TikTok is one of the most used video sharing apps in the world. Today, it brings together a large community of users where we find millions of people from all over the world.
With TikTok, you will have the possibility to:
- Watch dance videos.
- Sing in playback.
- Watch humorous sketches.
- Make Challenges.
At first, the TikTok app can be quite difficult to use. Even I had a hard time figuring out how it worked when I first logged in.
To help you get started on TikTok, I've put together a quick guide to show you how to use it.
1) Configure your new TikTok account
1.1 Download the app and register.
First, go to theApp Store or to Google Play and download TikTok.
Then you don't need to register to watch videos. On the other hand, it is necessary to publish a video yourself. So, you might as well do it automatically.
To create an account, it's very easy. On the home page, click on the snowman silhouette at the bottom right. You can sign up quickly with Facebook, Gmail or Twitter.
You can also register by adding a standard username and password.
2.2 Configure your profile.
Once registered, tap on the icon at the bottom right that looks like a man to configure your profile.
Then press the button Modify my profile, and then select a profile photo or video. You also need to add your username and bio information.
If you want to show your other social media profiles, you can link your Youtube and Instagram pages. If you are a business, this could be a useful way to advertise your other platforms.
There you have it, your account is ready: all you have to do is watch or post some content.
2) Search for videos and interact with users
2.1 Display Tiktok videos
Now that you've set up your profile, go back to the first Home tab which shows you videos.
If you don't have any subscribers yet, the app will send you random trending videos. As you start to follow and interact with more people, your homepage will become more personalized based on your interests.
2.2 Find videos on TikTok
To find a particular video, tap the icon with a magnifying glass in the menu at the bottom of the screen. The app lists several of the most popular hashtags at the moment. Click on a hashtag (preceded by #) to discover related content.
It is also possible to directly search for your own keywords. Simply tap in the search bar at the top, enter a keyword that interests you and validate the query.
2.3 Like, Comment or Share a TikTok Video
When you find a video you like, you can tap the heart to like or the speech bubble to comment on it.
And to share the video, tap the sign below the comment symbol.
2.4 Add a friend on TikTok
You want to add people you know to your network of friends. It's simple, just tap on the icon with a magnifying glass in the menu at the bottom of the screen. Then entering the profile name of the people concerned.
You can also ask him for his QR code (TikCode). Click on the icon to the right of the search bar to scan the TikCode and easily find the profile.
3) How to post a video on TikTok
3.1 Configure your shot
You should know that the videos on TikTok are short. You can only add videos that are 15 to 60 seconds long.
To publish your first video on TikTok, tap the icon with a (+) in the middle of the menu at the bottom of the screen. The app will ask you for permissions. Grant them if you wish to continue.
On the right side of the screen, you will see icons for the following:
- Speed: allows you to record your video in slow motion or fast motion.
- Beauty: an AR filter that can hide blemishes and smooth your skin.
- filters: allows you to change the camera color filter.
- Timer: allows you to set an automatic recording countdown timer if you want to record hands-free.
3.2 Add music and effects to a Tiktok video
At the top center of the camera screen, you will also see a sounds button which allows you to add music to the video background.
At the bottom of the camera, you'll also see an Effects icon on the right and a download button on the left - in case you want to save your videos outside of the app.
When you press the Effects button, you'll see a giant array of AR filters and other special effects that can boost the quality of a video.
3.3 Record the video
Once you're ready, press and hold the red record button. You can save your video all at once or in chunks.
3.4 Make the last changes and add a caption to the video
When you are done recording the video, you can still add music overlay, filters and other basic special effects. You can also add stickers and text overlays above the video.
When you're done, tap Next. You will be taken to a page similar to the publication page ofInstagram where you can add caption, relevant hashtags, and other people's account IDs.
You can also set the privacy of the video, enable or disable comments, allow duets or reactions and press "Save to album" to download it to the photos on your smartphone.
If you're not yet ready to post, just tap the Drafts button at the bottom left to save it for later.
Conclusion
Yes, TikTok might seem like a pretty weird platform right now, but it could be a great tool to engage and educate your young audience. It is also a great place for the first video experiences. To test without hesitation!