TikTok has about 103 million monthly active users in the U.S. alone. But globally, that number rises to an impressive 1 billion.
Are you still not leveraging the platform’s potential? Given its high level of engagement, it may be time to.
In this article, we’ll explore the different types of videos you can create, how to get started, and best practices.
Getting started on TikTok
Download the app and set up an account to begin your TikTok journey. TikTok is available on both the App Store and Google Play Store.
Once you’ve downloaded it, sign up using your email address, phone number, or social media account like Facebook or X (Twitter). After signing up, you must create a username and set up your profile.
TikTok offers a range of features that make it engaging and easy to use. You can create and share short videos with music, filters, and effects. The platform allows you to follow other users, like and comment on their posts, and participate in trends and challenges.
Through TikTok’s algorithm, you’ll receive personalized content and recommendations based on your activity, which will help you discover new creators and engage with the broader community.
Read More: The Top 10 TikTok Trends For 2024
10 Types of TikTok videos
TikTok offers a wide range of video formats that keep users engaged and entertained. From pre-recorded clips to interactive live streams, you can leverage TikTok’s dynamic features to share different kinds of content and connect with your audience.
1. Live videos
Live videos allow you to connect with your audience in real time, offering a more interactive and spontaneous experience. These streams range from Q&A sessions to live performances or behind-the-scenes looks at your day.
TikTok’s “LIVE Gifts” feature also allows you to send virtual gifts, which can monetize your streams while strengthening your connections with your followers.
For example, this LIVE creator uses the platform to advertise products on the TikTok Shop. When a viewer clicks the link to the product and purchases it, the creator gets a commission.
2. Dance videos
Dance videos are one of TikTok’s most iconic and recognizable forms of content. Many users participate in viral dance challenges, often set to trending songs, where they learn and perform short, choreographed routines.
These videos can quickly gain traction and spread across the platform, with both everyday users and influencers participating.
Dance videos also drive significant engagement. For example, the hashtag, #Dance has over 500 billion views. This shows just how influential and widespread this content is on the platform. Plus, many songs have gained global popularity due to their association with viral TikTok dances.
For example, with the “Blinding Lights” challenge, users recreate a high-energy routine set to the Weeknd’s hit song. ‘
3. Lip-sync videos
Lip-sync videos are another popular TikTok staple. In these, users perform short segments of popular songs, movie quotes, or comedic audio clips by miming along with the original sound. In fact, lip-syncing has been a core feature since TikTok’s early days (when it was still known as Musical.ly).
These videos are often creative, with users adding their own personalities, expressions, and effects to the audio to make it stand out.
A notable example is the viral lip-syncing to the song “Astronaut in the Ocean” by Masked Wolf, which became a TikTok sensation.
4. Collab videos
Collaboration, or collab, videos are popular on TikTok. Two or more creators come together to produce shared content, either in person or virtually.
TikTok’s duet and stitch features make it easy for creators to respond to or build on another user’s video, even if they are not in the same location.
These collabors often feature creators adding their own twists to a video, such as finishing each other’s sentences, reacting to content, or participating in challenges together.
A famous example is the duet trend, where users add their own harmonies to popular songs or complete dances side-by-side.
For example, one popular collab features Nathan Evans’ sea shanty, “Wellerman,” which went viral as users added their own vocal parts, creating a massive online sing-along.
Check out this hilarious one with Kermit the Frog.
TikTok collaborations drive high engagement, allowing for creative partnerships and cross-promotion.
These videos boost visibility and foster a sense of community by encouraging interaction and participation across the platform.
5. Challenge videos
Challenge videos are one of TikTok’s most engaging and viral forms of content. These challenges usually involve a specific theme or task, such as learning a dance routine, lip-syncing to a trending song, or completing a fun or humorous activity.
TikTok challenges tend to take off due to their simple, replicable nature. Users can easily participate, spread the trend, and adapt it.
One example is the “Rock, Paper, Scissors Food Challenge.” The winner gets to start eating the food. The loser has to go for a short run.
Because the challenge is fun and competitive, it has garnered millions of views across the platform.
6. Trending hashtag videos
Trending hashtag videos are a core element of TikTok, which allows users to discover and participate in popular content by following specific hashtags. These hashtags often relate to viral challenges, themes, or movements. They encourage user-generated content (UGC) as creators share videos under a shared tag.
The #DontRushChallenge, where users transformed their appearance by passing a makeup brush or other object across the screen to create a seamless transition between participants. The trend gained lots of traction, with millions of users worldwide adding their unique spin to the challenge.
7. Cute animal videos
Cute animal videos are a highly popular and beloved category on TikTok. They appeal to users with their heartwarming and often humorous content.
These videos feature pets and wildlife performing adorable actions, from playful kittens to clever dogs or unusual animal friendships.
Here are some other examples of popular cute animal videos on TikTok:
- “Puppy pile” videos: Videos featuring multiple puppies cuddling or playing together
- “Cat reacts to cucumber”: Cats comically react to cucumbers placed behind them while they’re eating or resting
- Funny pet costumes: Pets dressed in hilarious consumers, such as dogs in superhero outfits or cats in dinosaur suits
- Tiny animal challenges: Small pets, like hamsters or guinea pigs, navigating tiny obstacle courses or eating small treats
8. Tutorial videos
Tutorial videos on TikTok are educational and instructional content that aim to teach viewers how to perform specific tasks or learn new skills.
