How to Make a Good TikTok Video: What You Need to Know First
If you're searching for how to make a good TikTok video, you're not alone — millions of creators are asking the same question. The difference between a scroll-stopping TikTok and one that gets ignored often comes down to a few simple fundamentals: clear audio, sharp visuals, good lighting, and authentic energy. Before you hit record, take a moment to plan your content, check your environment for distracting noise or clutter, and make sure your phone or camera lens is clean. For more foundational advice, check out our tips for shooting better video on your phone. These small steps make a surprisingly big difference. The tips in this guide will walk you through exactly what gear and techniques will help you level up your TikTok videos from the very first take.
There's no doubt that TikTok is the social media star of the 2020s. In an increasingly crowded social media landscape, the platform has surged ahead of its competitors and captured the imagination of thousands of users around the world. From impromptu music videos to carefully choreographed dance routines, TikTok is a treasure trove of quirky content that you won't find anywhere else online.
If you're interested in jumping on the TikTok bandwagon but aren't sure how to make a TikTok video, you've come to the right place. Below, we set out 4 essential TikTok tools to help you produce engaging, entertaining videos today (and have a lot of fun while you're at it!). From which microphone to use to how to take blur-free videos, discover our top TikTok tips and tricks.
1. Use an external mic to boost your sound
As with any type of video content, the audio of your TikTok is just as important as the visuals. For this reason, if you're unsure of how to make a good TikTok, the answer is: Start with your sound. While your phone's built-in audio input capabilities are great for everyday use, they won't give you the best possible audio quality. For high quality audio, you'll want to invest in a smartphone external microphone.
A good microphone will help you capture music, voices, and other audio in a way that the built-in mic on your phone can't, so it's worth the investment. It'll also sharpen those sounds and muffle any distracting background noise. Remember, most social media users have a short attention span, which is why TikTok's 15-second format has been so successful!
Lavalier microphones have long been a favourite among professional YouTubers, and are fast gaining popularity amongst TikTokers. Also known as lapel mics, they're ultra-lightweight and portable, and can be discreetly attached to your clothes. That way, they stay close to your mouth even if you're moving around, making them a great choice if you like filming videos on location.
If you don't want a mic in your shot, look into a shotgun style microphone, which you can position behind your camera and direct towards the subject. These mics pick up sound with great accuracy, and some models can even clip conveniently onto your phone.
Photo by Gavin Whitner
2. Brighten your videos with artificial lighting
No matter how brilliant your content is, it's pointless if viewers can't see it properly due to poor lighting or heavy shadows. While you can step outside and shoot in natural light, bear in mind that sunlight is inconsistent and may result in distracting harsh shadows or bright highlights. Plus, the sun's large dynamic range can prove too tricky for your smartphone to handle.
Here's where artificial lighting comes in. If you want even and consistent lighting across all of your videos, consider these TikTok lights: You may also find our guide to vlog lighting setups for home and on-the-go useful when deciding which option suits your filming environment.
- A portable LED light. Mounting an LED light to a tripod or other stand and angling it toward your subject will give you even diffused light that illuminates every detail. For crisp, clean colours, buy a kit with 'soft' LED bulbs, rather than fluorescent ones.
- An LED ring light. This option is a go-to for food, fashion, and beauty vloggers who take selfie-style videos, and with good reason! A TikTok ring light spreads light evenly to all corners of the frame, and helps you to showcase the smaller details that make your video stand out. If you're weighing up your options, our ring light vs. softbox comparison breaks down the pros and cons of each.
As a bonus, using artificial lighting will also make it much easier to edit your videos, as the colours and shadows will be consistent!
3. Take blur-free videos with the help of a tripod
Even if you have steady hands, chances are you'll end up with shaky or bumpy footage if you choose to shoot handheld. Luckily, there are a number of accessories you can use to capture sharp, smooth, and professional-looking handheld videos.
For an affordable, easy-to-use option, go for a smartphone grip. This handy tool will allow you to hold your phone out in front of you and keep it secure and steady while filming. If you're dancing or moving around while shooting, opt for a gimbal instead. This will stabilise your camera while you tilt, pan, and roll, and will help you to film footage on the move.
If you're planning on staying put during your video, you can simply pull out your good old tripod and mount your phone on that. This will allow you to shoot completely hands free, and give you an opportunity to tweak your composition so it's just right.
Top Tip: Mini tripods or Gorillapods also make great TikTok phone stands, and can come in handy for your future photography endeavours. See our GorillaPod buyer's guide to find the right model for your setup.
4. Switch out your lens to capture different perspectives
TikTok is the perfect place to let your creativity shine, so don't be afraid to get experimental with your videos! Adding a smartphone lens to your phone is a fantastic way to test out different techniques and styles, and can really help your videos stand out. The best news? There are plenty of lenses on the market, meaning there's truly something for everyone.
Fisheye lenses will add dramatic flair to your videos, and their ultra-wide, distorted angles are awesome for filming extreme sports and similar activities. They're also great for capturing panoramic shots of landscapes and urban settings.
Looking to get up close and personal with your subject? If you're filming close ups or detail shots, try a macro lens for phones. These nifty lenses are designed to capture the tiniest of details and make them look larger than life. On the other hand, if you're shooting faraway subjects and scenes, go for a telephoto lens. This lens type has the longest magnification, so it can help you to get front-row views of the action without getting too close.
Top Tip: Don't want to commit to a new lens? You can rent camera lenses and other professional gear through our Studio19 program.
Improve your TikTok videos today
Learn more TikTok tips and tricks
Whether you're new to content creation or are looking to expand your photography business using TikTok, now is the perfect time to learn how to make good quality vlog content. By following our TikTok tips, you could start taking unique, interesting videos with the potential to go viral today.
Ready to boost the quality of your content? Visit your local Ted's Cameras store to kit out your smartphone with the best TikTok tools, or head to our blog for more tips for filming videos on your phone.
How to Make TikTok Videos Better Quality
Want to know how to make TikTok videos better quality? The biggest gains come from two areas: resolution and stability. First, open your TikTok camera settings and ensure you're recording at the highest resolution available on your device. Second, eliminate camera shake by using a phone tripod or gimbal stabiliser — handheld footage can look shaky and unprofessional, especially during movement. Lighting is equally critical; a simple ring light can transform flat, dull footage into bright, polished content. Finally, shoot in a well-lit space during daylight hours where possible, as natural light is free and incredibly flattering. Combining these steps with an external microphone means your TikTok videos will look and sound noticeably better quality without needing a professional studio setup.
TikTok Video Basics: Getting Started with Your First Tick Tock Video
Whether you call it a TikTok or a tick tock video, getting started is easier than you think. Open the TikTok app and tap the '+' button at the bottom of the screen to access the camera. You can record clips up to 10 minutes long, add music from TikTok's built-in library, apply filters, and use text overlays — all within the app. For beginners, start with short 15–30 second videos to build confidence and learn what resonates with your audience. Watch your analytics after posting to understand which videos performed best, then replicate those elements. Consistency matters more than perfection on TikTok, so post regularly, experiment with trending sounds, and don't be afraid to show your personality on camera.