How to Create Awesome-Looking TikTok Videos | Artlist — Artlist Blog

Highlights

With more than 700 million active users, TikTok has become an essential social channel for any brand or influencer.

Get recommendations for the best lens attachments, filters, stabilizers, and audio equipment for TikTok videos.

Find out the best export settings for Premiere Pro and Final Cut Pro users and deliver the most viral TikTok video you can.

Camera equipment for TikTok videos

While it may seem that TikTok favors low-budget productions, there’s also room to elevate your production value with a few key pieces of equipment. It all starts with your camera. You’re likely shooting with a smartphone. Pay attention to sensor size and resolution. You’ll get the highest quality video recording capabilities with the latest Apple iPhone model, Samsung Galaxy or Google Pixel, all of which offer 4K video recording. Check your camera settings to make sure you’ve selected the highest resolution.

Lens attachments for TikTok videos

In addition to a high-resolution camera, you can bump up video production with lens attachments such as the following:

Filters for TikTok videos

Camera filters are used to control exposure and shutter speed, so if you’re fancy, check these out:

Tripods and Gimbals for TikTok videos

Though smartphones have built-in stabilization, you may be on the go (running, skating, following a fast-moving subject) and need additional control. Tripods and gimbals are now widely available for smartphones. These are some of the top stabilizers:

Lighting for TikTok videos

Finally, don’t forget that any TikTok video, no matter how you shoot it, needs proper lighting! Small, portable lights such as these work just fine:

Recording sound or music for TikTok

While you may be sourcing the best TikTok music from a platform like Artlist, if you’re talking or recording sound of any kind, consider your microphone setup.

Here are some picks for attachable camera microphones:

Best TikTok video & audio format

The first step to creating the best-looking TikTok videos is to shoot in vertical video dimensions. And then, of course, edit in the same dimensions for the best TikTok resolution.

In your editing software, you can choose vertical orientation when you create your project. In Final Cut Pro X, simply make that selection from the drop-down menu under Video Format. If you shot in 4K (which you should), choose the highest resolution, 2160 x 3840 pixels. Set the frame rate to 23.98 or 60 if you’re going to slow down any frames.

TikTok video length

When the app first launched, TikTok videos were limited to 15 seconds in length. Today, the app allows you to record up to 60 seconds by combining 4 15-second clips, with plans to roll out 3-minute videos shortly.

Export settings for TikTok videos

Most TikTok video editors use either Adobe Premiere or Final Cut Pro X. Follow these steps for the best quality export:

Exporting from Adobe Premiere:

  1. Set the Format dropdown menu in the Queue panel to H.264.
  2. Set the Preset dropdown menu to Mobile Device 1080p HD.
  3. Click the blue text in the Output File column to name and specify where to save the file.
  4. Under the Video tab, check Match Source to remove the letterbox framing.
  5. Check Render at Maximum Depth with a Bitrate of 8 Mbps.
  6. Click OK.

Exporting from Final Cut Pro X:

  1. Click on File > Share and then click Master File.
  2. Go to Export settings and ensure the video codec is H.264 Faster Encode.
  3. Choose Computer as the format, with a maximum file size of 20 megabytes or lower, if possible.
  4. For audio, choose AAC, rather than mp3 format.
  5. Save your project to your desktop.

As for file size, TikTok allows 72 MB for Android users, and Apple iOS users can upload up to 287.6 MB.

Using AI in your TikTok videos

Great TikTok videos start with great ideas. AI tools help you turn them into eye-catching videos quickly. Visual and creative enhancements can be achieved using Artlist’s AI image generator or the AI video generator for captivating visuals that fit TikTok’s vertical frame.

Audio, voice, and branding

TikTok videos are as much about sound as they are about visuals. AI voiceover tools allow you to create a consistent narration style or produce natural-sounding voiceovers, with the help of Artlist’s extensive library of royalty-free music and sound effects.

Editing and workflow automation

AI can streamline the video production process through features like auto-caption generation, scene detection for faster cutting, and thumbnail suggestions that fit TikTok’s visual language.

Summary

To recap: