How to Edit TikTok Videos

What’s the difference between a good TikTok video and a so-good-it-might-go-viral TikTok video?

Yes, creating incredible content has a lot to do with it. But, learning some TikTok editing techniques can transform that content from amateur status to pro.

Want to learn how to edit TikTok videos? You’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll go over how to edit videos on TikTok using the built-in editor, how to upload videos from your camera roll, how to add captions, effects, and much more. We’ll also talk about when you may want to consider using an external app or desktop editor and what the best options are.

Let’s dive in!

TikTok Video Editing Tips

How to Edit TikTok Videos From Camera Roll

TikTok allows you to record videos directly within the app, but you can also upload videos from your camera roll and edit them like you would any other TikTok video.

To do this, press the “plus” button at the bottom of the screen to make a new TikTok. Then, instead of holding down the record button, press the square that says “Upload” in the bottom right corner of the screen.

You can select one or more videos or even photos from your camera roll to combine into a new TikTok. From there, you’ll be able to adjust the length of each clip, add sounds, and use any of the effects available in the TikTok app.

camera on tiktok — Source: tiktokPress the square that says “Upload” in the bottom right corner of the screen.

How to Add Captions to TikTok Videos

Following the #MyStory trend, people are using text in their TikTok videos to share their story.

If you’re wondering how to edit TikTok videos with text, it’s quite simple. Once you’ve recorded or uploaded your video clip(s), press the “Text” button in the top right corner of the screen. Here you can type your caption, choose a font, select a font outline or background, and decide how your caption will be aligned.

When you’re done typing, press “done” in the top right corner to exit out of the keyboard mode. Now you can press and drag the caption to wherever you want on the screen and use two fingers to make it larger or smaller. If you press on the caption again, you’ll see the following three options:

Text-to-speech: Press this to have an automated voice read your caption. Press on the caption again and select “Change voice” to browse different voice options.

Set duration: Press this to set your caption to start and end at any point in the clip.

Edit: Press this to edit the text of the caption.

caption tiktok — Source: tiktokPress on the caption for more options.

If you’d like to remove the caption and start over, simply press and drag it to the trash bin icon at the top of the screen.

If your TikTok has dialogue or a voiceover, and you’d like to transcribe it word-for-word, you can do so automatically by pressing the “Captions” button on the right side of the screen. Once the app transcribes the text, you can edit it manually in case there are any mistakes.

How to Make Transition Videos on TikTok

TikTok does offer built-in transitions in its “Effects” menu, but most people opt for creating manual transitions, because they look more impressive and offer limitless opportunities to get creative.

To create a TikTok with manual transitions, switch from “Quick” mode to “Camera” mode so you can record more than one clip. Record the first clip and end it with the first half of your transition. When you’re ready to record your second clip—maybe you’ve switched locations, put on make-up, or a new outfit—start it with the second half of your transition.

When you’re done recording all of your clips, press the checkmark to move on to the next step. The app will automatically combine all your clips into one video. To make sure the clips are properly aligned, you’ll need to trim the end of the first clip and the beginning of the next. You can do this by pressing the “Adjust clips” button on the right hand side of the screen.

How to Use TikTok Video Effects

Clone Photos is a popular effect on TikTok.

There are two ways to use video effects on TikTok. One is while you’re recording the TikTok and the other one is by layering effects on top of a video you already recorded or uploaded from your camera roll.

How to Use Effects While Recording

Before you start recording, press the “Effects” button in the bottom left corner of the screen and browse through effects like Green Screen, Slow Zoom, Time Warp Scan, and many others. You can also access trending effects from the “Discover” tab or use an effect you come across in someone else’s TikTok.

camera effects — Source: tiktokPress the “Effects” button in the bottom left corner of the screen to browse through effects.

How to Use Effects After Recording

Once you’ve recorded or uploaded your video, press the “Effects” button on the right side of the screen. Here you can add overlays, transitions, splits, and time effects. Press and hold the effect while the video is playing to add it to a particular section of the video.

If you’ve recorded a video in the TikTok app, you can also add “Voice Effects” by pressing the corresponding button (this won’t work for videos uploaded from your camera roll). You can choose from options like adding reverb, making your voice sound like a robot or chipmunk, and many others.

