TikTok CML Enrollment

This article explains how to enroll your tracks in TikTok's Commercial Music Library (CML): what the CML is, the eligibility requirements, the consequences of enrolling ineligible tracks, and how to opt in from your Symphonic dashboard. Please review this guide carefully before enrolling, as incorrect enrollment can affect your catalog beyond the individual track.

What Is the Commercial Music Library?

TikTok separates music usage into two libraries: the General Music Library (GML), which is available to personal creator accounts for standard TikTok content, and the Commercial Music Library (CML), a catalog of tracks that have been pre-cleared for commercial use. Brands and TikTok Business accounts can use CML tracks in advertisements, paid promotions, and branded content without securing a separate sync license.

When your music is distributed to TikTok through Symphonic, it goes into the General Music Library by default. Opting into the CML makes your tracks available for commercial and advertising use, which can open up an additional revenue stream and extra exposure. Only tracks that meet TikTok's eligibility criteria can be enrolled.

Eligibility Requirements

Before enrolling, confirm that every track meets both of the following requirements:

• Single songwriter/composer. The track must have only one contributing songwriter or composer. Co-written compositions are not eligible.
• 100% publishing control. You must control 100% of the publishing rights for the composition. The song cannot be represented, in whole or in part, by a third-party publisher or publishing administrator.

If a track fails either criterion, it is not eligible for the CML. In addition, at least one of your labels must have TikTok enabled as a DSP for the opt-in button to be available, and the release must already be distributed and live on TikTok through Symphonic.

What's not eligible:

• Co-written compositions — any track with two or more songwriters or composers.
• Tracks where a third-party publisher or administrator controls any share of the publishing.
• Cover songs — only original compositions qualify.
• Public domain compositions.
• Tracks containing uncleared samples or third-party content you don't have full commercial licensing rights to.

Consequences of Non-Compliance

Providing false information or enrolling tracks that do not meet the eligibility requirements is a violation of the CML terms. Consequences can include, but are not limited to:

• Removal of the track from the CML
• Restricted CML access for future releases
• Takedowns from digital service providers (DSPs)

Because these consequences can affect not just the individual track but your future releases and DSP standing as well, it's important to verify eligibility carefully before enrolling any song. Only opt in if you are absolutely certain you control 100% of the composition.

How to Opt In

If your music meets the requirements above and you'd like to enroll your tracks in the Commercial Music Library, you can enroll directly from your dashboard.

• Log in to your Symphonic account

• Go to Account badge ► Enrollments

  

• Opt in to TikTok CML

Please note: The opt-in button will only be enabled if at least one of your labels has TikTok enabled as a DSP. If the button is unavailable, confirm that your release is distributed and live on TikTok through Symphonic.

Things to Consider Before Opting In

• Once in the CML, your music becomes available to all TikTok Business accounts, including brands and advertisers you may not have a direct relationship with. Consider whether broad commercial availability aligns with your strategy.
• Standard distributed music (in the GML) is not available to TikTok Business accounts. The CML is the only music library that Business accounts can legally use, so opting in is the only way for brands to use your music on TikTok.
• CML licensing is cleared specifically for use within TikTok. If a brand wants to use your track outside of TikTok (e.g., on YouTube, Instagram, or a website), they would need to obtain a separate license from you directly.

More info: TikTok Commercial Music Library help article