Let’s face it, TikTok is the moment.
And with 1 billion monthly active users, it’s time to jump in and introduce your brand to a wider audience!
Want to learn how to make videos on TikTok but don’t know where to start? Do not worry! We’ve broken down all the steps and tools you’ll need to make your first viral ad-worthy video and make sure your debut doesn’t piss you off.
How to create an account on TikTok
First of all, you need to create a TikTok account.
There are many ways to register: you can use your phone number, email address or social network account. Here’s how to do it using your phone number.
1. Download TikTok from Google Play or App Store.
2. Open the TikTok app on your iPhone or Android.
3. Click the Me or Profile icon in the lower right corner of the screen.
4. Choose a registration method (we choose “use phone or email”)
5. Enter your date of birth and phone number (make sure it’s correct because that’s how you’ll retrieve passwords and verify your account).
6. Enter the 6 digit code sent to this phone number (see I told you!)
7. You did it! Celebrate by scrolling through TikTok for too many hours.
How to make a video on tik tok
Here’s how to get started on your very first TikTok video. Lucky for you, it’s a lot easier than learning the TikTok Shuffle dance.
1. Tap the + sign at the bottom of the screen.
2. You can upload photos and videos from your phone’s library, or shoot videos directly with the TikTok camera.
3. In direct recording, click the “Record”button at the bottom of the screen. Press again when finished recording. The default video mode is “Fast”which is for 15 second videos, but you can switch it to “Camera”for more editing options and longer videos (15s, 60s and 3 minutes), or “Templates””to create a specific video style.
4. Click the checkmark when you’re done capturing all your footage.
5. Make any changes or changes to the post page. All your edits are on the right sidebar of the screen. Also, add music or sounds by clicking “Add Sound”at the top of the screen.
6. Post this video and share it everywhere! Be sure to include a description with some hashtags so that it finds its audience.
How to make TikTok with multiple videos
Instead of making one long video, why not shoot shorter videos and edit them together to make your own TikTok video? Here’s how to do it (and you don’t need a cinematographer’s degree).
1. Click on the “+”icon to start the video.
2. You can shoot multiple videos at once by pressing the record button after each clip, creating videos with different frames. Or you can click the “Upload”button next to the record button and add some videos and photos that you have saved on your phone.
3. Select all your media files and click next.
4. Now you can sync the audio in your videos and make adjustments (or try “Auto Sync”which will do the sync for you).
5. Click “Next”when finished. You will be taken to a preview screen where you can add sounds, additional effects, text, and stickers.
6. Click “Next”when you finish editing the video and go to the publishing screen.
7. Don’t forget to add a description and some hashtags and bingo bango bongo, you are TikTok’s Steven Spielberg!
How to Schedule TikTok
Using Hootsuite, you can schedule your TikTok to any time in the future. (TikTok’s own scheduler only allows users to schedule TikTok 10 days ahead.)
To create and schedule TikTok with Hootsuite, follow these steps:
- Record your video and edit it (add sounds and effects) in the TikTok app.
- When you’re done editing your video, click “Next”at the bottom right corner of the screen. Then select More options and click Save to device.
- In Hootsuite, tap the Create icon at the very top of the left menu to open Composer.
- Select the account you want to post your TikTok to.
- Download the saved TikTok to your device.
- Add a signature. You can include emojis and hashtags, and tag other accounts in your caption.
- Set advanced options. You can enable or disable comments, stitches and duets for each of your individual posts. (Note: TikTok’s existing privacy settings (configured in the TikTok app) take precedence over these.)
- Preview your post and click Publish Now to publish immediately, or…
- …click “Schedule for Later” to post your TikTok at another time. You can manually select a post date or choose from three recommended custom best post times for maximum engagement.
And it’s all! Your TikToks will show up in Planner along with all your other scheduled social media posts.
5 things to know before creating your first TikTok
The style of TikTok is less polished than other types of videos.
Don’t worry about your videos being too expensive. On TikTok, videos should be candid and natural, and they should showcase your personality. Things like perfect editing, smooth transitions or flawless lighting should not get in the way of your idea and your own charisma.
Sure, there are plenty of editing options, effects, and filters to choose from (what the hell is the difference between B3 and G4 filters?), but the real star is you, or at least all 6 of your friends singing Lady Gaga. for challenging #caughtinabadromance on this bachelorette party. If that’s not honest, then I don’t know what is.
@arielleandmylee That finger stole the show! 😂😂😂 #bachelorettetrip #gatlinburg #caughtinabadromamce
You don’t have to dance
Good news! You don’t have to spend 2 hours perfecting LaLisa’s dance class to make sure your video stands out (if you don’t want that, then there’s no judgment here!).
There are so many different ways to engage your followers that don’t involve locking yourself in your living room in front of a ring lamp (but again, no judgment if you do, except maybe your pet and its adorable appraising eyes).
You also shouldn’t try whatever it is.
@sdavidrodriguez
Hashtags can help more people see your post
It’s no secret that a good hashtag can go a long way on TikTok. Using hashtags strategically will help people find your videos that aren’t already following you, and maybe even see them on their For You (FYP) page.
Find the best hashtags to increase views and help the algorithm recognize your content. You have worked so hard on it that you can show it to as many people as possible.
The right song can make a big difference
Adding a popular song to your video or audio from a popular TikTok video can help more people see it. This app has a large following of music fans (many new songs are deliberately promoted through the app to help them climb the music charts), so linking your video to one of these shooting stars will only help you get more FYP and in front of new audiences.
@suzyjonesmusic
Your biggest asset is you
Don’t overdo it, just come up with a simple idea and let your personality shine through. The sense of intimacy and community that TikTok brings is why people love this app—it feels personal.
Even if you are participating in a popular TikTok challenge or trend, what will make you stand out is your unique take on it. It’s not about tricks, but about showing your best side. Nothing should feel too staged or self-aware (that’s cowering territory). Imagine that your audience is your good friends and approach them with that energy!
@janikon_ No, I can’t re-record this, I’m laughing too hard #fyp