These videos cover a wide variety of topics, including makeup application, cooking recipes, DIY crafts, and fitness routines. TikTok’s short format encourages concise and engaging tutorials. They often use quick cuts, overlays, and text to enhance understanding.
For example, makeup tutorial videos feature beauty influencers demonstrating techniques for creating various looks, from everyday makeup to dramatic transformations.
Another example is cooking tutorials, such as the “One-Pan Dinners” trend, where users share simple, quick recipes that require minimal cleanup.
9. Behind-the-scenes videos
Behind-the-scenes (BTS) videos on TikTok give viewers a glimpse into the process of creating content, products, or events. These videos show the effort, preparation, and fun involved in making something happen.
This could include a music video, a photo shoot, or a daily work routine. BTS content does so well on the platform because of its transparency and the authentic, unfiltered look it provides into the lives of creators and professionals.
Below, you can see a screenshot of a behind-the-scenes TikTok video for the recent film “M3GAN”.
10. Duets and stitches videos
Duet and Stitch videos are interactive features on TikTok that allow users to collaborate with or respond to other users’ content.
With Duets, you can create a split-screen video alongside another user’s video. The Stitch feature, on the other hand, allows you to clip and integrate up to five seconds of another user’s video into your own.
The video below shows a creator using the Stitch feature to share her experience of getting a cat for free from a gas station, compared to the original video of a woman paying $900 for her cat.
How to make a TikTok video
Creating a TikTok video can be pretty simple once you get used to the app’s features. Then, you can dive into creating content. Whether you’re showcasing a new dance, sharing a tutorial, engaging with trending challenges, or promoting your business, TikTok offers a dynamic environment for virtually any need.
Create a TikTok account
Download the TikTok app, sign up, and customize your account settings. Once you’re logged in, explore the platform’s various features.
Record a video
To record your TikTok, grab your smartphone or camera. Make sure you have good lighting and a stable surface to capture clear, high-quality footage.
Choose a suitable location that complements your content and offers the best possible lighting conditions. Frame the short to ensure your subject is well-positioned and centered.
Check the audio quality to ensure clear sound, and then press the record button to start capturing your video.
How to edit a video
Use video editing software to perfect your footage. Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro are great options.
- Open your video editing software. Import your video files by selecting “import” from the File menu or graffing the files directly into the media library.
- Set up a new project and configure your settings, such as resolution and frame rate, to match your video files.
- Drag your video files onto the timeline> Use the cutting tool to trim unwanted sections and rearrange clips by dragging them to the desired positions on the timeline.
- Apply transitions between clips to create smooth changes. Explore the effects panel to add visual or audio effects to enhance your video. Drag and drop effects onto clips as needed.
- Adjust the audio track on the timeline to balance audio levels. Use the audio mixer or effects panel to enhance sound quality or add background music.
- Once you’re satisfied with your edits, export the final video by selecting “Export” from the File menu. Choose the appropriate file format and settings based on your intended platform or use, and then save the file to your desired location.
How to use a post scheduler
A post scheduler is a tool for managing and automating social media posting. It allows you to save time and maintain a consistent posting schedule across various platforms.
Scheduling posts in advance ensures timely updates and maximizes your content’s reach without needing constant manual posting.
Some key features of post schedulers include compatibility with various social media platforms, flexible scheduling options, and analytics and performance tracking.
Develop a content calendar to get the most out of your post-scheduler tool. This will help you plan and organize your posts. That way, you can ensure a mix of engaging and relevant content tailored to your audience.
Also, regularly interact with your audience by responding to comments and messages.
Use the analytics features to track the performance of your posts, analyze engagement data, and make informed decisions to improve your social media strategy.
Become a TikTok master with Keyhole
If you’re looking for ways to quickly build a name for yourself and generate potential viral videos, TikTok is your platform.
There are so many types of videos you can create. So, there’s a good chance you’ll easily find your niche.
Use the steps discussed in this article to begin your content creation journey.
Create a content calendar and monitor your analytics for maximum results. If you ever need help, book your free Keyhole demo today.
Author bio
Guillaume is a digital marketer focused on handling the outreach strategy at uSERP and content management at Wordable. Outside of work, he enjoys his expat life in sunny Mexico, reading books, wandering around, and catching the latest shows on TV.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the 3 main parts of the Facebook Ads Manager?
The three main parts of Facebook Ads Manager are:
-Campaigns
-Ad Sets
-Ads
2. What are the best hashtags for TikTok?
The top 7 TikTok hashtags from 2024 are:
-#fyp
-#viral
-#tiktok
-#challenge
-#funny
-#dance
-#love
3. What is the best time to post a TikTok video?
Various things can make your TikTok videos look blurry. Here are some of the most common and how to fix them.
-TikTok’s data saver mode: This mode is meant to reduce data usage, but can also make your videos look blurry when you upload them. Here’s how to turn it off.
1. Go to your profile in the TikTok app
2. Tap the three lines in the top right corner
3. Tap Settings and Privacy
4. Scroll to Data Saver and tap
If the toggle switch next to Data Saver is blue, tap it to turn off the setting.
-Video resolution: The ideal resolution for videos on TikTok is 1080x1920 (9:16 aspect ratio).
-Video recording settings: Try these tips to improve your video quality.
1. Switch your shooting to manual mode
2. Turn your video recording to 4K output resolution
3. Disable the High Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC) - this makes your video more compatible with video editors
