How to Do a Reaction Video on TikTok

TikTok is built on conversation, and one of the most powerful ways to join in is by adding your own voice to what’s already buzzing on the platform. Reaction videos are a core part of that dialogue, allowing you to build on existing content, show off your personality, and create highly engaging posts with just a few taps. This guide will walk you through exactly how to create compelling reaction videos, from choosing the right clip to mastering TikTok’s native tools like Duet and Stitch.

Why Reaction Videos Are a Goldmine for TikTok Creators

Before jumping into the “how,” it’s helpful to understand the “why.” Reaction videos consistently perform well because they tap into a few key aspects of human psychology and platform mechanics:

• Shared Experience: Viewers get to experience a video through your eyes. Your laughter, shock, or surprise makes them feel like they're watching with a friend, creating a strong sense of connection.
• Curiosity Gap: The format inherently creates curiosity. Viewers see you reacting, and they want to know what you’re reacting to and what you think about it.
• Leveraging Virality: By reacting to an already popular or trending video, you insert yourself directly into a conversation that millions are already having. This gives your content a built-in audience and a higher chance of being discovered.
• Simple Content Creation: Let's be honest, coming up with original ideas every single day is tough. Reaction videos give you a nearly endless supply of source material, making it easier to post consistently.

Setting Up for a Great Reaction Video

You don't need a professional studio to create a fantastic reaction video. In fact, keeping it simple and authentic often works best on TikTok. Here’s all you really need.

Essential Gear (The Basics)

• Your Smartphone: Any modern smartphone with a decent front-facing camera will do the trick. The most important thing is a clear image of your face.
• Good Lighting: You don't need expensive lights. Sit facing a window for soft, natural light, which is more flattering than harsh overhead lighting. If you’re often filming in the evening, a simple ring light is an affordable investment that makes a huge difference.
• Clear Audio: Your phone’s built-in microphone is often good enough to start. Just be sure to film in a quiet room without much echo. If background noise is an issue or you want to upgrade, a small lavalier microphone that clips to your shirt is a great next step.

Choosing Your Tools: Duet vs. Stitch vs. Green Screen

TikTok gives you three main built-in options for creating reaction content, each serving a slightly different purpose. You don't need any external editing apps to get started.

• Duet: Places your video side-by-side with the original video. Both play at the same time. This is perfect for simultaneous reactions, dancing along, or offering real-time commentary.
• Stitch: Allows you to "stitch" the first 1-5 seconds of someone else's video to the beginning of your own. This is ideal for answering a question, providing a punchline, or adding context that builds on the original clip.
• Green Screen Effect: This feature lets you use another video (or an image) as your background while you film yourself in front of it. It offers more creative control and is great for breaking down a video in detail, as you can pause, point, and talk over the clip behind you.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Film Your TikTok Reaction Video

Here’s the complete breakdown of how to film using each of TikTok’s primary reaction features.

Method 1: How to Film a Duet

The Duet is the classic reaction format. It's fast, easy, and intuitive.

1. Find the video you want to Duet.
2. Tap the Share icon (the arrow) on the right side of the screen.
3. In the menu that appears, tap the Duet button.
4. This will open the creator screen. On the left, you'll see the original video playing. On the right, you'll see your camera's view of yourself.
5. You can use the toolbar on the right side of your screen to adjust settings, add filters, or set a timer. Your microphone will be enabled by default.
6. When you’re ready, press the red Record button to film your reaction as the original video plays.
7. Once you're done, you can add text, stickers, or a voiceover before posting.

When to use Duet: Best for real-time commentary, comedy bits where your expressions are key, or engaging with dances and challenges.

Method 2: How to Film a Stitch

Stitch is your go-to when you need to set up a point before making it.

