How to appeal a muted TikTok video

Two different situations

TikTok acts on music in two ways, and the appeal differs.

1. A mute by the audio recognition system. TikTok's system matched the music and silenced part or all of the video.
2. A removal after a rightsholder's report. A copyright owner told TikTok the video infringes, and TikTok took it down.

The notification tells you which one you have.

Appealing a mute

1. Open the notification in your inbox, or the "Change sound" prompt on the video.
2. Select "Appeal".
3. Explain why your use is authorised. Name the licence, the provider and the account it is under.
4. Submit.

TikTok says "If your appeal is approved, the copyright violation will be removed and your video's audio will be restored."

The faster fix

If you do not hold a licence, or do not want to wait, replace the sound. TikTok says to "choose a new track from TikTok's Unlimited Sounds Library. Once you select a new track, your video will be updated and the audio will be restored." The video keeps its views and comments.

Appealing a removal

TikTok's Intellectual Property Policy says "You may also submit an appeal within the TikTok app, which can be accessed from the in-app notification." In the United States the appeal works as a counter-notification under the DMCA.

Reinstatement is not automatic. Content may be restored if TikTok does "not receive notice that the copyright claimant has filed an action seeking a court order", and the policy adds that "The decision to reinstate any content is at TikTok's sole discretion."

In the European Union you appeal in the app as well. The policy lists quotation, criticism, review, caricature, parody and pastiche as exceptions you can rely on.

The catch

An appeal against a rightsholder's report is not private. TikTok says "we will forward your entire appeal to the original reporter, including any contact information you provide", and that the claimant "may use this information to file a lawsuit against you."

That is how counter-notifications work on every platform, but it surprises people. Appeal a removal only when you hold the rights and can show it.

Do not wait

TikTok gives no deadline in days. It does say "We delete the removed content after a period of time", and that after deletion "your content can no longer be reinstated." Keep your own copy of every video you post.

Before the next upload

Turn on "Music copyright check" on the posting page. TikTok warns you about a music problem before the video is published, which is cheaper than any appeal.