Creating a TikTok Video: Step-By-Step Guide to Creative Short Videos
Georgia Palamas & Janine König9/21/2023
We show you how easy it is to start with TikTok and provide you with all the necessary tools and tips you need.
Table of contents
- Why TikTok has become indispensable
- TikTok strategy: The secret behind viral videos
- without losing track and planning in the long term? Then you should definitely also create an editorial plan.
- Experiment, test different hooks and see what works best with your audience. Over time, you'll develop a feel for how to captivate viewers from the start.
- It's not about having the most expensive equipment, but making the best of what you have.
- Stick to these guidelines, experiment and find out what works best for your audience.
- Also use the features to make your video more interesting.
You're ready for TikTok, but don't know where to start? No worries, we've got you covered! This TikTok guide is specifically for you: For those who have recognized the potential of TikTok, but are still unsure how to create their first video. Short, crisp and to the point we get you on track.
TikTok has become more than just challenges and dancing, but much more a place for high-quality content creation, no matter if it's vlogging, lifestyle, crafting or fashion. If you are new to the world of TikTok and feel overwhelmed, you are in the right place! In this article we show you, how easy it is to get started with TikTok and give you all the necessary tools and tips at hand.
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Why TikTok has become indispensable
TikTok has established itself as a powerful platform for viral content, which allows brands to reach immense reach in no time. With its young and active user base, it offers businesses the opportunity to directly address a hard-to-reach target group. Also, TikTok allows for a unique form of brand presentation and customer retention through authentic and creative short videos.
Numbers & Facts about TikTok
- From "Musical.ly" to TikTok: In 2018, ByteDance took over the Musical.ly app and merged it with TikTok.
- Owned by a giant: Behind TikTok is ByteDance - often described as the "most valuable startup in the world".
- Impressive reach: TikTok is available in over 155 countries and in 75 languages.
- Android dominates: The overwhelming majority of downloads, namely 90%, are done on Android devices.
You see, TikTok is not just another social media app. It's a global phenomenon with a fascinating history and impressive numbers!
TikTok strategy: The secret behind viral videos
- Imagine standing in front of a huge, white canvas. Your chance to create a masterpiece on it. That's how it can feel when you want to create your first TikTok video. But how do you create TikTok videos? No worries, here are some tips to overcome this hurdle.Self-reflection:
- Start with yourself. What are your hobbies, interests or special talents? Whether you're a kitchen wonder, dance enthusiast or a bookworm - TikTok offers a home for everyone.The TikTok community:
- Browse the platform. Look at what's trending and which videos get many likes and shares. But don't just be guided by what everyone is doing. Below in our guide we help you to find the perfect balance between trends and your niche.Ask your friends:
- Sometimes it's the people around us who know us best. Ask them what they find special about you or which of your quirks they find entertaining. You'd be surprised what great ideas can come out of this!Feedback is gold:
Once you've posted a few videos, listen to the community. Feedback, comments and reactions can show you what's going down well and where you can improve.In the end, remember: TikTok is a place of creativity and expression. There is no fixed recipe for success. The most important thing is that you enjoy it and stay authentic. So, take out your smartphone and
let your creativity run wild!Would you like to save time creating social media content
without losing track and planning in the long term? Then you should definitely also create an editorial plan.
Storytelling on TikTok: A few seconds to the wow moment
- You think telling an exciting story in just a few seconds sounds like a real challenge? You're not entirely wrong. But exactly this short time span can be the key to creative and captivating content. Here are a few tips on how to create an unforgettable story on TikTok in a short amount of time:Start with a bang:
- Your introduction should immediately attract the attention of your viewers. Start with a question, a surprising scene or a teaser that arouses curiosity.Clarity is king:
- In such a short time there is no room for beating around the bush. Get straight to the point. What do you want to tell or show? Focus on a clear message or an action.Use visual aids:
- Emojis, stickers, effects or text overlays can help you tell your story faster and more concisely. But beware: less is often more!Evoke emotions:
- People remember stories that touch them emotionally. Be it humor, surprise, joy or sadness - find the emotional core of your story.A strong finish:
- Just like the intro, the end of your video should stick in the memory. A call-to-action, a surprising turn of events or an open end can encourage viewers to think or watch again.Authenticity counts:
Your story should always reflect a part of you. Authenticity attracts viewers and creates a connection to you.Remember that perfection is not always the goal. Sometimes it's the spontaneous, unpolished moments, that seem most authentic and do particularly well on TikTok. So dare to experiment and
find your own storytelling style!Extra tip: You want tips for convincing Tiktok ads
? Then you should definitely also include other aspects in the creation! Organic and paid videos have overlaps, but are essentially quite different.
