What a viral sound is worth
Before release there are no earnings, so value comes from momentum: the number of videos using the sound, how fast that number is growing, and what that usually turns into once the song is out.
Put in your creations and this week's growth and you get a range, plus what a buyer might pay as an advance to license it instead of buying it outright.
Proving it's yours
Anyone can claim a sound, so every unreleased sound is checked before buyers see it. You show you control the TikTok account, and we match your listing to the original post the sound came from. Verified sounds carry a badge, which is part of why buyers trust what's listed.
Sell it or license it
Selling is permanent: the buyer owns the share you sell and you're paid once. Licensing gets you an advance now; the buyer releases and works the song for a set number of years, you earn a royalty once the advance is paid back, and then the rights come back to you.
Before you list
- Make sure you own or control the recording and the song, or know who does
- Clear any samples, or say they're not cleared
- Check you haven't signed anything that already covers the sound, such as a distribution or label deal
- Have the stems ready: buyers often ask for them
Questions
Can I sell a sound that isn't released yet?
Yes. Unreleased sounds with momentum are what many labels want. You'll need to show you posted the original.
What if someone else uploaded my sound?
Only the original poster can list a sound. If you think someone has listed yours, email hello@theinternetlabel.com and we'll check the original post.
Will I lose my TikTok?
No. You're selling or licensing rights in the music, not your account.
What does it cost?
Nothing for sellers. Buyers pay the fee, on top of the price.