How to Do a Side-by-Side Video on TikTok

The side-by-side video format is one of TikTok’s most powerful tools for conversation and collaboration, letting you build on, react to, or join in with literally any other video on the platform. If you've ever seen a hilarious reaction video or a mind-blowing singing harmony and wondered how they did it, you're in the right place. This guide will walk you through exactly how to create side-by-side videos using TikTok's built-in Duet and Stitch features, along with creative ideas to make your content stand out.

What Are Side-by-Side Videos (And Why Should You Make Them)?

On TikTok, "side-by-side video" really refers to two main features: Duet and Stitch. While they look slightly different, they both achieve the same goal of placing your video directly in conversation with another creator's content. Understanding the difference is your first step to mastering the format.

• Duet: This is the classic side-by-side look. Your video appears on one side of the screen, and the original video plays simultaneously on the other. It’s perfect for real-time reactions, dance-alongs, or adding harmonies to singing videos.
• Stitch: This feature lets you "stitch" a short clip from someone else’s video (up to five seconds) to the beginning of your own video. It’s ideal for providing commentary, answering a question, or continuing a story from another video.

So, why are these formats so effective for growing an account? It's all about context and collaboration. When you Duet or Stitch a video, you’re instantly tapping into a pre-existing conversation or trend. You're not starting from scratch, you're building on something that already has an audience. This makes your content feel relevant and discoverable, helping you reach new viewers who are already interested in the original video's topic or creator.

For brands and creators, this is an incredible way to build community. You're showing that you're paying attention to what's happening on the platform, engaging with other creators, and participating in trends organically. It’s less about one-way broadcasting and more about joining the massive, ongoing conversation that makes TikTok special.

How to Make a Duet Video on TikTok (Step-by-Step)

Creating a Duet is surprisingly straightforward. The platform has built its tools to make this kind of collaborative content as simple as possible. Follow these steps, and you’ll have your first Duet made in minutes.

1. Find a Video You Want to Duet: Scroll through your "For You" Page until you find a video that sparks an idea. It could be funny, interesting, controversial, or part of a trend. Note: some users may disable the Duet feature on their videos, so if you don't see the option, it means the creator has turned it off.
2. Tap the ‘Share’ Icon: On the right-hand side of the video, you’ll see an arrow icon labeled "Share." Tap it to open up the sharing menu.
3. Select the ‘Duet’ Option: In the bottom row of the sharing menu, you'll see a Duet icon (it looks like two overlapping circles). Tap it, and TikTok will take you to the recording screen.
4. Choose Your Layout: The recording screen for a Duet is a bit different. On the right side of the screen, tap the "Layout" icon. Here you can choose how your videos are arranged:
   • Left &, Right: The classic side-by-side format.
   • Green Screen: This places you in front of the other video, as if it's a background.
   • Top &, Bottom: Stacks the videos vertically instead of horizontally.
   • Three Screen: A less common layout for specific types of reaction videos.
5. Record Your Video: Once your layout is set, you’re ready to record. The original video will play on its designated side of the screen as you film. You can use all the usual TikTok effects, filters, and timers. This is where you can add your reaction, commentary, dance moves, or anything else you've planned. Remember to toggle your microphone on or off depending on whether you want your own audio recorded.
6. Edit and Add Final Touches: After recording, you can add text overlays, stickers, voiceovers, or new sounds just like any other TikTok video. This is your chance to add captions or highlight specific moments in the reaction.
7. Post Your Duet: Write a killer caption. It's good practice to tag the original creator by using the "@username" format. This gives them proper credit and notifies them you’ve engaged with their content. Add relevant hashtags (like #duet or #reaction) along with any trending hashtags related to the video. Then hit post!

How to Use the Stitch Feature on TikTok

Stitch is the perfect tool for when you want to use a piece of another video as a prompt or setup for your own. Think of it as adding context to a joke, answering a question, or providing a 'part two' to someone else's story.

