perfectly.
- You can merge multiple audio sounds and songs to create a unique audio clip.
- You can repeat the audio clip multiple times to create a longer clip.
Shoot & Edit Your Video Using External Software
If all else fails, you can edit your video yourself using other popular editing programs and upload it to TikTok. TikTok allows users to upload external videos up to 3 minutes or 10 minutes long, depending on your settings and geo-location.
Sure, you won’t have access to any of the TikTok editing functions or resources. However, if you use the right editing software, you can still achieve the effects you’re after.
To create and edit an external video with your audio clips:
- Capture your video on your phone using your camera apps or on a camera.
- Capture any separate audio clips (if applicable) using a mic or mic app.
- Download a video editing app or software to your mobile or PC, such as iMovie or Adobe Premiere.
- Edit your video and audio using the external software or app. Mobile apps are more user-friendly for those who are inexperienced. Plus, many are free, unlike premium video editing software such as Adobe Premiere.
- Once editing is complete, save your video in a TikTok compatible format.
- Log into TikTok.
- Then, select the video from your camera roll to upload.
- All done!
Conclusion:




TikTok can be a lot of fun, except when you are one of the users reporting, TikTok won’t let me trim sound! If not being able to trim sound is getting in the way of your content creation, you need not worry. There are plenty of ways to get around this issue.
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