How to Edit TikTok Videos

TikTok is a monster of a platform. With over a billion users worldwide, it’s one of the most popular apps out there, and it’s not just a passing trend. The app offers quick, punchy content, with most videos landing between 15 seconds and a minute, making it perfect for short, digestible entertainment. In 2024 alone, TikTok was downloaded 137 million times, and that momentum doesn’t look like it’s slowing down anytime soon.

While TikTok is great for posting fun or random clips, it’s also a powerful tool for building a brand and showcasing your skills. Whether you’re a musician, a fitness coach, an artist, or even a chef, TikTok can put your work in front of a massive audience. But there’s a catch. If you want to grow your following, you need quality content, and quality content starts with solid video editing.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about editing TikTok videos so you can stand out and make the most of this platform.

Shooting and Editing Videos on TikTok

First things first, you’ve got to record your video. When it comes to editing, you’ve got two main options: you can either film and edit using a third-party app (then upload to TikTok) or go straight to TikTok and do it all there.

Both have their pros, but let’s talk convenience for a second.

Third-party apps and serious video editing software might have more features, but editing directly in TikTok is fast, easy, and keeps everything in one place. Plus, TikTok’s built-in editing tools are more than enough for most creators, especially if you’re focusing on quick, engaging content.

Let’s walk through how to shoot and edit videos using TikTok itself.

1. Figure Out the Desired Length of Your Video

Once you’re ready to roll, hit the big + button at the bottom of the screen to start recording. TikTok gives you a few different options for video length: 15 seconds, 60 seconds, or 3 minutes.

Some creators will even post up to 30-minute videos, which is great if you’ve got more to say or show. Keep in mind, though, that TikTok’s sweet spot is still the quick-hit content, so unless you’ve got something really compelling, sticking to shorter clips is usually the way to go.

2.  Record

When it’s time to actually start filming, I highly recommend using TikTok’s timer option. You’ll find it on the right-hand side of the screen, and it lets you choose between a 3-second or 10-second countdown before recording starts. This way, you can set your phone down, get into position, and film your video without having to awkwardly hold the camera or rush back into the frame.

3.  Edit Your Footage

Once you’ve got your footage in the can, tap “Adjust Clips” and tweak your video to your liking. This tool lets you trim down each individual clip and tighten up your timing.

4.  Add Sound

You’ll find the “Add Sound” button right at the top of the screen when you’re in the editing view. This is where TikTok offers a huge library of music, trending sounds, and audio clips.

Once you tap it, you can scroll through the recommended tracks or search for something specific. After you pick a sound, you’ll have the option to trim the audio clip to fit your video perfectly. If you find something you love but don’t need right now, you can also add it to your favorites for easy access later on.

5.  Use TikTok’s Additional Edit Options

From here, you can explore TikTok’s other editing tools to really bring your video to life. These options are on the right-hand side of the screen while you’re editing.

Here’s a quick rundown of what’s available:

• Filters: Add a whole new vibe to your video with a wide range of color filters and effects.
• Speed: Slow down or speed up parts of your video.
• Clips: Go back to “Adjust Clips” to fine-tune your edits or rearrange clips if needed.
• Flash: Quickly adjust your lighting by toggling the flash on or off while recording.
• Q&A: Engage with your audience by adding a Q&A sticker.

6.  Choose Your Preview and Publish

Once you’re happy with your edits, head to the posting screen and tap “Select Cover” to choose a preview image for your video. This is what people will see first, so pick something eye-catching!

You can scroll through the video to find the perfect still that grabs attention.

On this same screen, you can add a description for your video, throw in some hashtags, and decide whether you want to allow Stitches, Duets, or comments. These settings are great for building engagement, but if you’d rather keep things low-key, you can turn them off.

You can even control who sees your video, whether it’s set to public, friends only, or private (just for your eyes).

