As we told you, about six years ago the Musical.ly lip sync app, now known as TikTok, became popular among teenagers and young people. Here all his history, it is worth reading it.
Since then, the social network has spread far beyond Generation Z, the main niche of the app in its first months of life. Not in vain TikTok has been downloaded more than a billion times.
For those who don’t know her, the application itself revolves around sharing videos of several seconds, with background music and all kinds of remixes, covers, collaborations and other versions. Let us remember that one of the most viewed videos was that of Nathan Apodaca skating while listening to an old song.
The app is fast and chaotic, combining elements of Spotify, Snapchat, Vine and Twitch into a single social network where you can even buy dinner. For this reason we are going to teach you how to start using the social network, from creating an account to following current trends. Let’s go there:
How to start using TikTok and join the new trends
Set up your account
The first thing you need is a pair of headphones. There is no way to use TikTok without sound. Once the app is downloaded, you can start watching videos right away. But in order to publish one you have to register with an account.
Can you create an account using your email, your phone number or a third party platform such as Facebook. The app automatically assigns you a username. If you sign up for TikTok with your phone number, the app generates a generic username.
Using an email address creates a more personalized identification (although this can pose a privacy issue for users).
To change your username, tap the icon in the bottom right corner where the typical unedited icon appears. Then tap Edit Profile. Here you can change it to something more unique, as well as add a profile bio, photo and video.
By default, TikTok accounts are private, which means that no one can see your profile and the videos you post. To adjust these privacy settings, tap the three dots in the top right corner of your profile.
Now that your profile is ready, it’s time to check out some TikToks. The application is divided into two main sources:
The default is For you, an algorithmically generated stream of videos, similar to the Instagram explore page.
If you swipe to the left you will find the other one, which is called Followingwhich shows uploads from people you’ve previously chosen to follow.
To the right of each TikTok video is a series of icons. The first takes you to the profile of the user who posted it. Then there’s a heart, which works just like hearts, or likes, on Instagram.
Below are the comments, and then an arrow pointing to the right to share individual TikToks on other platforms. Click the arrow if you want to copy the link to a specific TikTok, for example to share it on WhatsApp.
The last icon is a disk that spins and music notes come out of it. This represents the excerpt of the song that the user is playing on their TikTok. Click it to see the song’s name and artist, as well as a feed of other TikToks that also feature it.
How to record and share videos on TikTok
First, tap on the plus sign at the bottom of the screen. The camera will open, revealing a red record button reminiscent of Snapchat. Before you start recording, you can add a song, so that your lip sync, dance or skit goes along with the music.
If you want to record something on the spot, you can skip and start recording without a music track, and add the music later.
Just like Snapchat TikTok has a number of augmented reality effects that can be used in videos, which do things like change the color of your hair or your eyes. Tap Effects on the left side to see them.
The World tab includes options designed for the environment, like a delicious slice of augmented reality pizza. There are even special effects designed to be used on dogs and cats.
On the right side of the recording screen there are a Beauty button, which erases the classic imperfections. Below is the filter menu.
The last and most important function here is the timer, which allows users to shoot videos without continuously holding down the record button.
The TikToks They started out lasting 15 seconds, but now they have increased it to 10 minutes. Once you’ve mastered regular TikToks, try experimenting with duets, which split the screen in half and let you sing the same song as another creator.
Music is the heart of TikTok, choosing a popular song can be the main reason a video goes viral. Here we explain how to choose one.
First of all, touch Add a sound on the right side of the recording screen. A menu of streaming artists and albums similar to that of Spotify will appear. Here, you can explore the most popular songs on the platform, as well as check out the songs on Apple Music.
In this same music streaming menu are the songs associated with the TikTok Challenges. Challenges are what bring the TikTok community together, and they’re often sponsored by advertisers.
But most of the challenges are not sponsored. They are created by TikTok and the community itself. To see all current TikTok challenges, tap the magnifying glass at the bottom of the home screen.
Views, notifications and other metrics
Once you start sharing TikToks, you can check how many people have seen them by looking at the view numbers on your profile.
Tap the notification icon at the bottom of the home screen to see who has commented or liked your videos.
Here you can also see who has viewed your profile or followed you. An important tip: TikTok is known for sending tons of recommendations in the form of push notifications. If that kind of spam doesn’t appeal to you, turn off TikTok notifications in the settings menu.
TikTok also notifies users when the most popular creators are going live (The feature is not available to all users.)
Just like on Twitch, while watching a live stream you can tip creators on virtual goods, which are purchased with TikTok Coins. One euro is equivalent to almost 100 coins. Creators often thank their fans or answer questions they ask in exchange for money.
With this tutorial we have covered all the way from creating the account to uploading videosgoing through how to use the platform without fear of messing it up or making a mistake by hitting the wrong button.
Now it’s your turn to start succeeding on TikTok and go viral, the goal of all users of said social network. If your grandfather can succeed uploading videos, your success is assured. Luck!
George is Digismak’s reported cum editor with 13 years of experience in Journalism