How to add the Thriller sound on TikTok, Reels and Shorts

The sound, in one line

The Thriller dance trend is posted with Thriller by Michael Jackson. Your NowStarring video already has a 10-second stretch of the song in it, with the moves timed to it, so it plays as it is. Add the Thriller sound in the app too and your post joins the trend’s sound page; just turn your original sound down so the song doesn’t double.

Search results may show several versions and covers. If a trend video you like uses a particular one, tap its sound name to get exactly that, rather than guessing from the search list.

Why add the sound in the app

• Your post lands on the sound’s page next to every other Thriller video, where a lot of trend views come from.
• The platform licenses the music it offers. Music only in your file is more likely to be muted on some posts.
• If you post to more than one app, add the sound in each one separately.
• Viewers who tap the sound on your post find the whole trend, and people browsing the trend find you. A post with music only in the file misses both.

Made your clip somewhere else without music? Then the app’s sound is your only soundtrack, and you’ll want to line it up with your moves.

On TikTok

From a trend video (best)

1. Find a Thriller dance video that uses the sound you want.
2. Tap the sound name at the bottom, then Use this sound.
3. Tap upload and pick your video.
4. Tap Volume and turn your original sound down to zero, then post.

From your own video

1. Tap + and pick your video.
2. Tap Add sound and search Thriller.
3. Pick Michael Jackson’s Thriller and trim it so the part you choose matches your moves.
4. Tap Volume to set the original sound and the added sound, then post.

On Instagram Reels

1. On a Reel that uses the song, tap the audio name, then Use audio, and add your video.
2. Or tap +, choose Reel, pick your video, tap the music button and search Thriller.
3. Choose which part of the song plays.
4. In the volume controls, turn your camera audio down, then share.

Want to keep the timing exactly as it is in our video? Skip the added music and post with the camera audio up. Your Reel won’t show on the song’s audio page, but every move stays on the beat.

On YouTube Shorts

1. On a Short that uses Thriller, tap the sound name, then Use this sound, and pick your video.
2. Or upload your video as a Short and tap Sound to search the library.
3. Set the original sound and the added song, then upload.
4. Play it through once before you publish to check the song isn’t doubled.

If Thriller isn’t in the Shorts library where you are, post with the song already in your video and the original sound on.

Mixing it with the song already in your video

Our file contains only the song, timed to the moves. Two copies of the same song a beat apart sound like an echo, so pick one:

When the original sound is off, the moves are only on the beat if the added song starts at the same place. Play it back and nudge the song’s start until the head throw and the stomp land on hits.

Lining the song up with the moves

1. Play your video with the original sound on once and listen for where the head throw lands.
2. Turn the original off and add the Thriller sound.
3. Drag the song in the trimmer until the same musical moment hits on the head throw.
4. Check the stomp at the end. If it’s close, you’re done; if not, nudge again.

If you can’t get it right, post with your original sound on and no added sound. The video still plays perfectly on its own.

Made your clip in another tool, with no music at all? Then there’s nothing to match: put the strongest hit you can find on your head throw or your lunge, and trim the start of the video if the stare runs long.

If the sound is muted or missing

• Muted after posting: re-upload with the original sound off and the Thriller sound picked from the app.
• Song not in the library: switch from a business to a personal or creator account, update the app, or start from a trend video’s sound.
• Post not on the sound page: you only join it by picking the sound in the app.

If your video is AI-made, label it: on TikTok, turn on the AI-generated content setting before you post.

In the caption, name the trend in plain words, such as “thriller dance” and “halloween”, so people searching for it can find you. Keep the rest short and leave the bottom of the frame clear: the stomp ends close to the lens.

No video yet? Make yours from one photo, or see the free routes. The Thriller dance page has examples with the song on. Prices are on Pricing, and the Thriller dance AI prompt is there if you’d rather make the clip yourself.

NowStarring is an independent fan tool, not linked to Michael Jackson, his estate or the makers of Thriller. The song belongs to its rights holders.

Perguntas

What song is the Thriller dance trend?

Thriller by Michael Jackson. Pick it from the sound library when you post, or tap the sound on a trend video you like.

Does the NowStarring Thriller video already have the song?

Yes. It has a 10-second stretch of Thriller, with the moves timed to it. Adding the platform’s sound links your post to the trend; turn your original sound down when you do.

Why does my Thriller video sound doubled?

Both the song in your file and the added sound are playing. Turn the original sound off, or the added sound off.

Why was my Thriller video muted?

Music in a file can be muted. Re-upload with the original sound turned off and the Thriller sound picked from the app’s library.

Can’t find Thriller in the sound library?

Business accounts often get a smaller music library, and it varies by country. Try a personal or creator account, or start from a trend video’s sound.

Do I have to label the video as AI?

Label it if it’s AI-made. On TikTok, turn on the AI-generated content setting before you post.