How to edit your TikTok videos: a simple guide for beginners

Kids these days learn how to edit on TikTok before they learn to actually read. This is wild, considering how new the whole TikTok editing world is to the rest of us. 

If you’re a marketer trying to master the art of how to edit TikTok videos without consulting your neighborhood elementary school kids, this post is for you. You’ll learn how to edit videos on TikTok like a pro, as well as the best TikTok editing app to set your videos apart from your competitors’. 

How to edit videos on Tiktok 

TikTok made their video editing software pretty simple, making it accessible to newbies and editing pros alike. Start editing your first video by following these basic steps:

(1) Tap the plus sign at the bottom of the screen then click the red record button. 

(2) Click Sounds to spice up your video with a song or trending audio. 

(3) Click the buttons in the right-hand column to utilize TikTok’s in-house effects and filters. The camera icon flips the camera, the speed icon speeds or slows your video, the beauty icon perfects your appearance, and lastly, you get a timer and a flash feature to make your filming process more effortless.

(4) After you’re finished recording, you get another opportunity to add stickers, filters, voice and sound effects, and text.

(5) Next, trim the video length and adjust the volume for the sound and original audio. 

Want to snazz up your TikToks with special effects but haven’t quite mastered the app’s unique features? Here’s the lowdown on all your favorite tricks, from closed captioning to voice changing and everything in between.

Effects

Click the winky face icon next to the record button to select an effect prior to recording. While you can only record with one effect at a time, you can use multiple effects in the sameTikTok. They just have to be in separate clips. 

The pre-shooting effect options are practically unlimited — you can use a photo as your background, create clones of yourself that move as you do, and even put your face on a piece of fruit.  Because there are so many effects to choose from, you have the option to save them for later use. Just select the filter you want to save then press the Sticker button. If you want to remove that effect from your favorites, all you have to do is press the Sticker button one more time. 

The same effects can be used post-recording. All you have to do is click the Effects button in the top right corner. 

Transitions 

TikTok’s Transitions feature helps you integrate engaging transitions that keep viewers on the edge of their seats (which is great for completion rates). To add a transition to your video, select your transition of choice and tap the timeline where you want to place it. 

Speed

Adjust the speed at which you record by clicking the Speed icon on the right side of the screen. Slow your recording down to .3x or .5x, or speed it up to 2x or 3x. 

Stickers 

Add Stickers and Emojis to your video by tapping the Stickers button at the bottom of the screen. Navigate between the Stickers and Emojis tab or search for the animated GIF of your choice. Select an element by tapping it then drag it to wherever you want it on your screen. To delete an element, long press and drag it to the top of the screen until the icon turns red. 

Captions and text

To add text after recording your video, tap Text on the bottom of the editing screen, choose your favorite font and color, then tap Done. To reposition the text, just tap and drag. You can also adjust the size by pinching and zooming. To make the text appear only within a certain time range, tap the text one time then click Set Duration, to adjust. Clicking edit will take you right back to the screen where you can continue editing the font. 

Text to speech

After recording your video, tap the text button then type your caption, and click Done. Then, type your caption again and click Text-to-Speech. You can change the voice by tapping the Speech icon and selecting your preferred voice actor. 

Sounds

Sounds can be added before recording by clicking Sounds at the top of the screen. This is helpful as it allows you to align your video with the sound. 

If you wait until after recording to add a sound, do so by tapping the Sound button in the bottom left corner. You can browse the recommended section or search for the sound of your choice. You can also save your sounds for easy access in the future. 

Green screen 

Thanks to TikTok’s green screen feature, Shrek-colored backdrops are a relic of the past. With the TikTok editor, you can add the photo of your choice to the background of your video. Here’s how it’s done: after clicking the Plus button to create a new video, tap Effects in the bottom left corner then click “Green Screen” from the effects menu. Next, browse the green screen options and pick your favorite. Beyond the OG photo and video background options, you can add stickers that move, change parts of your face, and even use GIFs from your favorite memes.