The perfect introduction: How a strong hook captivates your TikTok audienceYou're scrolling through TikTok and suddenly - you stop. A video has caught your attention. But why? Usually, it's because of the so-called "hook" - the hook that catches you right at the beginning of a video.
- But how do you create such a hook that captivates the audience?Definition of a hook:
- A hook is the first moment in a video that immediately attracts the attention of viewers and makes them continue watching. In music, it's often the catchy chorus, in movies the exciting cliffhanger, and in TikTok videos? It could be anything: A sentence, a movement, a visual effect or an emotional reaction.
Clarity and simplicity:
- An effective hook should be understood immediately. No complicated backstories, but get straight to the point. A simple "Did you know...?" or "Look what happened to me today!" can often be enough.
Use surprise element:
- Showing or saying something unexpected can work wonders. A sudden change in mood, a funny effect or an unusual scene - anything that makes the audience curious works as a hook.
Emotionality:
- Viewers react strongly to emotions. A strong emotional reaction at the beginning of your video - be it laughter, amazement or emotion - can be an effective hook.
Ask questions:
- Starting with a question arouses the interest and curiosity of viewers. They want to know the answer and therefore continue watching.
Utilize current trends:
If there's a current trend or a viral sound on TikTok, incorporating it as a hook can directly address viewers and encourage them to continue watching.Remember, a hook should come quickly. The first few seconds are crucial.
Experiment, test different hooks and see what works best with your audience. Over time, you'll develop a feel for how to captivate viewers from the start.
Equipment Whether you're just starting out shooting TikTok videos or want to take your productions to the next level, the right equipment
can make a difference. Here are some simple tips on how to create impressive TikTok videos with your smartphone and some additional devices.Smartphone Settings:
Make sure you're filming in the highest possible resolution. On most smartphones, you'll find this option under "Camera Settings".Resolution and Frame Rate:
Most modern smartphones offer the ability to film in 4K. If this is the case with your device, use this setting to get the clearest and most detailed videos. For TikTok, however, a resolution of 1080p can often be sufficient and saves storage space. Depending on the desired look and theme of your video, you can also set the frame rate (FPS). For normal videos, a rate of 30 FPS is typically ideal, while 60 FPS allows slow motion motion.Focus and Exposure:
On most smartphones, you can tap to focus on a particular area. However, hold your finger longer on the screen to activate AE/AF Lock (Auto Exposure/Auto Focus). This prevents the camera from constantly refocusing or changing the exposure, especially when the lighting conditions or movement in the image change.
Must-have Camera App Tool: Blackmagic CamThe brand new Blackmagic Cam App
revolutionizes the way videos can be recorded on your phone. With a wealth of powerful tools and features, it enables maximum control over your shots. From precise focus control to adjusting exposure and white balance, this app offers possibilities you would otherwise only have with a professional camera. The app is super intuitive to use and therefore a top recommendation. Make sure you have the Vertical Mode activated.Grid Mode:
This mode draws a grid over the screen, helping you align your shots and apply the rule of thirds. The central subject or person is thus positioned at the intersections of the grid, usually resulting in more aesthetically pleasing footage.2. Stabilization:
A shaky video can distract the viewer. Use a tripod or gimbal to get smooth and professional looking footage. There are many affordable options designed specifically for smartphones.3. Microphone:
Good sound is just as important as good picture. Consider investing in an external microphone that can be connected to your smartphone. Lavalier microphones or direction microphones are a great option for clear voice recordings.4. Light:
Good light can make the difference between an average and an outstanding video. Use natural light whenever possible by filming near a window. If you often shoot indoors, a ring light lamp could be a worthwhile investment. It provides even lighting and makes your video shine.5. Background:
Pay attention to the space you are filming in. A messy or distracting background can divert focus from your content. A simple, solid color background, perhaps enhanced with some targeted decorations, can work wonders.6. Battery and Storage:
There's nothing worse than losing battery or storage in the middle of a shoot. Be sure your smartphone is fully charged and have enough storage for your footage.Investing in good equipment can seem daunting at first, but even a few small upgrades can greatly improve the overall impression of your TikTok videos. Always remember:
It's not about having the most expensive equipment, but making the best of what you have.
