Tik-Tok: how does it work?

tiktok how does it work
tiktok how does it work

TikTok is one of the most used video sharing applications in the world. Today, it brings together a large community of users where we find millions of people from the four corners of the planet.

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 understanding 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, navigate 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 the icon at the bottom right that looks like a guy to configure your profile.

Then press the button Modify my profile, 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 following and interacting with more people, your homepage will become more personalized to 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 the icon with a magnifying glass in the menu at the bottom of the screen. Then enter 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.

For 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: lets you set an auto-recording countdown if you want to film 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 that allows you to add music to the background of the video.

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 tap the Effects button, you'll see a giant array of AR filters and other special effects that can increase the quality of a video.

3.3 Record the video

Once you're ready, hold down 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're done recording the video, you'll still be able to add a music overlay, filters, and other basic special effects. You can also add stickers and text overlays on top of the video.

When you're finished, tap Next. You will be directed to a page similar to the publication page ofInstagram where you can add a caption, relevant hashtags, and other people's account IDs.

You can also set video privacy, enable or disable comments, allow duets or reactions, and tap “Save to Album” to upload it to your smartphone photos.

If you're not ready to publish yet, just tap the Drafts button at the bottom left to save it for later.

Conclusion

Yes, TikTok may seem like a pretty strange platform right now, but it could be a great tool to engage and educate your young audience. It's also a great place for first video experiments. To be tested without hesitation!