Third-Party Apps for Editing TikTok Videos

While TikTok’s built-in editor is solid for quick edits and getting your video out fast, it can feel a little limited when you want to do more advanced work. If you’re looking for extra tools or better control, here are some external video editors to check out:

• CapCut is packed with tons of great effects, filters, and text overlays, making it easy to add flair to your content. Whether you’re on desktop or mobile, the interface is super user-friendly. Better yet, its auto-captioning tool supports 93 languages, and the editing tools include video stabilization (say goodbye to shaky clips) and Picture-in-Picture (PIP) options for layering videos or adding reaction clips.
• InShot is a solid choice for trimming, cutting, and arranging clips, even if you’re just getting started with video editing. The interface is really intuitive, and the editing suite includes all the basics you’ll need to put together a clean, polished video. You can even drop in tracks or sound effects right from the app.
• Adobe Premier is the heavy hitter of the bunch. While it’s more for professionals than the other apps we’ve talked about, if you’re serious about video editing, Premiere is where it’s at. You’ve got advanced color grading, precise audio mixing controls, and top-tier keyframe animation for creating smooth transitions and effects. Plus, with Premiere, you can work in custom aspect ratios (like vertical 9:16 for TikTok) and export in the perfect format for the platform.

How to Increase Views on Your TikTok Videos

Now that you’ve got the editing side of things locked down let’s talk about getting those views up.

Keep It Brief

TikTok themselves recommend keeping your videos between 21 and 34 seconds. That’s the sweet spot for grabbing attention without losing your audience. If you’ve got longer content that you really want to share, we suggest splitting it into multiple parts. Breaking it up keeps viewers engaged and coming back for the next installment.

Shoot Vertically

Since most people are watching TikTok on their phones, it just makes sense to shoot vertically. It’s how the app is designed to be viewed. Plus, shooting vertically saves you from having to reframe your video later and keeps your audience from having to rotate their phones mid-scroll.

Use Good Lighting

Good lighting can make all the difference. Not only does it help your videos look way more professional, but it also makes the editing process so much easier. You won’t have to spend as much time tweaking brightness or color corrections if your original footage is well-lit.

And it doesn’t take much to get started. Something as simple as a ring light can be all you need.

Use Popular Sounds

Sound is a massive part of the TikTok experience. Whether it’s viral sound effects or audio clips from trending moments, using popular sounds can help your video get noticed. TikTok’s algorithm often pushes content that uses trending audio, so it’s worth experimenting.

Use In-App Filters and Effects

TikTok’s got a ton of built-in filters and effects, from color grading filters to special effects. There’s really no shortage of options to play with, and we recommend doing so. You’ve probably seen the face-altering effects, slow-mo, or time-warp filters that go viral. Why not jump in and try them yourself? Don’t be afraid to experiment!

Duet

One of TikTok’s coolest features is the Duet option. It lets you create side-by-side videos with other creators, giving you the chance to react, collaborate, or add to someone else’s content. To get started, search through popular hashtags in your niche and find creators to duet with. It’s a great way to jump on trends, get in front of new audiences, and have some fun.

For example, if you’re a musician, you might find a singer posting an acapella and duet with them by adding harmonies or a guitar part. Outside of music, let’s say someone posts a funny workout routine. Duet it by trying the workout yourself or adding a goofy twist. The possibilities are endless!

Final Thoughts

We’ve covered all the tips and tricks to help you create and edit great TikTok videos, except one — music.

Music can completely transform your content and take it to the next level. So, why compromise when it comes to finding the perfect soundtrack?

That’s where ProTunes One comes in. We offer an extensive library of background music tracks, with a powerful AI-driven search engine to help you find the perfect match for your project—fast. And you never have to worry about copyright issues.

Our flexible subscription plans are designed to fit your needs, and our music is generated through a fair collaboration with artists who provide loops as source material.

Ready to give your TikTok videos the sound they deserve? Get started with ProTunes One today, and let the music do the talking!