Do you want to shoot your first TikTok video directly in the app instead of preparing it somewhere else? Then you're in the right place. TikTok's recording function offers more than is visible at first glance: You can choose the length and recording mode, put photos together into a clip, switch your camera, change the playback speed, and adjust your appearance right before recording. This guide walks you through all the important features in the right order so that you can find your way around confidently while filming.
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Key Takeaways
You determine the total length before recording. It's best to choose the 60-second option, because there you can stop earlier at any time, but with the 15-second option you can't go beyond 15 seconds.
The MV mode combines ready-made templates with your own photos. In the example, a maximum of four photos was possible; you should try out the exact upper limit yourself.
You switch the camera with the press of a button or a double tap on the screen. The speed, filters, and beauty effects can be found directly on the recording screen.
Effects like green screen must be chosen before starting the recording. They can't be added afterwards.
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Open the recording screen
Tap the plus icon at the bottom center of the app. This icon is your gateway to video creation. As soon as you tap it, the recording screen opens, and you see your image twice: once as a preview of the front camera and once in the video area, as it will appear later on TikTok.
Step 2: Set the total length
At the bottom of the screen you'll find the selection for the total length. You have three options: 60 seconds, 15 seconds, and MV. With the 60-second option, you can record a video up to one minute long, but you don't have to use up that time. So you can end the recording after just ten, 30, or 40 seconds.
Step 3: Why the 60-second option is worthwhile
The 15-second option seems practical at first glance, but it has a clear disadvantage: You can't extend it. So if after ten seconds you wish you could add another five seconds, that's not possible. That's why I recommend the 60-second option almost every time. It gives you full flexibility, because you decide during the recording when it's over.
Step 4: Use the MV mode
The MV mode combines a ready-made video with photos. First you choose a template, which you download via the "Get started" button. Then you open the selection of your photos. The mode is suitable for short image sequences or slideshows, but it quickly feels rushed, and whether it really goes over well is something everyone has to decide for themselves.
Step 5: Select and upload photos
In the photo selection, tap the images you want. Each selected photo receives a marker, which you can recognize by the round circle at the top right. Once you have all the images together, tap "Next" at the bottom right. In the example, I selected four photos, and that is also the upper limit that I was able to confirm in this case. However, the number depends on the respective template type, so it's worth testing it yourself.
Step 6: Wait for processing
After the selection, TikTok processes your photos automatically. Then you see a preview in which each image appears in its own clapperboard. Take your time looking at the result, because you can see immediately whether the order and the image crops are right.
Step 7: Briefly test the MV effects
After the preview, you can also take a look at the effects that the MV mode comes with. In the example, the effect seemed funny at the beginning, but it was very fast. Whether you really need it depends on whether your audience likes such transitions. Just try it out before you decide.
Step 8: Switch back to the 60-second option
If you don't want to keep using MV mode, tap the X at the top left. Then switch to the 60-second option. This gives you free recording with your camera again, and that's exactly what you need for the following steps.
Step 9: Switch the camera
At the top right of the recording screen, you'll find the icon for flipping the camera. With it, you switch between the front camera and the rear camera. For example, you don't want to show your face, but instead bring a sheet of paper or an object into the foreground? Then switch to the rear camera. Alternatively, you can double-tap the screen twice, and the camera will switch as well.
Step 10: Adjust the recording speed
Under the tools, you'll find the speed option. Tap it and choose between 0.3x, 0.5x, 2x, or even 3x speed. At high speed, 60 seconds of recording time, for example, play out in about 20 seconds. This is practical for fast movements or time-lapse recordings. Keep in mind, though, that speech can sound fast and unintelligible this way.
Step 11: Select a filter
In the filter section, you'll find various looks, in the example the "Sky" filter. You can also set how strong the filter should be. A subtle value often looks more natural, while a strong value creates a clear mood. Try two or three levels before you decide.
Step 12: Adjust your own appearance with beauty effects
The beauty features are the area where you can enhance your face. For example, you can select a lipstick and adjust its intensity. In the example, I chose a strong red shade and increased the strength to 100. The effect looks convincing in good light, but it blurs during movements such as sticking out your tongue. With a finger in front of the mouth, you can see that the color doesn't always sit perfectly.
The skin smoothing can also be adjusted. The higher you set the value, the smoother the face looks. This can be helpful especially with blemished skin, but you shouldn't overdo the value, as the result will otherwise look unnatural.
In addition, there are settings for teeth, contour, and eyeshadow. The teeth effect doesn't work reliably in many cases, so it makes sense to check it critically. You don't necessarily need the contour, and with eyeshadow, it's worth testing different colors. Always keep in mind that an effect looks different in the preview image than in the finished video.
Step 13: Discard changes and restore the original state
If you don't like the settings, you can reset the changes via "Enhancement" and then "Discard changes". This way you quickly get back to your original image without having to correct everything by hand.
Step 14: Use the timer
At the very bottom of the toolbar, you'll find the timer. It is particularly useful when you're filming without outside help, for example when you set up the phone and don't want to hold it yourself. You set a delay, for example ten seconds, and the recording starts automatically after that time. You can also set a length after which the video ends automatically, for example six or 25 seconds.
Step 15: Start and stop the recording
To start, tap the round circle in the middle. To stop, tap the stop icon that is located in the same spot. After that, you have a choice: With the checkmark on the right, you confirm the video and can still add effects to it or edit it further. With the X, you discard the clip and start over.
Step 16: Record individual sections by holding down the circle
If you want to build a clip piece by piece, hold down the circle for as long as you want to film, and release it when you take a break. This creates several sections that you can merge later. If you make a slip of the tongue, you don't have to reshoot the entire section.
Step 17: Set effects before recording
An important note: Effects such as green screen can only be applied before the video. If you want to add them afterwards, that is no longer possible. So set them before you start. Text elements or voice-overs, on the other hand, can be added later in post-editing.
Step 18: Zoom in and out with the circle
While recording, you can drag the circle upward to zoom in closer, and downward to zoom back out. This gives your video dynamism without you having to move your phone. However, there are no more zoom options on this recording screen.
Step 19: Check or discard the result
If you are happy with the result, tap the checkmark and you can edit the clip further later. If it's not for you, tap the X and discard it. Then you either start over or end the recording entirely.
Step 20: Preview of speech, music and sounds
The recording is now complete. In the next step, you will deal with speech, music and sounds before editing the cut in detail. Good sound quality often makes a video more valuable than any filter, so this step is worthwhile.
Summary ??? Recording a TikTok video: step by step directly in the app
You have seen how to record a video directly in TikTok. You choose the right length, preferably the 60-second option, and use MV mode with photos if needed. With the camera selection, speed, filters and beauty effects, you shape your clip, while the timer and the zoom function help during recording. Remember to set effects such as green screen before recording, as they can no longer be added later. With this knowledge, you are perfectly prepared to shoot your first video.
FAQ
Which total length should I choose on TikTok?The 60-second option is usually the best choice because you can end the recording earlier at any time. The 15-second option cannot be extended.
Can I use any number of photos in MV mode?No, in the example a maximum of four photos was possible. The exact number depends on the selected template and should be checked in your own test.
How do I switch between the front and rear camera?You tap the icon for flipping the camera at the top right. Alternatively, a double tap on the screen helps.
Can I add a green screen effect afterwards?No, green screen effects must be set before recording. Texts and similar elements, on the other hand, can be added later.
How do I record a video with a timer?Set a delay in the timer, for example ten seconds, and optionally a maximum length. The recording starts automatically after the delay.
