How to Make a TikTok Video

TikTok has a variety of ways to enhance your videos, so it's worth going over the video creation process and endless possibilities for editing and enhancements. You can record a video directly through the TikTok app or upload an existing video from your device. Both processes are slightly different, so we've included two sets of instructions.

How to Make a TikTok Video Using the TikTok App

Video is what makes TikTok popular. Create a video directly from the app using a few easy steps.

1. Open the TikTok app on your mobile device and tap the plus sign in the center of the menu at the bottom of the screen.

2. Tap 60s or 15s to choose your video length.

3. Decide whether you want to apply effects before or after you record your video. If you want to do it before, tap Effects to the left of the record button, then tap an effect from the menu. When you're done, tap the screen to exit the Effects tab.

   Try the green screen effect to add a video or image behind you as your background.

4. Optionally, access the video features listed vertically on the right of the screen. Tap Flip to flip the camera vantage point, tap Speed to speed up your finished recording, and tap Beauty to turn on Beauty Mode.

5. Tap Filters bring up a variety of filters to choose from. Tap to select the one you want.

6. Tap Timer to set a specific time for the video to automatically stop recording.

7. Tap the red Record button when you're ready to start recording. Stop and restart the recording as many times as you want as long as you still have time in your 15-second or 60-second recording. If you finish the video early, tap the red checkmark button to confirm that you finished.

8. Your video preview will play, and you'll be able to apply additional effects. Tap Filters to change the colors and ambiance of the video.

9. Tap Adjust clips to edit your video's length and content.

10. Tap Voice Effects to change the sound of any recorded voices.

11. Tap Voiceover to record sounds over your video.

12. Tap Sounds to select a sound clip from TikTok's built-in library.

13. Tap Effects to apply visual effects and other types of creative effects.

14. Tap Text to type something over your video in the color and font of your choice.

15. Tap Stickers to apply fun graphics, including interactive ones like polls.

16. Tap Next when you're happy with your video. Type a caption, add optional hashtags, customize privacy settings, allow comments, and choose other social networks to share your video. Tap Post when you're ready to post your video.

    Tap Drafts to save your video for later.

How to Make a TikTok Video by Uploading to the TikTok App

You can create TikTok videos using one or multiple videos stored on your device. You do this by uploading the video or videos and then stitching them together with the TikTok app. It's easier than it sounds. Here's how to do it.

1. Open the TikTok app on your mobile device and tap the plus sign.

2. Tap Upload. Tap a video thumbnail to select it. Tap Multiple if you want to select more than one video. Tap Next. Your video will preview on the next tab.

   If you selected one video and it exceeds the maximum 59-second length, trim the video by sliding the red trimmer over your video timeline to select the portion of the video you want to use. If you selected multiple videos, however, you won't get to trim your video, regardless of whether it exceeds the maximum 59-second length.

3. Tap to apply options for Filters, Voiceover, Sounds, Effects, Text, and Stickers.

4. For multiple videos, consider tapping Effects > Transitions to use transitions. Use your finger to drag the white transition marker over your video timeline to the spot where you want the transition to occur, then tap and hold one of the circular transition previews to apply it there.

   The longer you hold your finger down on the transition, the longer it will be. If you want to insert multiple transitions, you must do them each separately.

5. When you're happy with your video, tap Next. Type in a caption, customize any additional settings, and then tap Post to post your video.