Introduction
TikTok has become one of the most popular social media platforms in recent years, with over 800 million active users worldwide. Its unique blend of short-form videos, filters, effects, and music has captured the attention of many users, from Gen Zers to creatives and brands. But, how do you create a TikTok video that stands out from the crowd?
The answer is simple: video editing. By mastering basic editing techniques and utilizing key features, users can turn raw footage into captivating, attention-grabbing content that viewers will love. In this article, we’ll provide a step-by-step tutorial on how to edit TikTok videos, highlight key features of popular video editing tools, show how to use templates for TikTok videos, and suggest ways to tailor videos to fit the platform.
Step-by-Step Tutorial
The process of editing TikTok videos can be broken down into five primary steps:
Step 1: Importing footage and selecting clips
The first step is importing the footage you want to use and selecting the clips you want to include in your video. Simply tap the plus sign on the bottom center of the screen and select the clips you want to use in your video. You can adjust the length of each clip by dragging the slider, and tap the “Trim” button to cut the clip down to the exact length you want.
Step 2: Adding effects and filters
Adding effects and filters is where the real fun begins. To add an effect or filter, tap the “Effects” button on the bottom right of the screen, and scroll through the different options. You can use split-screen effects, green screen effects, augmented reality, and 3D animated effects to add depth and interest to your video. Simply drag the effect onto your clip and adjust the settings to your liking. You can also adjust the intensity of filters by sliding the scale on the right side.
Step 3: Adding music and sound effects
No TikTok video is complete without music or sound effects. To add music, tap the “Sounds” button on the bottom left of the screen to browse through the songs available in the app, or use your own music library by tapping the “Upload” button. You can also adjust the volume of the music by sliding the scale on the right side. To add sound effects, tap the “Sounds” button, select the “My Sounds” tab, and record your own sound effect or use one of the effects provided by the app.
Step 4: Adjusting speed and transitions
Adjusting speed and transitions can add a powerful element to your video. To adjust the speed of your clip, tap the “Speed” button on the bottom right of the screen, and adjust the speed to your liking. You can also add transitions between clips by tapping the “Transitions” button and selecting the transition you want to use. Transitions can add a comedic element to your video or make it flow more smoothly.
Step 5: Final touches and exporting the video
After you’ve added all the elements you want, it’s time to make some final touches. You can add text or stickers to emphasize a particular aspect of your video, or use emojis for added humor. When you’re done, tap the “Next” button on the bottom right of the screen and preview your video. If you’re satisfied, tap the “Post” button to share your video with the world.
Highlighting Key Features
To create a truly engaging TikTok video, it’s important to utilize some of the key features of popular video editing tools. The following are some of the most commonly used features:
Split-screen and green screen effects
Split-screen and green screen effects can add dimension and interest to your video by allowing you to show multiple perspectives or areas within the same frame. To use the split-screen effect, simply select the clips you want to include, tap the “Split-Screen” button, and choose the split-screen layout you want to use. To use the green screen effect, simply select a solid color background and replace it with a different image or video.
Augmented reality and 3D effects
Augmented reality and 3D effects can add an extra layer of excitement to your video. To use augmented reality effects, simply tap the “AR Effects” button on the bottom left of the screen and select the effect you want to use. To use 3D animated effects, simply select the “3D” tab under “Effects” and drag the effect onto your clip.
Beauty filters and skin smoothing
To give your video a polished and professional look, consider using beauty filters and skin smoothing effects. To use a beauty filter, simply select the “Beauty” tab under “Effects” and drag the filter onto your clip. You can adjust the intensity of the filter by sliding the scale on the right side. To use skin smoothing, tap the “Beauty” button and use the brush to smooth out any imperfections.
By utilizing these key features, users can create more engaging and eye-catching TikTok videos that stand out from the crowd.
Using Templates
Templates can save time and effort when editing TikTok videos, especially for users who might not be able to afford high-end editing software. There are two types of templates you can use:
Free templates available in the app
The TikTok app offers a variety of free templates that users can use to create different types of videos, such as cooking tutorials, dance videos, and product reviews. Simply select the “Templates” button on the bottom center of the screen, choose the template you want to use, and replace the footage with your own.
Paid templates available on third-party websites
Third-party websites like Envato Elements or Creative Market offer a variety of paid templates for TikTok videos that range from basic to advanced. These templates have pre-built designs and effects that can be customized to fit your specific video style. Simply download the template and replace the footage with your own.
Templates can be a great way to save time and effort, and achieve professional-looking videos without breaking the bank.
Tailoring Videos to Fit the Platform
TikTok is a unique platform that requires a certain type of content to succeed. To tailor your videos to fit the platform, consider the unique features of TikTok:
Filters, stickers, and effects
Filters, stickers, and effects are a big part of what makes TikTok so enjoyable. To amplify your TikTok video, consider using filters to create a certain mood or atmosphere, adding stickers or text to emphasize a particular point, or using different effects to make the video more dynamic.
Short attention span of viewers
TikTok users have a short attention span, so videos that are too long or uninteresting will quickly lose their interest. To keep viewers engaged, aim to keep your videos short and to the point. High-quality content and a clear message will help your video stand out and keep viewers watching until the end.
By tailoring videos to fit the unique features of TikTok, users can create TikTok videos that are more engaging, shareable, and memorable.
Before and After
Now that we’ve covered the basics of editing TikTok videos, let’s look at some examples of popular TikTok videos that have been edited for maximum impact.
One popular TikTok trend is dance videos featuring custom music or sound effects. These videos use the transitions and effects to match the beat of the music, creating a visually stunning and entertaining experience for viewers.
Another popular TikTok trend is comedic skits with carefully crafted transitions and sound effects. These videos use humor to engage viewers and keep them watching until the end.
Using different editing techniques, filters, and effects can transform raw footage into a captivating and share-worthy TikTok video. Experimenting with different styles and techniques can help users find their own unique approach to editing TikTok videos.
Conclusion
Creating engaging, eye-catching TikTok videos doesn’t have to be difficult. By mastering basic editing techniques, utilizing key features, and tailoring videos to fit the platform, users can create TikTok videos that stand out from the crowd.
We covered the five primary steps of editing TikTok videos, highlighted the key features of popular editing tools, showed how to use templates, and suggested ways to tailor videos to fit the platform. By putting these tips and techniques into practice, users can take their TikTok videos to the next level.
If you’re looking for additional resources to help you master TikTok video editing, check out online tutorials and video courses, or reach out to other TikTok creators for advice and feedback. With practice and perseverance, anyone can create TikTok videos that are entertaining, engaging, and shareable.