Distributor guide · checked 25 October 2026

Amuse TikTok start time

Amuse sets the TikTok start per track in the upload flow. After delivery there is no self-serve edit; you send support the details and they change it.

“When you upload your release, you can choose the TikTok preview start time of each track as part of the upload process.”
— Amuse, updated 9 Sep 2026

New release

  1. While uploading the release, set the TikTok preview start time for each track.
  2. Repeat for every track you want a custom start on, then finish the upload.

Already released

For a track that is already delivered, Amuse support changes it for you when you message them.

  1. Log in to your Amuse account.
  2. Open the messenger box at the bottom right.
  3. Send the release ID(s), the track name and ISRC, and the start time you want (e.g. 0:46).

Good to know for Amuse

  • Format: Chosen per track during upload. For a delivered track, Amuse asks for the start time written like "0:46".
  • Have the ISRC for each track ready before you message support. Amuse asks for it along with the release ID and track name.
  • Write the start as minutes:seconds (Amuse's own example is 0:46).

Work out your exact Amuse start time

Fills in from the song title and artist when we can find it. You can always edit it.

Listen through and note the second the hook begins, or let "Find my hook" below suggest it. You always choose.

Not listed? We only include distributors whose own help pages document the TikTok start time.

Find my hook

Pick your own song (MP3 or WAV, up to 20 MB and 15 minutes). It is analysed in your browser and never uploaded. We look for the part that repeats and is loudest, which is usually the chorus.

1. Your TikTok start time

Enter this in Amuse

TikTok preview start time (per track, in the upload flow)

0:46

Starts 2 seconds before the hook. The 2-second lead-in is our suggestion.

Chosen per track during upload. For a delivered track, Amuse asks for the start time written like "0:46".

Steps in Amuse

  1. While uploading the release, set the TikTok preview start time for each track.
  2. Repeat for every track you want a custom start on, then finish the upload.

Already released? For a track that is already delivered, Amuse support changes it for you when you message them. Amuse Help

Full Amuse guide →

If you don't set it

Distributors document two different defaults, so we show both. Creators pick up to 15 seconds of the clip (CD Baby Support, Symphonic).

  • Default 29 seconds in (RouteNote): preview starts at 0:29

    Hook lands 19s in, past the first 15 seconds.

  • Default 33% of the track (Label Worx): preview starts at 1:03

    Your hook (0:48) is 15s before this start, so it would be skipped.

Sources: RouteNote Support (29 s), Label Worx Support (33%).

2. Creator brief for your song

The sound page delivered by your distributor, not a fan upload.

Platforms

Why these rules: one rightsholder per TikTok Sound ID and unofficial uploads on 97k+ videos (Pex, Feb 2025); Shorts over one minute with a copyright claim are blocked (YouTube Help); disclosure in the video, "#ad" is fine (FTC).

Your brief

The video
Make a short vertical video (9:16) for TikTok, Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts using the song as the sound.
The hook starts at 0:48 in the song. Trim the sound so the hook plays in your first few seconds.
Make the hook moment the payoff of the video: a transition, reveal, dance move, lip-sync line or reaction.
Keep the song audible. Don't talk over the hook.

Sound rules
- Use the official sound from the artist's profile, not one uploaded by someone else.
- Don't use a re-upload, sped-up or slowed version. Only one rightsholder can claim a TikTok Sound ID, so videos on unofficial uploads can leave the artist with no credit (Pex, Feb 2025).
- Don't upload the song as your own original audio.

YouTube Shorts
- Keep Shorts at 60 seconds or less. YouTube blocks Shorts longer than one minute that have an active copyright claim (YouTube Help).

Disclosure
- This is a paid promotion. Turn on the platform's paid-partnership / branded-content label.
- Also say or show "#ad" in the video itself, not only in the caption. The FTC says the disclosure should be in the video, not just the description, and "#ad" is fine.

Don't
- Don't buy views, likes or followers. Only verified views are paid.
- Don't re-post someone else's video or use a clip you don't have rights to.
- Don't make claims about the artist that aren't true.

Pre-fills a campaign with this brief. You review every field, set your reward per 1,000 verified views and budget, and nothing is charged until you fund it.

3. Release-week plan

Loading your dates…

Everything runs in your browser. Nothing is saved unless you press "Launch as a campaign".

Frequently asked questions

How do I change my TikTok start time on Amuse after release?

Log in, open the messenger box at the bottom right and send the release ID(s), track name, ISRC and the start time you want, for example 0:46.

Can I set a different TikTok start for each track on Amuse?

Yes. Amuse says you choose the TikTok preview start time of each track as part of the upload.

What does TikTok use if I don't set a start time on Amuse?

Amuse's page doesn't say. Other distributors document 29 seconds in (RouteNote) or 33% of the track (Label Worx), so set it yourself.

Source

  • TikTok — Amuse, updated 9 Sep 2026

Screens change. If Amuse's form looks different, their help page is the authority. Other distributors: all TikTok start-time guides.

Related free music tools

Estimates, not guarantees. Real costs and results vary. This is general information, not legal or financial advice: check the licence terms that apply to you, and talk to a qualified professional before you rely on it.