Creating Your Money-Making Video

The first step in going viral is, of course, shooting your TikTok video. Read on to discover our top tips and tricks for shooting content worthy of the For You page.

Shooting a video with TikTok vs. uploading from your phone

Before you get started, you first need to decide if you’re going to shoot a new video with the TikTok in-app camera or upload an existing video from your photo library. There are pros and cons to each option.

Shooting a video within the TikTok app allows you to apply filters and effects before you even start recording, which can save you time. And a major benefit is that videos in which you’re lip-syncing to a song or a sound will be much easier to record within the TikTok app. Check our post about how to record a TikTok for more details.

However, If you’re shooting a video comprised of multiple clips, it makes more sense to shoot with your device’s native camera, as the TikTok app has a 60-second time limit. Then you can shoot one long clip with your phone’s camera and edit it down for TikTok.

How to make TikTok videos with viral potential

Now that you’ve decided which camera option you’ll use to shoot your video, here are some tips for creating a TikTok with the potential to go viral:

• Get to the point. Don’t drag people along for the entire 60 seconds. Short, sweet, and quick-to-the-point videos are more popular.
• Use trending sounds or songs. TikTok favors videos that engage with already well-performing sounds. Think about the sounds you always hear on your For You page.
• Use trending hashtags. TikTok actually lists the top-trending hashtags on the Discover tab.
• Hop on a trend. Lean into content that is already popular on the app, such as a popular dance or showing off something unique about your house. Don’t be afraid to hop on a trend — just be sure to put your own spin on it.
• Tell a story. While everyone loves a good trending dance video, stories are the most likely pieces of content to go viral from unknown accounts. If you have a crazy tale to tell, let us hear it!
• Leave a little mystery. Whether you’re giving advice or relating a crazy anecdote, don’t explain everything in one video. If you leave some questions unanswered, people will comment and ask for a follow-up video.

How to make a TikTok dance video

One type of video that always seems to go viral is the dance video. If you’re interested in filming this kind of content, look for a slow-motion tutorial that breaks down the moves so that they’re easier to see and try out for yourself. Searching “tutorial” followed by the name of the dance you want to try within the TikTok app will bring up many results.

While you’re practicing, turn on your phone’s front-facing camera and set it up on a flat surface. This will give you the best view to make sure you’re replicating the moves properly.

Now that you’ve got you’re all set up, here’s how to make a TikTok dance video:

1. Open your TikTok app.
2. Press the + button at the bottom-center of the screen.
3. Hit “Add sound” at the top-center of the screen.
4. Search for the sound you wish to use by looking it up in the search bar.
5. Tap the sound and press the red checkmark to add it to your video.
6. Set up your phone to prepare to record.
7. Press the timer button on the right side of the screen.
8. Choose either a 3- or 10-second countdown.
9. Press the “Start countdown” button.
10. Record your dance!
11. Add any filters, effects, stickers, or text.
12. Press the Next button.
13. Write your caption and fill out any other details.
14. Press Post.

How to do slow motion on TikTok

Another TikTok video trend that often goes viral is the slow-motion video. Search the hashtag “slowmotion” on the app’s Discovery tab for some inspiration, then follow the instructions below to shoot your own:

1. Open your TikTok app.
2. Press the + button at the bottom-center of the screen.
3. Record the video as you normally would.
4. Press the Effects button at the bottom-left of the screen.
5. Scroll to the bottom row of options, navigate to the right, and select Time.
6. Tap the Slow-mo option.
7. Use the bar underneath your video to move the effect to the desired location on your video.
8. Press Save at the top-right of the screen.
9. Add any other filters, effects, stickers, or text.
10. Press the Next button.
11. Write your caption and fill out any other details.
12. Press Post.

How to make a TikTok video with several clips

While the easiest way to shoot a TikTok video with several clips is to shoot one long video with your phone’s camera and then trim it down to individual shorter clips, you can also shoot multiple clips with the TikTok app.

Here’s how:

1. Open your TikTok app.
2. Press the + button at the bottom-center of the screen.
3. Press and hold the record button at the bottom-center of the screen.
4. Let go when you’re finished recording the clip.
5. Press the record button again to film your next clip.
6. Repeat until your video is complete.
7. Add any filters, effects, stickers, or text.
8. Press the Next button.
9. Write your caption and fill out any other details.
10. Press Post.