Tiktok Marketing: A Complete Guide for Beginners

What is TikTok?

TikTok is a video sharing social platform. It has begun its vibrant journey from China in 2016 and became an international network soon. TikTok has similarities with former viral apps Vine and Musical.ly.

According to BBC, TikTok was the most downloaded app in the world in 2020! The majority of its audience belongs to the Gen Z and millennial groups. In the UK, 18% of total TikTok users are below 18 years.  However, in very recent times, people of all ages have found success in this platform.

It features a swipe-able feed. Also, it is filled with various kinds of videos. Its most popular ones are usually some sort of trend. Generally, users upload their dancing, singing, or challenge videos.

Unlike YouTube and other video networks, TikTok videos are limited to a duration of one minute. TikTok’s videos are-

Moreover, these traits make it very valuable for marketers. As the video format is short, you’re more likely to have the viewer’s attention throughout the whole content. Thus, it allows you to do TikTok marketing more effectively and efficiently.

How to Create Videos for TikTok?

Now you already know what TikTok is all about.  In this section, you will learn how to create a video for TikTok.

You already know that TikTok only allows videos for a one-minute duration. When you’re creating content for TikTok, you have to make it short and precise yet interesting. Otherwise, grabbing the viewer’s attention can get difficult.  Here is a step-by-step beginners guide to create your first video. Follow the steps below-

Step 1: Download TikTok

Step 1 is the obvious one. You have to download the app on your phone or PC. TikTok app is available on both Google Play and Apple App Store. Also, you can access TikTok via your desktop computer. However, app features by design are easier to use on mobile devices.

Basically, you have to do a simple thing. Search for “TikTok” in your app store and look for the app icon and download it just like every other app.

Step 2: Record/Upload a Video

You can create TikTok videos in 2 ways.

Pre-recorded Video

The first way is to make a TikTok video content by uploading a pre-recorded video. And for doing this, look at the opposite of the ‘effects icon.’ And on the right side of the red record button, there is the ‘Upload button’.  You have to click it to open up your camera roll.

After picking up a video, you will find a video editing screen. After that, you will be able to add text and stickers according to your taste. Moreover, you can keep uploading pictures and make a slideshow with TikTok Templates.

Note: For pre-recorded videos, you can only use limited features of TikTok.

Direct Video

The second way is to record directly by the app itself. For doing this, open the TikTok app. You’ll see a tiny “+” sign at the bottom centre of your screen. Click the sign to bring the app’s recording screen.

When you create the video this way, you can have tons of alluring features to enhance your video quality. Firstly, you will have to choose the time. You can capture a video of 15 sec to a maximum time of 60 seconds. Secondly, move on to recording. You will find various features there.

TikTok’s in-app recording screen has-

Flip

Clicking the flip option will allow you to switch between the front and back camera. Decide if you want to record a selfie video or capture something in front of you.

Timer

Another feature in TikTok’s recording screen is the timer tool. This tool can help you with taking hands-free video. For doing this, you can use it to set a 3 or 10-seconds countdown. Afterwards, it will automatically start its task. Also, you can use it to set a specific duration before the app stops recording automatically.

Speed

This feature is to control how speedy your final video will be. The default will playback at a regular speed (1x). However, recording at 2x will cause your final outcome to play twice faster than regular. Also, lower than 1x is possible for slower playback.

Filters

TikTok has filter features that allow you to choose from different camera filters. Basically, it alters the way your video looks. The categories are:

You can swipe, preview each option, and select the best-suited filter for you.

Beauty

This tool is an augmented reality filter that can beautify or enhance your appearance. Turn this feature on to have a prettier look because it smooths out your skin and makes you glow!

Sound

TikTok app has this brilliant sound effect option. You will find this option located top and centre of the app screen. Firstly, you can use this to add music or any popular sounds to your video. Secondly, clicking on the “effects icon” will bring up all of TikTok’s visual effects in front of you.

Actually, these options can be used to create really cool and original content. However,  you’ll need to try some of them to figure out which one goes the best with your video.

Step 3: Make It Attractive

So, you’ve edited and uploaded your video. Meanwhile, it’s time to write a catchy caption and choose a cover for your content.

Caption

The first thing to know is, there is a maximum of 150 characters for a TikTok caption, including hashtags. Therefore, make sure to keep it short and sweet. Also, use hashtags that are relevant and not too vague that your video gets lost in the pool of other TikTok collections. Secondly, after publishing your video, you can’t edit your caption. So, read a few times to avoid hazards!