TikTok is a versatile, popular short-form video platform and creators can see their videos spiral to success with millions of views without needing a huge audience like on Instagram or YouTube. It’s a social platform that’s gaining momentum without showing any signs of slowing down, so it makes sense that you want to get involved. But what exactly makes a TikTok video a TikTok video? And how do you make TikTok videos? Let’s dive into this ultimate guide to learn how to create a TikTok video.
A TikTok video is simply a video that has been made for the video platform TikTok. When the platform started out, the video duration was a maximum of 15 seconds, so the app has become synonymous with lightning fast videos that move onto the next one as soon as the message has landed. Over time the developers have experimented with longer-form videos and durations, and as of February 2022 users can create TikToks up to 10 minutes in length. But the essence of the app remains the same: users want to be entertained, or educated, in as little time as possible. If you can get in and out quickly, you’ll help feed the algorithmic, addictive nature of the platform and your videos will likely see more success. But how do you create a TikTok video?
To start with, you’ll need a mobile and TikTok downloaded. One of the reasons for TikTok’s massive success is how it has made creating videos easy within the app. Users can take videos, add music, and upload directly from TikTok. But what if you want to do something more complex? Or have more control over what you are creating? That’s when video editing software comes in.
The steps can be broken down very simply. Record your footage, edit it into a video, add transitions, add music and motion graphics, export, and upload. Doing all of this with video editing software like Pinnacle Studio gives you the ability to be much more creative and unlocks an entire suite of tools to elevate your videos to the next level.
Once you have downloaded Pinnacle Studio, import the footage you want to create a TikTok with. Bring it into the editing timeline and arrange the clips in order, removing mistakes and generally piecing it together in the way you want.
Once you have your basic edit, you can drop in music. One of TikTok’s attractions is the ability to remix videos using popular music on the platform, but with a video editor you aren't just restricted to what’s on TikTok, you can add other music from your library. Adjust the edit points to match the beat of the music, then you can finish it off by adding transitions, animated text, a color grade to make the footage pop, and much more.
Once you’re happy with how the video is looking in Pinnacle Studio, it’s time to export and upload to TikTok, and watch the views come rolling in.
TikTok makes it quick and easy for users to create videos directly in the app, but that will only get you so far. The most popular TikTok videos are videos that have been designed, created, and elevated with the smart use of video editing software. Before you’ve made your first TikTok video, spend a good amount of time on TikTok to understand the types of videos that work and the types of videos that don’t. You’ll see patterns emerge of what audiences are attracted to, and that will help inspire your own TikTok videos. Using the full suite of tools available in video editing software like Pinnacle Studio like motion graphics, transitions and color grading will make your TikTok videos stand out, so download it today to get started.