Tiktok size matters?TikTok has revolutionized the short video format. But as with all platforms, there are also specific format requirements and best practices
- , which you should know in order to present your content optimally. Here's what you should pay attention to with TikTok format:Portrait format is a must-have:
- TikToks are consumed mostly on smartphones, even on desktop there is no landscape format, so portrait format (9:16) is a must. This format fills the entire screen and allows to gain the full attention of the viewer.
Clear visuals:
- Since the screen size of mobile phones is limited, videos should be clear and well lit. Avoid too many details or too small text, which is difficult to read.
Consider safety area:
Since TikTok has various controls and overlays in its player, it's important to make sure that important information such as texts or faces are not obscured by likes, comments or other icons. See belowKnowing and using the right format at TikTok is crucial to the success of your content.
Stick to these guidelines, experiment and find out what works best for your audience.
Step-by-Step: Your way to the perfect TikTok videoCapCutThe editing of TikTok videos is the key to making your content more appealing and professional. Whether you use the CapCut app or the integrated
TikTok editing function
- , these tips will help you create impressive videos that will win the hearts of your viewers.If you want to use the integrated TikTok editing function first, you should be aware that it, similar to the CapCut app, is similar from the interface, but includes fewer editing functions.CapCutDownload CapCut: Download the free CapCut app from the App Store or Google Play Store
CapCut is a very versatile and effective video editing app, which by now with all the features can even keep up with Adobe editing programs - .
The same manufacturers also brought out the app: Hypic - which is for image editing and linked to CapCut, in case you want to insert images into your Tiktok Video.Import your video material: Open the app and import your TikTok videos & Tiktok images.Trimming and Cutting: Select your clip and tap the end of a clip (see 1), to trim unwanted beginning and end parts. You can also make a cut anywhere - Use the splitting symbol at your desired clip location
- (see 2
- ).Adding transitions, color grading & keyframes: CapCut offers various transition effects that give your video a professional look. Select a suitable transition and add it between the clips. Use these sensibly and fitting to your video. Keyframes are a super tool to fix sticker or video content at places.The Magic of Color Grading: CapCut offers really great color tools & color filters
- for videos and all the presets look amazing! From HSL (Hue, Saturation,Light) to curves everything is available. See below an example of what color grading makes a difference. Stand out from the crowd with a beautiful video color look.The perfect video length of your Tiktok video: Although TikTok was originally known for 15-second clips you can now upload videos of up to 10 minutes
. Depending on your niche, shorter videos are often more effective as they get to the point faster and keep the audience's interest. However, videos that are about 1 minute long have been back in trend for some time! Try out which times work best in your niche and account.Good TikTok videos, whether short or long
, tell a story. Start longer videos with a captivating hook, keep viewers engaged with engaging
storytelling and questions, and make sure they stick around until the end.Music on TikTok: Find the perfect chart hit for your video
Creating a TikTok video with music is easier said than done! Music is at the heart of TikTok. It can make a clip a Viral Hit
and give it that special something. But how do you find the ideal track that not only fits your content, but is also trending in the TikTok charts? Here are a few tips:1. Use TikTok Discover Section:
The "Discover" section of TikTok often features the current viral trends and popular songs. A look here gives you an overview of the currently popular tracks.2. Song suggestions in the app:
When adding music to your video, TikTok suggests a list of popular songs. These are often currently in the charts and can help your video gain more visibility.3. Playlists and Rankings:
There are many external websites and apps that list the current top TikTok songs. A regular look at these helps you stay up-to-date.4. Listen to the community:
Follow active and popular TikTok users and see what music they use. Influencers often set the trends that the community then follows.5. Shazam Music:
Heard a cool track in a TikTok video but don't know what it's called? Apps like Shazam can help you identify the song.6. Get feedback
:
Use the comment function and ask your followers directly for music recommendations or current favorites. The TikTok community is very active and helpful.
Use the comment function and ask your followers directly for music recommendations or current favorites. The TikTok community is very active and helpful.
7. Switch it up every now and then:
Even if you have a favorite track, try to use different music regularly. This keeps your videos fresh and appealing and allows you to reach different audiences.
Always stay curious and try to constantly inform yourself about the musical trends on TikTok. Music is not only entertainment, but also a powerful tool to resonate with your audience and find the perfect tone for your video.Pay attention
Even if you have a favorite track, try to use different music regularly. This keeps your videos fresh and appealing and allows you to reach different audiences.
