How to Make a TikTok Video: Detailed instructions for beginners

As TikTok continues to soar in popularity, it’s no surprise that both aspiring content creators and curious viewers want to dive into the world of short-form video magic. In this beginner’s guide, we’ll take you through the step-by-step process of crafting your very own TikTok video, covering everything from shooting, editing, and adding that extra sprinkle of creativity to make your content stand out. Whether you’re a dancer, a comedian, a makeup enthusiast, or just someone with a story to share, we’ve got you covered with detailed instructions on how to make a TikTok video!

Let’s get started on your journey to becoming a TikTok sensation.

3 levels to make a TikTok video for beginners

There are 3 levels that TikTok newcomers should know when making videos on this platform, which are:

• Level 1: Simply record your video, add some effect, and upload it
• Level 2: Combine with your photos
• Level 3: Add some music to your TikTok video

It sounds complicated, but it is not as hard as you think. Let’s dig into the details!

How to make a simple video on TikTok

Here are the 9 steps to start making a basic video on TikTok:

Step 1: Access to TikTok making video feature

Open the TikTok application on your smartphone, and tap on the icon plus (+) in the bottom middle of your screen. The app will ask your permission to access the camera and microphone on your mobile. Just accept its requirement so you can start shooting your first video.

Step 2: Choose your video duration

After you have accepted all the requirements, your camera will be active, and you can now record your first simple video via TikTok. During this stage, TikTok provides the flexibility to create videos ranging from a concise 15-second to a more extensive three-minute duration. Simply choose between 15s, 60s, or 3m, depending on your preferred video length.

Step 3: Record video

To record, you just need to press the red button. After that, you can stop the video recording by tapping the red button and pressing the red button again if you want to record more short clips.

Step 4: Manage video length

You can stitch together many clips up to the video’s maximum length. Every time you hit the red button, an additional video is recorded, and you can see the entire length of the film in the gauge at the top of the screen.

Tap the Backspace icon to the right of the red button to delete the most recent clip you recorded.

Step 5: Edit your video

TikTok provides effects tools, and video controls will be found on the right side of the screen. You can use the on-screen buttons and add effects to your video.

• Flip: This toggles the front and back cameras 
• Speed: You can use this to record in slow motion or at a higher speed than usual.
• Beauty: A soft focus filter is added to soften your features.
• Filters: Select from a massive collection of filters to change the color and saturation.
• Timer: Start a 3- or 10-second countdown with the self-timer and set the length of time you want to record. You can now record totally hands-free.
• Effects: This button in the lower left contains a library of numerous common effects, such as green screen backgrounds and appearance changes.

Step 6: Finish editing

When you’re ready for the next step, hit the Check button in the bottom right corner.

Step 7: Review the whole video

You can watch the video you recorded on this preview page. Use the back arrow at the top left to return to recording, for example, to remove and re-record a clip.

Step 8: Add sound, music, and other effects

You can also add further effects and customize other aspects of your video using the controls on the Preview page. Here are a few of the most important alternatives:

• Sounds: The Sounds button at the bottom left allows you to add music and sound effects to the background of your video.
• Effects: You can add a variety of special effects to the video, such as smoke, powder, and camera wobble. To do so, tap and drag the desired effect into the video and hold it there for the duration of the effect.
• Text: You can enter the text that will be displayed as an overlay throughout the video.
• Stickers: Tap a sticker to add it to the video. If you need to add text to it, do it now. After you’ve inserted the text, you may move the sticker around and place it wherever you want on the screen.
• Adjust clips: This function is similar to a standard video editor. You can drag to rearrange the segments and trim the beginning and end of the video.
• Voiceover: Tap and hold the Record button to add new audio. You can keep or delete any audio from the original recording.
• Caption: TikTok can analyze your recorded audio and add captions to the video.

Step 9: Add details and setting

When your video is finished, tap Next. Adding a short description or hashtags on the video, deciding who can watch it, and if comments and duets are permitted. After completing, press the Post button.

