Imagine you discover a video that fits your topic perfectly, and you immediately have an idea of how you could add to it. That's exactly what the Duet feature on TikTok is for. You record your own video next to someone else's video, and both play together on the screen. In this guide, I'll walk you through the entire process: from searching for the right video, through the settings for layout, microphone, and volume, to publishing. A video by the creator Sven serves as the example.
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Key Takeaways
- You start a Duet via the share menu of someone else's video, not via the normal record button.
- On the recording screen, you set the layout, filming view, speed, and timer.
- The "React" layout is the best choice in most cases because both videos remain clearly visible.
- Headphones improve the recording quality, and you should balance the volume of the original sound and your own voice before publishing.
- The note "Duet with ..." remains in the post because it serves as a safeguard.
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Find the Right Video
Open the app and switch to the Home feed or the Discover feed. Look for a video that thematically matches your own content. In this example, I chose a video by Sven that was published 23 hours ago. Make sure the creator hasn't disabled the Duet feature, because then the option will be missing in the menu later.
Step 2: Open the Share Menu
Tap the share button on the right side of the video. There you'll find options such as sharing via message, WhatsApp, or Instagram. You don't need these options for a Duet, but the menu is the way to the Duet feature.
Step 3: Find the Duet Icon
Scroll down in the share menu. Next to the Report button, you'll discover an icon for Duets. Tap it. If the icon for Stitches is also there and is grayed out or turned off, that's due to the creator's settings. That's fine, because for this example you're using the Duet.
Step 4: Understand the Split Screen
After tapping, the recording screen opens. The original video appears on one side, and your own camera is displayed next to it. So you can immediately see how the two videos will look together later. Take a good look at this view, because this is exactly where you decide the result.
Step 5: Set the Filming View, Speed, and Timer
Using the options on the edge, you can specify whether you film with the front camera or the rear camera. You can also flip the camera if you want to show something in the room. In addition, you can adjust the recording speed and set a timer so that you can position yourself in peace before starting.
Step 6: Set the Layout
In the layout section, you decide how the two videos are arranged. You can display the views side by side, one above the other, or as a split screen. With the split-screen option, you can also move the area so that you place your conversation partner in the desired spot. A third possibility is three screen windows, in which you are visible in the middle.
Step 7: Choose the Reaction View
In most cases, the "React" option makes the most sense. The original video is displayed clearly visible, and you sit next to it or below it. This way, the viewer can follow exactly what you are reacting to. Try out the variants before you commit, and choose the view that best supports your content.
Step 8: Prepare Microphone and Headphones
At the bottom right you will find the microphone setting. There you can turn the microphone on or off. In this example, headphones are recommended because they improve the recording quality. Later in the course, you will also learn which microphones and headphones are particularly well suited for TikTok.
Step 9: Start the Recording
Hold down the record button and speak. The original video plays along in parallel. Make sure you don't just talk on your own, but respond to the content of the other video. This creates a genuine dialogue that appears credible to viewers.
Step 10: Use Effects and Filters
During or after the recording, you can use effects and filters to enhance the look of your duet. You can find this selection directly on the recording screen. Use them selectively so that your post doesn't look overloaded.
Step 11: Try Out the Duet Yourself
Before you publish your duet, I recommend running through the feature completely once. To do this, find an account and a video that is suitable for duets. This way you get a feel for how the recording sounds and comes across. Without this test, it is hard to truly understand the process and the effect.
Step 12: Use Sound Effects, Voiceover and Volume
In addition to filters, you can select sound effects or record a voiceover. You can also adjust the volume of the original audio and your own recording separately. A typical example: you set the sound of the original video to 30 percent and your own voice to 100 percent. The reverse works just as well. Decide which voice should be in the foreground.
Step 13: Fine-Tune the Volume
After recording, check whether your voice can be heard clearly without drowning out the original audio. Play your duet several times until the balance is right. Only then should you continue with the next step.
Step 14: Check the Hashtag in the Post
After recording, the note "Duet with Sven" appears automatically. You can remove it, but I wouldn't recommend that. The note serves as a safeguard so that your post stays clean from a data protection perspective. In addition, the creator receives a notification that you have created a duet with them and can take a look at it.
Step 15: Add Description and Tags
In the description, write your opinion or a call-to-action, such as a question to the viewers that entices them into the comments. You can also add hashtags or leave the text empty. You also have the option to tag other people. In the example this makes no sense, but for other posts it can be useful.
Step 16: Check Settings and Publish
Open the settings to check visibility and other options. Then you publish the duet. The upload progress is displayed, and when it is complete, your duet is online.
Step 17: Delete a Test Duet Again
If you created a duet just to try it out, you should delete it again right after uploading. Otherwise, the creator will receive a notification, which you usually want to avoid. After deleting, the video will have disappeared from your profile.
Summary ??? Creating a Duet on TikTok: Step-by-Step Guide
You have now learned all the steps to create a duet on TikTok. You find the right video, open the share menu, select the duet icon, and set the layout, microphone, and volume. Try out the feature with a test video first before you publish your first real post. The next step is the Stitch feature, which lets you incorporate clips from other people's videos into your own clips.
FAQ
How can I tell whether a video is enabled for duets?The duet icon only appears in the share menu if the creator has enabled the feature. If it is missing, you cannot create a duet.
Can I remove the "Duet with ..." notice?Technically, this is possible, but removing the notice is not recommended because it serves as a safeguard and supports the post from a data protection perspective.
How do I set the balance between the original audio and my own voice?You can adjust the volume of both audio tracks separately. One example would be 30 percent for the original video and 100 percent for your voice.
Do I have to delete a test duet?If you only published it for practice, you should delete it right away so that the creator does not receive a notification.
Do headphones improve the recording?Yes, headphones improve recording quality because they can reduce background noise and feedback.
