How to Do a Timelapse on TikTok

A timelapse video can turn an ordinary scene into something spectacular, and TikTok makes creating one incredibly simple. Whether you want to show off a creative process, capture the sunset from your window, or document a room transformation, a timelapse packs a powerful visual punch. This guide will walk you through the two best methods for creating a high-quality timelapse for TikTok and share expert tips to make your videos stand out.

What is a Timelapse (And Why Does It Work So Well on TikTok?)

A timelapse is a video technique where you capture frames at a much slower rate than you play them back. For example, you might capture one frame every second for 30 minutes and then play those frames back at a standard 30 frames per second. The result? A 60-second clip that condenses half an hour of real life into a short, dynamic video where time appears to move much faster.

This format is perfect for TikTok's fast-paced environment for a few key reasons:

• It's an attention-grabber. The accelerated motion is immediately eye-catching and makes viewers want to see what happens next.
• It shows transformation. Timelapses are a form of storytelling. They instantly communicate progress and change, which is incredibly satisfying for the viewer. Think of a makeup look coming together, a messy room being cleaned, or a painting being created from a blank canvas.
• It makes mundane things exciting. Watching clouds drift across the sky in real-time can be relaxing, but a timelapse makes it feel dramatic and epic. Traffic becomes a mesmerizing flow of color and light. A tedious task like building furniture becomes a quick and satisfying few seconds.

Method 1: Using TikTok's Built-In Timelapse Feature

The easiest way to get started is by using the feature built right into the TikTok app. This method is ideal for capturing something happening in real-time without needing any external apps or editing. It's perfect for casual, on-the-go moments you want to speed up.

You can set your own timelapse speed inside the TikTok camera. The speed you shoot in is represented by a modifier, like 5x or 15x. For example, selecting 15x means that every 15 seconds of real-time footage you shoot becomes one second of video. Here's a breakdown of how the speed settings work:

• 5x speed: Every 5 seconds of recording becomes 1 second of video.
• 15x speed: Every 15 seconds of recording becomes 1 second of video.
• 30x speed: Every 30 seconds of recording becomes 1 second of video.
• 150x speed: Every 150 seconds (2.5 minutes) of recording becomes 1 second of video.
• 300x speed: Every 300 seconds (5 minutes) of recording becomes 1 second of video. This setting is ideal for very long events, like a sunset.

The longer you need to record, the higher the speed setting you should choose for the best results.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Filming in TikTok

Follow these simple steps to record your first official timelapse directly inside the app.

1. Open the TikTok Camera: Launch the app and tap the + icon at the bottom of the screen to open the video creation interface.
2. Select Time-Lapse Mode: At the bottom of the screen, swipe through the options next to the record button (e.g., Photo, Normal, etc.) until you find and select Time-Lapse. Choose your desired speed setting from the options presented.
3. Stabilize Your Phone: This is arguably the most important step. A shaky timelapse is difficult to watch, so you must prop your phone up so it remains perfectly still. A tripod with a phone mount is the best tool for the job. If you don't have one, get creative by leaning it against a stack of books, placing it on a windowsill, or securing it with another static object. Do not hold it in your hand.
4. Record Your Video: Once your phone is stable and your shot is framed, tap the red record button to begin. Let the camera record for the entire duration of the event. TikTok will automatically speed up the footage according to the speed you selected.
5. Stop Recording & Edit: Once the event is over, tap the record button again to stop. You'll be taken to TikTok's editing screen. Here, you can add trending audio, apply filters, overlay text, use stickers, and anything else you would normally incorporate into your content.

Method 2: Using Your Phone's Native Camera App

For more control and higher video quality, you can record your timelapse using your phone's built-in camera app and then upload it to TikTok. This method gives you a high-resolution raw video file that you can edit with more precision and share across multiple social media platforms, not just TikTok.

Step-by-Step Guide to External Timelapse

Using your native camera app is straightforward and offers superior results.

1. Open Your Phone's Camera: Open the standard camera app on your iPhone or Android device. Swipe through the shooting modes (like Video, Photo, Slo-Mo) and select Timelapse.
2. Stabilize and Record: Just as before, place your phone on a tripod or stable surface. Frame your shot and press record. Let it capture the entire scene from start to finish.
3. Upload and Edit in TikTok: After you stop recording, the video will be saved to your phone's photo library. Open the TikTok app, tap the + icon, and select the "Upload" option to choose your timelapse clip. From there, you can edit it, add sound, and write your caption just like any other video.

Pro Tips for Next-Level Timelapse Videos

Creating a good timelapse is easy, but these tips can help you make a great one.

• Plan Your Shot: Think about what changes over time will look most dramatic. Consider the starting point and the endpoint to tell a clear visual story.
• Mind the Lighting: For longer timelapses that capture changing daylight (like a sunrise or sunset), make sure your camera's exposure isn't locked, allowing it to adjust to the changing light.
• Pick a Compelling Subject: The best timelapses show a significant and satisfying transformation. Think about processes like cooking, painting, cleaning, construction, or natural events like clouds moving or flowers blooming.
• Add Engaging Audio: A great soundtrack can elevate your timelapse. Try finding a song where the tempo or specific beats match the speed of the action in your video.

Final Thoughts

Creating captivating timelapse videos for TikTok is a straightforward process, whether you use the in-app feature for quick captures or your phone's camera for higher-quality results. By following these steps and focusing on stable, visually interesting shots, you can effectively showcase transformations and grab your audience's attention.

Once you get into the habit of creating great content, staying organized and consistent becomes the next challenge. At Postbase, we built a tool to simplify this process. Our platform allows you to plan and schedule all your social media content from a single visual calendar, ensuring your posts go live at the perfect time. This frees you up to focus on creating more amazing content, like your next viral timelapse.