How to make a TikTok video with photos

Follow 8 below steps to create TikTok videos with photos:

• Step 1: At the bottom of your screen, tap the + (plus button).
• Step 2: On the lower right, tap Upload. Then, at the top of the screen, pick Photos to filter for photos in your Camera Roll.
• Step 3: Tap Select Multiple to choose up to 35 photos for inclusion. Select them in the order you want them to appear – you can’t rearrange them in editing (unlike video clips). 
• Step 4: Once you’ve finished adding photos, click Next to add music, effects, stickers, and more. (You can add videos, too)
• Step 5: Your photos will be displayed in Video Mode, which means they will play sequentially. You can change to Photo Mode, which allows people to navigate through images like a slideshow.
• Step 6: Tap the music button at the top to select a song or sound effect, or press Voiceover to record an audio track to include in your videos.
• Step 7: Add a caption and hashtags, tag other people, and change your video settings.
• Step 8: Press the Post button to begin sharing!

How to make a TikTok video with music

Adding music to the videos will help you increase your chances of reaching more audiences. The following steps will help you record a TikTok video with music quickly and easily:

• Step 1: Access the TikTok app.
• Step 2: In the bottom center of the screen, press the Plus (+) button.
• Step 3: At the top-center of the screen, select Add sound.
• Step 4: Look it up in the search bar to find the sound you want to utilize.
• Step 5: To add a sound to your video, tap it and then click the red checkmark.
• Step 6: Set up your phone for recording.
• Step 7: On the right side of the screen, press the timer button.
• Step 8: Select a 3- or 10-second countdown.
• Step 9: To begin the countdown, use the Start countdown button.
• Step 10: Take a video with music!
• Step 11: Filters, effects, stickers, and text can all be added.
• Step 12: Next, press checkmark the button.
• Step 13: Write descriptions and hashtags, tag other people, and change your video settings.
• Step 14: Press Post to start uploading the video.

6 tips to make your video viral

#1: Use trending audio clips or music. TikTok is heavily reliant on music, and many users browse the platform and discover videos through audio. Similarly, the original audio is frequently the foundation of a TikTok trend (such as this “cha-ching” effect). It can help you reach a larger audience if you adapt it to your own content. So, be clever while choosing audio for your video. Trending sounds found in the music section might be a perfect option for those who are new to the platform.

#2: Include hashtags. Hashtags play a significant role in how TikTok content is structured and discovered. TikTok’s Discover tab has been replaced with a Friends tab, making it more difficult to identify trending hashtags. However, you can find some on TikTok Creative Center or by actively exploring the platform.

#3: Don’t limit yourself to just one video! Regular posting is the key to success on TikTok, so don’t just drop one video and expect the Gen Z-er to find you. TikTok suggests uploading 1–4 times each day to determine what material resonates with your audience. Check out the optimal time to publish on TikTok if you truly want to make your daily updates count.

#4: Do not strive for perfection. TikTok is all about authenticity and relevancy in the present. Users like their material to be a little rawer – in fact, 65% of users believe professional-looking movies from brands are inappropriate. 

#5: Make it catchy. While TikTok videos can now be up to 10 minutes long, keep it short. Earlier in 2023, there was a trending hashtag, #clothingbrands, demonstrating that short videos with transformation scenes, changing costumes, style, and makeup look, making the video more attractive, were receiving a lot of attention. We attempted the TikTok seven-second challenge ourselves, and it worked! While you don’t have to go that short, 7-15 seconds is the ideal duration for a TikTok video. Therefore, your content needs to be not only visually appealing but also captivating. Create something people haven’t seen before, or add your unique twist to existing trends.

#6: Attention-Grabbing Thumbnails. Choose a visually striking frame that encapsulates your video’s essence and use vibrant, contrasting colors to make it pop. If applicable, incorporate expressive faces or emotions to pique interest. Keep it simple, avoid clutter, and use bold, easy-to-read text if needed. Test different styles, understand your audience’s preferences, and maintain consistency for optimal results. With an enticing thumbnail, you’ll increase clicks and engagement, potentially making your video a viral sensation.

Final word

We hope that all the tutorials on how to make a TikTok video above will help you learn all the basics when joining this platform. Furthermore, to be successful on this platform, we will definitely need some TikTok Marketing Tips that we have shared in the last blogs. With these detailed instructions for beginners, you’re now equipped to dive into the TikTok universe and create captivating videos. Remember, practice and experimentation are your best friends. So, grab your phone, unleash your creativity, and let TikTok be your canvas.

If you’re sticking at the stage of not sure which content ideas match your channel, don’t hesitate to save our blog ‘Unfold the Top 11 TikTok Video Ideas to captivate your audience’ right here for more creative tips!