Visual enhancement 

This editing feature perfects the appearance of your videos in a single tap. The feature works for uploaded footage as well as footage recorded right in the app. All you have to do to instantly improve your video’s exposure, low-light, and color correction is tap the Enhance icon on the right side of the screen.

Voice effects 

Change the sound of your voice to alter the tone of your video using Voice Effects. This feature can make you sound like a chipmunk, robot, or even a giant. After recording your video, click the Voice Effects button then select your desired effect. This will preview the effect on your video. When you find the right fit, tap anywhere on the video to select it. 

TikTok editing shortcuts 

Film outside the app and upload footage 

Uploading footage filmed outside the TikTok app is a huge time saver. You can pick and choose which takes are winners without worrying about running to and from your phone while recording or having to start all over when you mess up. 

Auto captions 

The auto captions feature allows you to caption your videos instantly, eliminating the need to type them up manually. 

Load up your drafts folder

TikTok’s drafts feature allows you to film, start editing, and save your video so you can revisit and complete it later. Use this feature to save time by batching all of your filming tasks for a certain time period, then going back to edit the videos as you go along. 

Schedule videos

Once your drafted videos are complete, you can schedule them to go live at your chosen time right in the TikTok Video Scheduler. To do this, head to the TikTok site on your computer and click the cloud icon in the top left corner of your feed. This will take you to the upload video page where you can add your videos, captions, hashtags, edit the cover image, and adjust your privacy settings. Once your video is ready to launch, toggle the schedule button and select the date and time you want your video to go live. Click schedule, and you’re done! Your scheduled posts will show alongside your drafts in the Profile view. 

Use text to speech 

Voiceover is great, but it can get time-consuming if you can’t get the audio perfect in one go. Text to speech bypasses this struggle. All you have to do is type out what you want TikTok to narrate and you’re good to go. 

TikTok transitions 101 

Crisp transitions transform ordinary vids into cinematographic masterpieces (by TikTok standards, of course). While you can access the app’s built-in transitions by clicking the Effects button, DIY transitions are the way to impress your audience. They tend to come out smoother than the native app options. The biggest tip for crisp transitions is holding your camera steady so the frame looks the same. 

Jump cuts

To do a jump cut finger-snapping transition, tap the timer on the right side of the screen and select how long you want your clip to be (4 seconds is a good starting point). After the first second, snap your fingers. After you’re finished recording, change whatever you are transitioning into. It’s important to get back in the same position before filming your next clip. Set the timer to 4 seconds again, then repeat the finger snap. Head back to the editing screen and trip the clips down to just the snap. Press save, and you’ve got your first DIY snap transition under your belt.

You can repeat the same steps with other jump cut transition ideas. Instead of snapping, try jumping up or spinning in a circle.  

Cover the camera

This one’s easy. Film your first clip, cover the camera with your hand, then stand in the same exact position for your second clip. Film covering and uncovering the camera with your hand using the same motion as before. Edit the clips together so that the first and last frames show the covered camera lens.

Headbutt

For this transition idea, you’ll need to hold the camera while filming. Basically, record for a few seconds then lower your head and raise your phone simultaneously. The last frame should show nothing but the top of your head. Stop recording and change whatever you are going to reveal, then record starting with the top of your head, pulling your arm down and your face up to show off your new look. Head to the editing page and adjust the first and last frames so that they show the top of your head. 

Perspective transition

This technique tricks viewers into thinking your video was filmed at multiple angles. Hold the camera in front of you and film while moving your arm to the side while keeping your eyes trained straight ahead. Turn to the camera for a second then turn away. Switch up your look then record another clip from the front with your head turned to the side– the point here is to make it seem like you’re addressing the second camera then turn back to face the front. Head to the editing screen and tweak the clips until they melt into one smooth head turn. Helpful hint: starting and ending with blurry frames can make your transition appear more seamless. 

