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.
Last updated: June 2025
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 short-form 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.
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:
- 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.
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.
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
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 a Good TikTok Video: A Step-by-Step Beginner Guide
If you're just starting out and wondering how to make a good TikTok video, the good news is that you don't need a professional film crew or expensive studio gear. TikTok is designed to be accessible, spontaneous, and fun — but a little preparation goes a long way towards making your content stand out in a crowded feed.
Step 1: Plan your concept. Before you hit record, spend a few minutes thinking about what you want to communicate. Is it a tutorial, a comedy sketch, a product showcase, or a trending dance? Having a clear idea prevents wasted takes and keeps your video focused. TikTok's algorithm rewards watch time, so videos that get to the point quickly tend to perform better.
Step 2: Set up your shot. Find a location with good natural light — facing a window is ideal. Make sure your background is tidy or intentionally styled. Use a tripod or phone mount to keep your device stable, as shaky footage is one of the most common reasons viewers scroll away in the first few seconds.
Step 3: Record in short bursts. TikTok allows you to record clips in segments, which makes it easy to cut between different angles or reset between takes. Don't feel pressured to nail everything in a single continuous take. Most successful TikTok creators shoot multiple short clips and assemble them inside the app.
Step 4: Add captions and on-screen text. A large proportion of TikTok users watch videos with the sound off, particularly in public spaces. Adding captions or on-screen text ensures your message lands regardless of whether audio is playing. TikTok's built-in auto-caption feature makes this quick and easy.
Step 5: Choose your audio wisely. Whether you're recording original audio or overlaying a trending sound, make sure it complements your visuals. Using trending audio tracks can significantly boost your discoverability on the For You Page, so keep an eye on what sounds are popular in your niche.
How to Make TikTok Videos Better Quality
One of the most searched questions among new creators is how to make TikTok videos better quality — and it's a valid concern. Even with a modern smartphone, TikTok can compress your footage during upload, which means videos can look softer or grainier than your original recording. Here's how to maximise the visual quality of every video you post.
Enable high-quality upload in TikTok settings. Head to your TikTok profile, tap the three-line menu, go to Settings and Privacy, then Accessibility, and toggle on 'Upload HD'. This ensures TikTok processes your video at a higher resolution rather than defaulting to a compressed version. This single setting change can make a noticeable difference to how crisp your finished video looks.
Shoot in the highest resolution your phone supports. Open your native camera app and check that you're recording in at least 1080p — ideally 4K if your device allows it. Higher resolution footage gives TikTok more data to work with during compression, which typically results in a cleaner final output. Avoid using third-party camera apps with aggressive in-app compression.
Optimise your lighting before you hit record. Poor lighting is the single biggest killer of video quality, even on flagship smartphones. Natural light is your best friend — position yourself facing a window during the day. If you're filming indoors at night or in a low-light environment, consider investing in a compact LED ring light or a portable video light panel. These are affordable, portable, and make an enormous difference to how professional your footage looks.
Avoid digital zoom. Pinching to zoom on your phone uses digital zoom, which crops and degrades image quality. Instead, physically move closer to your subject, or if you need reach, invest in a lens attachment compatible with your smartphone. This preserves the full sensor resolution and keeps your footage sharp.
Stabilise your footage. Motion blur and shake are quality killers. A basic phone tripod or a gimbal stabiliser will keep your shots smooth and professional. Many modern phones also include optical image stabilisation, but for walking shots or dynamic movement, a gimbal is well worth considering.
Frequently Asked Questions: How to Make a Good TikTok
How do I make my first TikTok video?
Open the TikTok app and tap the '+' icon at the bottom of the screen. You can record directly in the app using the red record button, or upload footage you've already filmed from your camera roll. Once your clips are in place, use TikTok's built-in editor to trim, rearrange, add text, apply filters, and choose your audio. When you're happy with the result, tap 'Next', write a caption with relevant hashtags, and hit 'Post'. Your first TikTok is live.
What makes a TikTok video good?
A good TikTok video hooks the viewer within the first one to two seconds, delivers its message clearly and concisely, and has clean audio and sharp visuals. It also tends to use on-screen text, trending sounds where appropriate, and ends with a clear call to action — whether that's following your account, visiting a link, or simply watching the next video. Consistency in posting and engaging with your audience in the comments also plays a major role in long-term growth.
How long should a TikTok video be?
TikTok supports videos from a few seconds up to 10 minutes, but the sweet spot for most content types is between 15 and 60 seconds. Shorter videos tend to generate more replays, which positively signals the algorithm. If you have a lot of information to share, consider breaking it into a series of shorter videos rather than posting one long clip.
Do I need special equipment to make TikTok videos?
Not at all — a modern smartphone is all you need to get started. However, a few affordable accessories can significantly improve your results. A phone tripod keeps your shots stable, an external microphone improves audio quality, and a small ring light or LED panel enhances your lighting. These tools are particularly useful if you plan to post consistently or want to build a professional-looking presence on the platform.
How do I make TikTok videos better quality on an older phone?
If you're working with an older device, focus on the elements you can control: lighting, stability, and audio. Great lighting compensates enormously for a lower-resolution camera sensor. Use a tripod to eliminate shake, film in well-lit conditions, enable HD upload in your TikTok settings, and use an external microphone for cleaner sound. These steps will get the most out of whatever camera you have available.