How to Make Slow Motion Video on TikTok

Everything is cuter in slow motion, especially puppies!

There are a few ways to play around with the speed of your TikTok video, and the best option depends on how you’re recording the video and whether you want to apply the effect to the entire video or just a section.

For the Entire Video

If you’re recording within the TikTok app, press the “Speed” button on the right side of the screen before you start recording. You’ll see options like 0.3x, 0.5x, 1x, 2x, or 3x.

tiktok camera — Source: tiktokPress the “Speed” button on the right side of the screen before you start recording.

If you’re uploading a video from your camera roll, stay on the screen where you have the chance to trim your video. Press the timer button in the bottom right corner of the screen and you’ll see options like 0.5x, 1x, or 2x.

For Just a Section of the Video

Whether you’ve recorded the video within the app or externally, the process here is the same. Simply press the “Effects” button on the right side of the screen and scroll over to “Time”. Here, you can press the “Slow-mo” button and hold it for as long as you want the effect to be active. You can then also adjust the slow motion section manually by dragging the sliders.

How to Flip a TikTok Video

If you’re wondering how to flip a video on TikTok, the only option is to use a special effect while recording within the TikTok app.

Before you start recording, press the “Effects” button in the left corner of the screen, scroll over to “Editing” and choose the effect called “Inverted”. Its icon looks like two horizontal arrows pointing in opposite directions.

With this effect, you can tap the screen while recording to flip the video. It’s especially great if you want to make a TikTok that looks like a conversation between two people.

tiktok effects — Source: tiktokPress the “Effects” button in the left corner of the screen, scroll over to “Editing” and choose the effect called “Inverted”.

How to Make a Video Collage on TikTok

Use the Double Split Screen effect to make a collage of two to nine squares.

To make a video collage on TikTok, record or upload your video. Then press “Effects” on the right side of the screen and scroll over to “Split”. Here, you’ll be able to split your screen into two to nine squares. As with other effects, you can hold the effect button to apply it to a particular section of the video and let go when you want it to end.

Alternatively, you can use the Double Split Screen effect while recording your TikTok. Keep in mind that with both methods, each square in the collage will display the same video.

split scrren effect — Source: tiktokPress “Effects” on the right side of the screen and scroll over to “Split”.

How to Put Two Videos Side by Side on TikTok

If you try the “Split” effect, you’ll notice that there isn’t currently an option to put two videos side by side (the only way to do it is to stack them vertically).

If you’re looking to put two videos side by side, you can try publishing one video and then dueting it to create a second one. Simply go to your published video, press on the three dots in the bottom right corner, and press “Duet”. You’ll then be able to record your second video beside the first one.

Alternatively, you can use an external video editor to create the video and upload it to TikTok.

duet on tiktok — Source: tiktokGo to your published video, press on the three dots in the bottom right corner, and press “Duet”.

External TikTok Editor Editor for iPhone

The built-in TikTok video editor offers many great features, but it’s not without limitations. If you’re looking to add more elaborate transitions or lots of text that would be tedious to time perfectly, consider using an external app to edit TikTok videos. A few popular options include InShot, Magisto, Fanimate, Splice, and Vismato.

If you want to use TikTok’s built-in effects while recording but use an external editor to add finishing touches, you can post your TikTok as a private video, save it to your phone, and continue editing it in another app.

TikTok Video Editor for PC or Mac

If you’re looking for even more control over your TikTok video edit, consider using a desktop editor. Tried and true video editing programs are Adobe Premiere (Pro or Elements) or Final Cut Pro. If you’re looking for free software, Apple iMovie will do the trick on a Mac, while VideoPad has a great free version for Windows.

Once your TikTok video is ready, you can even upload it straight to the browser version of TikTok. If you have a business account, you can even schedule your video to be posted automatically up to 10 days in advance.

Get to know in the ins-and-outs of this social media juggernaut in this TikTok crash course.

Take Your TikToks to the Next Level

Posting TikToks is a fun way to get creative, and anyone can do it. Once you’ve learned a few editing tricks, the possibilities are endless!

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Written By

Sayana Lam

Sayana is a musician, writer and graphic designer based in Toronto, Canada.