1. Find Your Stitch-Worthy Video: Just like with a Duet, find a video you want to use for your Stitch. The best videos for Stitch are typically ones that pose a question, make a surprising statement, or show the beginning of an event.
2. Open the Share Menu: Tap the "Share" arrow on the right side of the screen.
3. Select ‘Stitch’: Find the "Stitch" icon (it looks like a rectangle with scissors) in the sharing menu. If you can’t find it, the creator has likely disabled the feature for that particular video.
4. Trim the Original Clip: The next screen will allow you to select up to five seconds from the original video. Drag the trim bar to isolate the exact clip you want to use as your setup. Once you're happy with it, tap "Next."
5. Record Your Addition: Now it's your turn. After the trimmed clip from the other video plays, your camera will start recording your content. This is where you can add your commentary, punchline, or response.
6. Edit and Perfect Your Video: You'll be taken to the standard editing screen where you can add text, stickers, effects, and more to your recorded portion of the video.
7. Write a Caption and Post: When you're ready, compose your post. The Stitch feature automatically adds a credit to the original creator in your caption, which is great. You can add more text, tag relevant accounts, and include hashtags to help your video get discovered. Once it looks good, hit "Post."

Creative Ideas for Side-by-Side Videos

Knowing how to make a Duet or Stitch is only half the battle. Coming up with engaging ideas is what separates a good video from a great one. Here are some popular concepts to get you started:

• Pure Reaction Content: This is a classic for a reason. Find a video with a shocking ending, a hilarious fail, or an awesome talent reveal, and just record your genuine reaction. People love to see expressions that mirror their own.
• Musical Collaborations: A musician can post a video of themselves singing or playing an instrument and invite others to Duet them. You can add a harmony, a beatbox track, a bassline, or another instrument.
• Debunking or Fact-Checking: Stitch a video that contains misinformation and use your segment to provide correct information with facts and sources. This is a powerful way for experts in a niche to build authority.
• "Finish the Story": Stitch a video that ends on a cliffhanger and create your own funny or creative ending to the story.
• Follow a Tutorial: Duet a how-to video (like a recipe, a makeup tutorial, or a craft project) and show yourself attempting to follow the instructions in real-time. It doesn't matter if it turns out well or not - both can be very entertaining.
• Challenge Trends: Many TikTok trends are built on the Duet feature. Keep an eye out for dance challenges, pointing-at-things-that-apply-to-you prompts, or "Try Not to Laugh" challenges and join in.

Proven Tips for More Views and Engagement

Ready to level up? Making a side-by-side video is easy, but making one that gets noticed takes a little strategy. Here are a few tips to help your Duets and Stitches perform better.

• Act Fast on Trends: TikTok trends move at lightning speed. If you see a sound or a format taking off, create your Duet or Stitch as soon as possible. Being one of the earlier adopters can give you a significant boost in the algorithm.
• Your Contribution Matters Most: Anyone can silently watch another video, but the best side-by-side content adds something new. Make sure your contribution is either genuinely funny, incredibly insightful, highly relatable, or wildly creative. Ask yourself: "Why would someone watch my video instead of just the original?"
• Start with a Strong Hook: The first three seconds determine if someone keeps watching. Whether it’s a big, immediate facial expression in a Duet or a compelling opening line in a Stitch, grab viewers' attention right away. Don't wait to get to the good part.
• Tag the Original Creator (with Intention): Always give credit where it's due. Tagging the original creator not only is good etiquette but also notifies them of your video. If they like or comment on it, their followers might see your content, giving you a wider reach.
• Use the Right Hashtags: Combine broad hashtags like #duet and #stitch with more niche tags related to the video's content. For example, if you Duet a baker, use #baking #cakedecorating in addition to #duetwithme. This helps TikTok show your video to the right audience.

Final Thoughts

Making side-by-side videos with Duet and Stitch is a fundamentally social way to create content on TikTok. It allows you to engage directly with trends, creators, and conversations, helping you build a presence on the platform without having to constantly invent brand-new ideas from thin air. Practice a few, find a format that works for you, and start creating.

Once you get into a groove with Duets and Stitches, planning becomes more important. We designed Postbase to help creators and social media managers see their entire content plan at a glance. Our visual calendar makes it easy to schedule posts in advance and mix in reactive content like Duets so your feed stays consistent and balanced without feeling chaotic behind the scenes. It keeps everything organized in one place, so you can focus on creating great videos instead of just trying to remember what to post next.