How to edit TikTok videos in other apps 

Editing TikTok videos externally is pretty simple. Here’s how it’s done:

1. Film your content.
2. Upload to your fav TikTok video editing app.
3. Edit your video according to the TikTok vibe. Maintain a 9:16 ratio, keep your content vertical, and maintain a swift pace throughout your video. 
4. Save your video to your device. 
5. Head to TikTok and upload your edited video where you would usually upload raw footage. 
6. Add any additional effects, write your caption, and adjust your privacy settings. That’s all it takes!

Why edit TikToks outside of the app? 

TikTok’s internal editing features are great, but they’re still limited. There are quite a few scenarios that call for editing in another app: 

• Comfort: Maybe you prefer editing using the software you’re already familiar with. The more adept you are at using the software, the better your content will turn out.
• Special features: TikTok’s internal editing software is simple. This makes for a good learning curve but can leave creators wanting for more. Using a dedicated video editing app for TikTok gives you access to a wider portfolio of features to choose from. 
• Standing out: The majority of TikTok creators edit with the native software. Using features not available to the masses adds a unique touch to your content, helping you stand out amongst competitors. 
• Versatility: Instagram has made it clear that Reels with TikTok watermarks are a no-go. Using dedicated editing software allows you to easily repurpose content for other platforms. Some apps even have a feature that automatically resizes your video to fit the platform of your choice.

5 best TikTok editing apps 

1. Vimeo Create

Yes, we’re biased, but that doesn’t make the facts any less true. Vimeo Create’s has templates that make creating professional quality TikToks (and TikTok ads) super easy. Vimeo Create even syncs with TikTok for Business, simplifying the TikTok ad creation process.

All you have to do is choose your template, customize it to fit your brand’s aesthetic, then add whatever text, video, images, graphics, and music you want. When you’re done, you can publish your video straight to TikTok – no need to worry about downloading and uploading the video over and over again. 

Or, create as many TikToks as you want, for free, using Vimeo Basic. If you find you need more storage space or advanced features for editing non-TikTok video content, Vimeo paid plans range from $12/month to $55/month. Each paid plan also comes with a free 30-day trial.

Need more apps to choose from? Below are four solid options to check out:

2. InShot

• Pros: Cool movie-style filters and other special effects like background blurring. 
• Cons: Videos created with the free version are watermarked. The app also lacks a royalty-free music library.
• Pricing: There is a free version, but you can get the pro version for 3.99/month, $14.99 per year, or $34.99 for lifetime access. This version removes the watermark and unlocks all the effects, filters, stickers, and transitions the app has to offer.

3. Zoomerang

• Pros: This app is beginner-friendly, offers step-by-step tutorials, and is packed with over 100 special effects. Plus, they have an active and engaged TikTok account where they feature their user’s videos.
• Cons: Some users are bothered by the ads. 
• Pricing: The app has a free and pro version. Snagging the pro version for $19.99/year will get you an ad-free experience, as well as more features and effects. 

4. CapCut by TikTok (formerly ViaMaker)

• Pros: Designed by TikTok, this editor is easy to use, has lots of features, and provides access to a huge music and sound library.
• Cons: The editing tool isn’t as comprehensive as some of the others out there. 
• Pricing: Capcut by TikTok is free for all users.

5. Magisto

• Pros: Built-in licensed music library, themes, templates, and stock video/photos as well as brand colors and fonts customization.
• Cons: Many of the most useful features are only available in the paid plans.
• Pricing: The basic plan gives you a glimpse into the app’s capabilities. You’ll have to upgrade to either the premium version for $4.99/month, the professional version for $9.99/month, or the business version for $34.99/month to unlock additional features. 

FAQs about TikTok editing

Wrapping up

TikTok blessed us with a casual, fun video format that arguably fosters connection better than any other social media format out there. They made creative video editing available to people of all ages and abilities by designing an editing software that’s fun and accessible. 

At the end of the day, you can be successful on TikTok using the app’s editing tools and nothing else. But if you want to stand out among the platform’s 1 billion+ monthly active users, stepping up your editing game with a dedicated video editor is the way to go. 

Ready to create TikToks that will knock your competitor’s socks off?

Start editing professional-quality TikToks with Vimeo’s easy templates.