### 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:

- [Zeiss ExoLens](http://exolens.com/products.html)
- [Moment Lenses](https://www.shopmoment.com/lenses)
- [Olloclip Lenses](https://www.olloclip.com/)

### Filters for TikTok videos

[Camera filters](/content/blog/camera-filters/index.html) are used to control exposure and [shutter speed](/content/blog/an-introduction-to-shutter-angle-and-shutter-speed/index.html), so if you’re fancy, check these out:

- [ZoMei Optical Filters](https://www.zomei.com/c/camera-filter_0538/1.html?&Sort=2d)
- [Moment Filters](https://www.shopmoment.com/filters)
- [HPS Smartphone Camera Filter](https://humblegarden.co/products/the-filter)

### 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](/content/blog/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-gimbal/index.html) are now widely available for smartphones. These are some of the top stabilizers:

- [DJI Osmo Mobile 3](https://www.dji.com/osmo-mobile-3)
- Joby GorillaPod
- [Moment Handle Grip](https://www.shopmoment.com/)

### Lighting for TikTok videos

Finally, don’t forget that any TikTok video, no matter how you shoot it, needs proper [lighting](/content/blog/lighting-youtube-videos-a-beginners-guide/index.html)! Small, portable lights such as these work just fine:

- Profoto Mobile Ring Light
- [Xuma LED Light](http://www.xumausa.com/product/10287/Xuma-LED_200B-Mobile-Daylight-Balanced-Light-(Black))
- [Lume Cube 2.0](https://lumecube.com/products/lume-cube-2?utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=Google%20Shopping&gclid=Cj0KCQjw6575BRCQARIsAMp-ksNxMMPEuKE_Y82wYFhB8wf7LO2bgvbge1a2fzHxuUgrJ31gYfsQJAEaAnSZEALw_wcB)

## Recording sound or music for TikTok

While you may be sourcing the best [TikTok music](/content/collection/10586/perfect-for-tiktok/index.html) from a platform like [Artlist](/content/site-root.html), if you’re talking or recording sound of any kind, consider your microphone setup.

Here are some picks for attachable camera microphones:

- [Rode VideoMic ME](https://www.rode.com/microphones/videomicme)
- Miracle Sound Lav Mic
- [Shure MV88](https://www.shure.com/en-US/products/microphones/mv88)

## Best TikTok video & audio format

The first step to creating the best-looking TikTok videos is to shoot in [vertical video dimensions](/content/blog/the-ultimate-vertical-video-guide-2020/index.html). 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](/content/blog/shooting-slow-motion-videos/index.html) 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](/content/ai/image-generator/index.html) or the [AI video generator](/content/ai/video-generator/index.html) 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](/content/ai/voice-generator/index.html) 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](/content/royalty-free-music/index.html) 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:
- Record in vertical aspect ratio and highest resolution available.
- Use additional gear like lenses, filters, stabilizers, and microphones.
- Edit using software like FCPX or Adobe Premiere.
- Export to MP4 with H.264 codec and AAC audio.
- Ensure TikTok videos do not exceed 60 seconds in length.
- Upload using lossless transfer methods such as Airdrop or DropBox.