How do I create and edit a TikTok video?

The world of social networks is constantly evolving, and it's not about to stop! TikTok has established itself as an essential platform for brands and content creators looking to expand their audience and boost their online presence. The public engagement rate on TikTok is also higher than other social media platforms, with just over 8%, (i.e. 80 interactions per 1000 views), TikTok then becomes a central element of content strategy for brands and creators around the world.

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image sources: BDM 

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Every day, more than 850 million users are active on the social network. So, whether you're a fledgling business or an aspiring influencer, creating a TikTok video offers an exceptional opportunity to capture attention and creatively engage with your audience.

However, for those who are new to the platform, the process can seem daunting. That's where this tutorial for beginners (and even the more savvy) comes in: designed to guide you step-by-step through the intricacies of creating and editing videos on TikTok.

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If you want to know everything about the TikTok trends to follow, it's on this guidebook.

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Getting started on TikTok

Above all, it is crucial to lay a simple but solid foundation. Are you ready to take the plunge? Here's how to get your TikTok journey off to a confident and creative start.

Installing and configuring the application

Start by downloading TikTok from your app store and creating your account. Consider optimizing your profile by adding an attractive profile photo, an engaging bio, and links to your other social networks or website. It's your window: make sure it's welcoming and perfectly reflects your brand or personality.

Understanding the user interface

You'll see, the TikTok interface is intuitive, but feature-rich. Here's what you need to know about the main sections:

The “For You” tab

This is the first page you'll see when you open the app. Here, TikTok shows a personalized selection of videos based on your interests and previous interactions. It's a great way to discover new content and understand what's capturing the audience's attention on TikTok.

The “Discover” tab

This section allows you to search for specific content, discover current trends, popular hashtags, and ongoing challenges. TikTok has proven to be a real search engine for users looking to explore specific topics, tutorials, or product reviews. It's a great place to get inspired and get ideas for your own videos.

Take time to immerse yourself in TikTok culture: watch videos, write down what you like, and think about how you can incorporate trends while staying true to your unique voice. Observation is a major key to your success on this platform.

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If you want to get the best start, here is The guide to starting TikTok in 2024.

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Creating a video

Armed with your application knowledge and a profile ready, let's dive into the most exciting element: content creation. This step is critical because it's the content that will truly captivate and engage your audience on TikTok.

Here are the steps to get there:

Content planning and storyboarding

Before you start shooting, clearly define the concept of your video. What story do you want to tell? How do you make it interesting and unique? To organize your ideas, use a storyboard: a simple plan, like a comic book, that outlines the main scenes in your video. This makes it easy to visualize the whole thing, helps structure your story, and ensures that your message is delivered in an effective and engaging way.

Filming tips

Audience engagement on TikTok can be heavily influenced by the visual and audio quality of your video. Find a well-lit area that is ideally filled with natural light. Ensure the audio is crystal clear, eliminating unwanted background noise, and consider using an external microphone if necessary. When shooting, keep the camera steady, vary the angles for added dynamism, and make sure your content stays focused and engaging.

Using TikTok features for shooting

TikTok provides numerous tools to enrich your creations, including a range of striking visual effects. Play with these effects to give your video a distinctive and memorable look. Also, don't forget to use the timer, a really handy tool that lets you shoot without manually holding your phone, which, let's be honest, makes solo shots or smooth transitions between scenes a lot easier.

image source: Hubspot 

The secret to a successful TikTok video lies in the mix between authenticity and innovation. Express your individuality and don't be afraid to explore your creativity. TikTok is a platform where originality and personal expression are not only encouraged but celebrated.

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We explain to you precisely, How to create a viral video on TikTok in 2024.

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Editing a video

Once your content is filmed, the next step is editing your TikTok video, a crucial moment in turning your raw clips into a cohesive and engaging story. Here are a few editing tips for your TikTok videos to help you create videos that resonate and engage.

Cutting and assembling clips

The TikTok app offers built-in editing tools for cutting your videos, assembling them, and adjusting their length. Play around with the playback speeds to create slow motion or acceleration effects that can add dynamism to your videos. Select the best moments of your shots and put them together to create a smooth story. The goal is to keep your content dynamic and engaging, by eliminating unnecessary lengths that could lose the interest of your viewers.

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Music and sound

Music selection is a linchpin of TikTok video editing because it greatly influences the engagement and reaction of your audience. Take advantage of TikTok's rich library to find the song or sound effect that fits your content perfectly. Integrate music that is trending, because it can significantly increase your visibility thanks to the TikTok algorithm. Make sure the music complements your video without taking over it, and harmonize the rhythm of your images with that of the soundtrack to reinforce your visual storytelling.

Visual storytelling

Tell your story visually, using images and effects to convey your messages and emotions. Apply filters, or add text and stickers that complement your message. Editing is an opportunity to show not only what you say, but how you say it, using visuals to support and amplify your story.

Editing is a stage where your creativity can really shine. With these TikTok editing tips, you're ready to create videos that not only tell an interesting story but are also optimized for success on the platform.

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Overview of video editing tools

After mastering the basics of editing directly in TikTok, it may be worth learning about third-party video editing tools that can give your creations an extra professional touch. One of the major advantages of these external tools is their ability to offer more advanced and personalized features, allowing for finer editing and a greater variety of effects.

CapCut

Developed by ByteDance, the same company that owns TikTok, CapCut is a free editing application that is popular with TikTok users for its advanced features. It offers precise editing options, special effects, filters, and the ability to add text and music, all in a user-friendly interface. Use CapCut to pre-edit your videos before uploading them directly to TikTok via the app. CapCut also provides templates, which can greatly improve the quality of your content.

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image sources: NuMedia

InShot

Another popular application, InShot, makes video editing quick and easy. It is particularly useful for adjusting the format of your videos, cropping or rotating them, in addition to offering a range of effects, filters, and music. It's a great choice for newbies looking to improve their TikTok videos without delving into complex editing software.

Adobe Premiere Rush

For those looking for even more sophisticated editing features, Adobe Premiere Rush offers a comprehensive range of video editing tools suitable for beginners and experienced users alike. Although this application is more complex and perhaps more intimidating at first, it allows for deep customization and offers professional quality results.

By exploring these TikTok video editing tools, you can find the one that best fits your style and needs.

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Optimizing your content

Once your video is edited and ready to be published, the next step is optimizing your content to maximize its impact on TikTok. Strategic use of hashtags, understanding TikTok trends, and measuring the performance of your videos are crucial to ensuring the success of your content on the platform.

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Hashtags and trends

On TikTok, hashtags do much more than categorize content: they serve as key signals for the algorithm, helping determine who to show your video to. In other words, they are essential for TikTok SEO because they help your content reach users who are interested in specific topics. When choosing hashtags, think about relevance: they should accurately reflect the subject of your video. But also, consider their popularity and their specificity. Popular hashtags can increase your chances of being discovered, while more specific hashtags can attract a more targeted audience.

In addition to selecting the right hashtags, make sure your video description is engaging and informative. It should give viewers a reason to watch your content while naturally integrating keywords that are relevant to SEO on TikTok.

Video optimization

Optimization doesn't end with hashtags. Ensure your video is set up for success by checking its quality, length, and format. TikTok favors videos that keep users engaged, so create content that grabs attention from the first few seconds. Also, consider the vertical orientation of your video, as it should be adapted to mobile phone screens. Add a catchy title and a concise description to give viewers a taste of what they're about to watch.

Performance measurement

Assessing the effectiveness of your content is crucial to fine-tuning your TikTok strategy. With TikTok's built-in analytics tools (TikTok analytics), you can track key metrics like reach, engagement, views, likes, and shares.

image sources: Buffer 

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These tools help you understand what type of content resonates the most with your audience. By regularly reviewing this data, you can identify trends and patterns in your videos that capture the attention of your viewers, giving you valuable information to plan your next creations.

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We explain everything about how to analyze your performance on TikTok, on this guidebook.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You now have a solid understanding of how to create, edit, optimize, and evaluate your videos on TikTok. By applying the principles of content planning, creative editing, strategic use of hashtags, and performance measurement, you are well equipped to captivate and engage your audience on this dynamic platform.

The world of TikTok is changing rapidly, and the key to success is continuous experimentation and learning. Don't be afraid to test new ideas, play with different formats, and engage with your audience to find out what works best for you and your brand.

Remember, each video is a chance to tell a unique story, connect with your audience, and leave a lasting impression. Stay authentic, stay creative, and most importantly, have fun along the way. With patience and persistence, your presence on TikTok can turn into a fruitful and rewarding journey.