🎯 Lesson Goal:
To teach creators when and how to use trending sounds to boost visibility — and when to rely on their own voice or original audio to build authenticity, brand identity, and long-term trust.
Why Understanding This Difference Matters
TikTok runs on sound trends — that’s what made it famous.
But while chasing trends can help you grow fast, it can also make your content blend in.
To build a loyal audience, you need to find the right balance:
👉 Use trending sounds to reach new viewers.
👉 Use original audio to make those viewers remember you.
💡 Trends get you noticed. Originality makes you known.
Step 1️⃣ – What Are “Trending Sounds”?
A trending sound is any audio that’s rapidly being reused by creators across TikTok.
It could be:
- A viral song or snippet 🎵
- A meme soundbite 🎙️
- A line from a show, movie, or another creator’s post
The algorithm boosts videos that use trending audio because TikTok wants to keep people engaged with what’s popular.
That’s why trends = reach.
💡 Trends are the TikTok algorithm’s way of saying “join the conversation.”
Step 2️⃣ – The Advantages of Using Trending Sounds
✅ Increased discoverability:
Your video becomes part of a popular trend category, making it easier for new people to find you.
✅ Built-in familiarity:
When people recognise the sound, they’re more likely to stop and watch — their brain already knows what’s coming.
✅ Algorithmic boost:
TikTok’s “sound-based discovery” system often features trending audio higher on the For You Page.
✅ Social proof:
Viewers associate participation in trends with confidence, creativity, and community.
💡 Using trends correctly makes your content feel current — not copied.
Step 3️⃣ – The Risks of Overusing Trends
Riding trends too often can lead to short-term spikes but long-term stagnation.
Here’s why:
❌ You blend in: Your content starts to look like everyone else’s.
❌ You lose brand identity: People remember the sound, not you.
❌ Trends fade fast: When the sound dies, so does your traffic.
💡 Trends create visibility, not loyalty.
Step 4️⃣ – What Is “Original Audio”?
Original audio is anything you record or speak yourself — your voice, your message, your story.
It’s the sound that belongs entirely to you.
That could be:
- You talking to camera 🎤
- A custom voiceover or narration 🎧
- A unique phrase, quote, or sound effect that becomes part of your brand
Original audio = ownership.
It’s how creators build recognition and authority over time.
💡 Trends fade. Voices last.
Step 5️⃣ – The Advantages of Using Original Audio
✅ Authenticity:
People feel more connected to real voices and real emotion.
✅ Branding:
When people recognise your tone or catchphrase, you become instantly memorable.
✅ Repurposing power:
Your own sound can be reused by others — that’s how you become a trend yourself.
✅ Longevity:
Original videos continue performing long after a trend dies, because the message stays relevant.
💡 Your voice is your most valuable sound.
Step 6️⃣ – When to Use Trending Sounds vs. Original Audio
Use trending sounds when:
🎵 You’re joining a viral movement or meme
🎵 You want to attract new followers quickly
🎵 The sound fits your content’s message naturally
Use original audio when:
🎙️ You’re teaching, storytelling, or motivating
🎙️ You’re building your brand or authority
🎙️ You want deeper connection and replay value
💡 Trends are for reach. Originals are for retention.
Step 7️⃣ – Combine the Two Strategically
The best creators use both — in balance.
For example:
- Use a trending sound quietly in the background of your original voice video.
- Or record a personal message over a trending audio for a hybrid effect.
This way, you get the algorithmic boost of the trend — without losing your authenticity.
💡 The perfect strategy = trend visibility + personal connection.
Step 8️⃣ – How to Find and Track Trending Sounds
Here’s how to identify what’s hot on TikTok right now:
✅ Use the “Sounds” tab in the TikTok app — check for sounds marked as “Trending.”
✅ Search by niche hashtags (e.g. #FitTokSounds, #BusinessTokSounds).
✅ Watch creators in your niche — note recurring songs or audios.
✅ Use free tools like Tokboard or TrendTok to track rising sounds early.
💡 Early adopters of new sounds grow faster.
Step 9️⃣ – How to Create Your Own “Original Sound Trend”
Want to stand out completely?
Start your own sound trend.
Steps:
1️⃣ Record a strong line, phrase, or message (“Repeat after me…” / “You need to hear this today…”).
2️⃣ Add light background music to set mood.
3️⃣ Post it with context — “Use this sound if you agree.”
4️⃣ Encourage followers to reuse it.
If your message hits emotionally, your audio can start trending in your name.
💡 Be the sound everyone else wants to use.
Step 🔟 – The Algorithm Loves Both — In Balance
TikTok’s algorithm supports both trending and original sounds, but it rewards creators who:
✅ Post consistently
✅ Keep content relevant to audience interests
✅ Mix trend participation with original creation
The goal isn’t to choose one — it’s to use both strategically so your short-term visibility supports your long-term brand growth.
💡 Trend smart. Speak true.
The Takeaway
Trends bring the crowd. Your voice keeps them.
TikTok’s most successful creators don’t chase popularity — they use trends as stepping stones while building a foundation on their authentic voice.
The trend gets people to click.
Your voice makes them stay.
💡 Don’t just ride sounds. Create meaning with them.
Now that you know when to use trending sounds and when to use your own voice, it’s time to go deeper into emotional control.
In the next lesson, we’ll explore 8.3 – Choosing the Right Background Music for Your Message, where you’ll learn how to match soundtracks to your story — setting the tone, pace, and emotion of every TikTok you make.