1. Find a video you want to Stitch.
2. Tap the Share icon.
3. Select the Stitch button.
4. You’ll be prompted to trim the original video down to a segment that is up to five seconds long. Drag the ends of the timeline to select the part you want to use as your intro. Tap Next.
5. Now, TikTok will open your camera. The clipped segment you just chose will play first, and then the camera will automatically start recording your footage right after it.
6. Record your response, commentary, or the conclusion to the story you're telling.
7. Edit your clip like you would any other TikTok, adding effects and a captivating caption.

When to use Stitch: Perfect for answering questions (e.g., stitching a video that asks "Tell me about a time you..."), finishing a sentence, or delivering a clever punchline that follows the original clip.

Method 3: How to Use the Green Screen Effect

This method gives you the most visual flexibility and is great for educational content or detailed breakdowns.

1. First, you’ll need to save the video you want to react to on your phone. Find the video, tap the Share icon, and tap Save Video. (Note: The creator can disable this feature).
2. Go to your TikTok home screen and tap the + icon to open the camera, as if you were creating a new video.
3. Tap Effects on the left side of the record button.
4. Under the "Trending" tab, find and select the Green Screen icon (it often looks like a picture with a person outlined in front of it and an arrow pointing down). Choose the option that uses a video background.
5. You'll be prompted to select a photo or video from your camera roll. Choose the video you just saved. You can trim it if needed.
6. The video will now appear as your background. You can pinch and zoom to resize your own image and drag yourself around the screen.
7. Press the red Record button to film your reaction over the background video. You can interact with it, point to things, and provide running commentary.

When to use Green Screen: Fantastic for 'debunking' videos, film or music critiques, tutorials, or informational content where you need to reference specific visual details.

Best Practices to Make Your Reaction Videos Stand Out

Simply recording a reaction isn't enough. The best reaction videos add something new to the conversation. Here’s how to elevate your content.

1. Be Genuinely Expressive

Your facial expressions and body language do most of the talking. Don’t hold back! Genuine shock, big laughs, or visible confusion are far more engaging than a neutral expression. Let your authentic personality shine through. People connect with real emotions.

2. Add Value, Don’t Just Repeat

The biggest mistake creators make is just silently watching a video. Your audience can do that themselves. You need to add a unique layer of value. This can be:

• Humor: Add witty commentary or a funny observation.
• Expertise: If a video is about your niche - whether it’s cooking, marketing, or astrophysics - provide expert analysis. Correct misinformation, add context, or explain complex concepts.
• A New Perspective: Offer a take on the video that others might not have considered.

Ask yourself: "What am I adding that makes this worth watching?"

3. Give Credit Where Credit is Due

This is non-negotiable. Always, always tag the original creator in your caption (e.g., “Duet with @originalcreator”). TikTok’s Duet and Stitch features do this automatically, but it's good practice to double-check. It’s the right thing to do, supports other creators, and can help get your video noticed by them and their followers.

4. Craft a Compelling Opening and Caption

The first three seconds matter most. Start with high energy to grab attention. Your caption should also work hard. Instead of just describing the video, ask a leading question like, "Did she really just do that?!" or "Wait for the end… you won't believe it." This prompts viewers to watch and encourages them to leave a comment with their own opinion.

5. Use Hashtags Strategically

Use relevant hashtags to help the TikTok algorithm understand what your video is about and show it to the right audience. Include hashtags related to the content (#duet, #stitch, #reactionvideo) as well as subject-specific tags (#funnyvideos, #marketingtips, #bakingfails).

Final Thoughts

Creating reaction videos on TikTok is a fantastic strategy for growing your account, showcasing your personality, and consistently staying relevant. By using built-in tools like Duet, Stitch, and Green Screen, you can easily join popular conversations and add your own unique voice without needing to come up with completely new ideas every time.

Once you’ve made a great reaction video, batching and scheduling your content is the key to staying consistent. At Postbase, we built our visual calendar because we know creators and social media marketers need to see their entire content plan at a glance, especially across multiple platforms. Being able to plan Weeks of TikToks, Reels, and Shorts in one place and trust that they'll post reliably makes it much easier to focus on what you do best: creating.