Always stay curious and try to constantly inform yourself about the musical trends on TikTok. Music is not only entertainment, but also a powerful tool to resonate with your audience and find the perfect tone for your video.Pay attention
to
correctly use copyrighted music. TikTok provides a comprehensive library with approved tracks that you can use for your videos.Text in TikTok Videos Headlines
: In videos, they can not only help to convey the message more effectively without words, but also serve as a great anchor point that captures attention, for example: "You don't know these 3 facts about XY…
See
iPhone (1&2) - with CapCut you can experiment with many fonts and colors:
Picture: iPhone 1 & 2
Caption: Here you can textually reproduce the content in the video or also include extra info. The more meaningfully you use the caption, the more likely you are to have the chance that users watch your videos more often or it is paused to read the text, which comes across very positively in TikTok videos.Some TikTok users watch videos without sound. By adding subtitles, you ensure that your message is understood even thenSubtitles help TikTok also understand
, what your content is about, just like in the caption and so your video can also be found easier via a TikTok search. This is still an underrated hack
to go viral more often.
Overall, subtitles, a carefully formulated headline like a caption on your video contribute to making your TikTok videos accessible to a wider audience. They are important tools to increase user engagement and
effectively convey the message of your content.You can add subtitles in CapCut and TikTok (see image on the right).Filters and effects: Make it sparkle!If you want to create viral TikTok videos, it is advisable to keep an eye on the filter and effect trends
. If you notice that the algorithm is showing you videos from many users with similar characteristics, this is most likely a trend. This trend could relate to the music, the topic, the effect/filter or sticker.
If it's an effect, filter or sticker, there are many ways to find them. You can go to the trend search in TikTok itself to discover the latest and most fashionable effects and filters.
If you shoot your videos directly in TikTok, you have access to special camera filters that were developed exclusively for the app. (See iPhone 1)You should select these before shooting the video and apply them. If you want to add effects afterwards, you can find the option in TikTok under "Effects
". Many of these effects can also be found in CapCut, which again gives you also extended editing possibilities. (See iPhone 2 & 4)Feel free to use stickers
. A popular example are the animated letters. You can find these by typing the corresponding letter in the top search bar. (See iPhone 3
)By setting trends and effects that are currently popular in the TikTok community, you increase the chances that your
videos will receive more attention and interaction.
Also use the features to make your video more interesting.
But not too much - the content should always be at the center. iPhone 1 iPhone 2 iPhone 3 iPhone 4Conclusion TikTok is not just a platform for entertainment, but also a creative space, which supports the individual unfoldment of every character. It offers an immense playground for everyone who wants to share their passions
, regardless of their niche. This unique diversity and openness makes TikTok an indispensable universe.After this TikTok guide you should be well prepared to create, edit your own TikTok videos. We wish you incredible success and always remember: Consistency is the Key
Author
Georgia Palamas
Creative Director | Fotografin | begeisterte TikTok-Kreatorin
Die Verbindung von visueller Ästhetik, emotionalem Storytelling & out of the box thinking ist essentiell, um kraftvolle Markenbotschaften zu gestalten. Brands denken immer noch zu starr, und mein Ziel ist es, nicht nur kreative, performante Assets für Marken bereitzustellen, sondern auch nachhaltige Konzepte zu entwickeln, die ein beeindruckendes Markenimage schaffen und somit auch Werbung neu zu definieren.
Author
Janine König
Senior Designerin bei adslab
Mit über einem Jahrzehnt Erfahrung im TV-Bereich hat sie als On Air Designerin für namhafte Sender wie MTV und Nickelodeon gearbeitet. Janine glaubt fest daran, dass Geschichten das Herzstück wirkungsvoller Kommunikation sind und setzt diese Überzeugung in ihrer Arbeit um. Sie ist fasziniert von den Einsatzmöglichkeiten künstlicher Intelligenz im Marketingbereich und deren Potenzial, Arbeitsprozesse zu optimieren und die Entwicklung der Gesellschaft voranzutreiben. Mit einer Vision, die sowohl die technologische als auch die psychologische Dimension des Marketings umfasst, strebt Janine danach, tiefe Einblicke in die Kundenpsychologie zu gewinnen und innovative Tools zu nutzen. Dabei hat Social Media für sie einen besonderen Reiz: Es ermöglicht ihr, direkt am Puls der Konsumentenbedürfnisse zu sein.
