How to record a TikTok: The TikTok camera tutorial

If you’ve entered the world of TikTok, you’ve stepped into a world of viral dances, trending sounds, and niche communities. It can be a weird world to navigate, but one thing’s for sure — if you want to participate on TikTok, you’ll have to know your way around the TikTok camera. And that includes a basic understanding of the camera’s most basic function — how to record a TikTok.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about using the TikTok camera, including the basics of how to record and some fun tricks like recording in slow motion and doing voiceovers.

What’s what on the TikTok camera

At first glance, the TikTok camera may seem self-explanatory. But this is so much more than a place to record a video. It’s actually a powerful tool you can use to create unique video content that showcases your personality, brand, and message. Here are just a few of the recording and editing tools you can find on the TikTok Camera:

• Flip: A tool that flips from your front camera to your back camera and vice versa.
• Speed: A tool that allows you to increase or decrease the speed of your video prior to recording.
• Beauty: A tool that smoothes your skin and adds virtual makeup to enhance your appearance.
• Filters: A collection of different editing presets that change your video’s contrast, color, and brightness.
• Timer: A tool that allows you to pause the start of your recording for 3 or 10 seconds.
• Effects: A collection of animations that alter the visual and/or audio of your video.
• Templates: A collection of templates that will turn photos into a video montage.

How to record a TikTok video

First things first. Open up the TikTok camera. Now it’s time to record your next viral video.

1. How to set the length of your TikTok

There are two video lengths to choose from when recording a TikTok: 15 seconds and 60 seconds. Here’s how to set the length of your TikTok video before you start recording:

1. Open up the TikTok App.
2. Press the + button at the bottom of the screen.
3. When you open the TikTok camera, it will automatically be set to a 15-second video. Swipe left at the bottom of the screen if you want to select the 60-second option.
4. Record your video.

2. How to set a timer on the TikTok camera

If you want to record a TikTok video hands-free, you’ll want to set your camera up with a timer that will count down prior to the start of your recording. Here’s how to do that:

1. Open up the TikTok App.
2. Press the + button on the bottom of the screen.
3. Press the Timer button on the right side of the screen.
4. Choose either a 3- or 10-second timer.
5. Press Start Countdown.
6. Record your video.

3. How to speed up or slow down a TikTok

Changing the speed of your recording can shift the overall mood of your TikTok video. At the time of this writing, the TikTok Camera features 5 speeds. In order from slowest to fastest, they are 0.3x, 0.5x, 1x, 2x, and 3x.

Here’s how to speed up or slow down your TikTok:

1. Open up the TikTok App.
2. Press the + button on the bottom of the screen.
3. Press the Speed button at the right of the screen.
4. Select one of the 5 speed options to use for your video.
5. Record your video.

4. How to add filters and effects when you record a TikTok

There are dozens of cool filters and effects to choose from that can really make your video stand out. Here’s how to add a TikTok filter:

1. Open up the TikTok App.
2. Press the + button on the bottom of the screen.
3. Press the Filter button at the right of the screen.
4. Scroll through the Filters gallery until you find one you like.
5. Adjust the intensity of your filter.
6. Tap the screen to exit the Filters gallery.
7. Record your video.

Here’s how to add a TikTok effect:

1. Open up the TikTok App.
2. Press the + button on the bottom of the screen.
3. Press the Effects button at the bottom-left of the screen.
4. Scroll through the Effects gallery until you find one you wish to use.
5. Select the effect you wish to use.
6. Tap the screen to exit the Effects gallery.
7. Record your video.

5. How to add sound to your TikTok

Trending songs and viral sounds are what TikTok is all about. If you want to make your video worthy of the For You page, try adding some sound by following these instructions:

1. Open up the TikTok App.
2. Press the + button on the bottom of the screen.
3. Press the Add Sound button at the top of the screen.
4. Find a song by searching for it in the search bar or looking through one of TikTok’s playlists.
5. When you find a song you like, press it to hear it start playing.
6. Press the red checkmark that appears on the right of the song to add it to your video.
7. Record your video.

6. How to do a voiceover when you record a TikTok

In addition to adding a sound to your video, you can also record a voiceover to play over your video. Here’s how to do that:

1. Open up the TikTok App.
2. Press the + button on the bottom of the screen.
3. Record your video.
4. Tap the red checkmark at the bottom-right of the screen.
5. Press the Voiceover button at the right of the screen.
6. Hit the record button and record your sound.
7. Unselect the “Keep original sound option” to remove the original sound from your video.
8. Press the Save button at the top-right of the screen.
9. Make any additional edits to your video and publish.

7. How to touch up your appearance

If you want to improve your appearance while recording your TikTok video, you can always turn on the Beauty filter. Here’s how to do that:

1. Open up the TikTok App.
2. Press the + button on the bottom of the screen.
3. Press the Beauty button at the right of the screen to turn the filter on.
4. Record your video.

TikTok is a great platform for creating and sharing short-form video content, and learning the best strategies to record a TikTok video is the first step to going viral. Play with these tricks, tips, and effects to make your video stand out from the crowd and land a spot on the coveted For Your page. Also, check our post TikTok editor apps and discover best editor apps for your TikTok videos.