How to Find Templates on TikTok

Struggling to find those viral video formats everyone on TikTok is using? You've seen them - the slick photo dumps, the cinematic edits, the funny memes - but finding the templates yourself can feel like searching for a needle in a digital haystack. This guide cuts through the confusion, showing you exactly where and how to find TikTok templates directly within the app and through its most popular companion, CapCut.

What Exactly Are TikTok Video Templates?

Before we jump into the "how," let's quickly define what we're talking about. A TikTok template is a pre-made video structure with edited-in transitions, effects, and sound timings. All you have to do is drop your own photos or video clips into the designated placeholders, and the app automatically assembles them into a professional-looking, trend-aligned video.

Think of it like a fill-in-the-blanks puzzle for video creation. The hard work of syncing cuts to the beat of a song or adding complex transitions is already done for you. This allows creators of all skill levels to participate in popular trends quickly, creating high-quality content without spending hours in a video editor.

Method 1: Spotting and Using Templates on Your "For You" Page

This is the most common and organic way to discover templates. You're already scrolling, so keep an eye out for videos that use formats you'd like to try yourself. TikTok makes it incredibly easy to jump on a trend right from a creator’s post.

Step 1: Look for the Telltale Signs

As you scroll through your "For You" Page (FYP), pay close attention to the area just above the creator's username. If the video was made with a template, you'll see a special icon. It will often feature the CapCut logo and say something like “CapCut • Try this template” or it might have a TikTok icon and say “Use this Template.” This is your green light - a direct link to the exact format used in the video.

Because CapCut is TikTok's sister editing app, you'll see its templates featured heavily. Don't worry if it sends you to the CapCut app - the process is seamless, and we'll cover that more in a bit.

Step 2: Tap the Button and Select "Use template"

Once you tap that button, TikTok will redirect you to the template's editing page, either within TikTok itself or in the CapCut app (it will prompt you to download CapCut if you don't have it). From there, you'll see another clear prompt: a prominent button that says “Use template.” Tap it to get started.

Step 3: Add Your Own Photos and Clips

The template will show you placeholders for your media. It will specify how many photos and/or video clips are needed (e.g., “Select up to 12 clips”). Go through your camera roll and select the content you want to include. The template automatically places them into the timeline, trimming them to fit the pre-set cuts and effects. You can preview the video to see how it looks and, in most cases, adjust or replace your clips until you are happy with the result.

When you're finished, simply export the video. If you're in CapCut, you'll see an option to “Post to TikTok” with one click, bringing your new video right back into the TikTok app, ready for captions, hashtags, and publishing.

Method 2: Finding Templates Directly in the TikTok Editor

What if you don't have a specific trend yet but want to browse for inspiration? You can find a library of awesome photo templates right inside the TikTok creation screen.

Step 1: Open the TikTok Camera and Tap "Upload"

Start by tapping the large `+` icon at the bottom center of the TikTok app to open the camera, just like you would to film a new video. Instead of recording, look to the bottom right and tap the “Upload” button.

Step 2: Switch to the "Templates" Tab

This is the step most people miss. Once you're on the Upload screen, you'll see your camera roll. At the top of this screen, next to where it defaults to "Videos" or "Photos," you'll find a tab for “Templates.” Tap it.

Step 3: Browse and Select a Photo Template

You'll now be in TikTok's own template library. You can swipe through dozens of options, each showing a preview of what the final video will look like. Below each preview, it tells you exactly how many photos it requires, from as few as two to as many as 20 or more. Find one that fits the look you’re going for and the number of photos you have, tap “Select photos,” and create your video.

Method 3: Using TikTok Search to Proactively Find Trends

Instead of passively waiting for templates to appear on your FYP, you can actively search for what’s trending. This is a great strategy for social media managers and creators who want to stay ahead of the curve.

Step 1: Use Smart Search Terms

Tap the search icon in the top right of the TikTok app. Think about what you want to create and use descriptive keywords. Here are a few examples to get you started:

• "photo dump template"
• "trending CapCut templates"
• "new video trend"
• "[your niche] template" (e.g., "fitness template")
• "[current month] trend" (e.g., "October template")

Step 2: Find a Video and Grab the Template Link

Your search results will show you a mix of videos. Scroll through them until you find a video using a template you like. From there, the process is the same as Method 1: look for the “CapCut • Try this template” button above the username and tap it to create your own version.

The CapCut Connection: Your Gateway to an Endless Template Library

While TikTok has its own built-in templates, the vast majority of viral video templates originate from CapCut. As TikTok's official companion editor, it has a massive, constantly updated library created by users worldwide. Getting familiar with CapCut is one of the best moves you can make as a TikTok creator.

Why Go Directly to the CapCut App?

• Far More Options: The template library in CapCut is exponentially larger than what you’ll find in the TikTok editor.
• Better Search & Categories: You can search for specific moods, styles, or trends like "3D zoom," "beat," or "meme," "lyric video." CapCut organizes templates into helpful categories, making it easier to find what you need.
• More Complex Templates: Many video (not just photo) templates are exclusively found on CapCut, allowing for more intricate and dynamic edits that combine video clips with text and effects.

How to Find and Use Templates in the CapCut App

The process is incredibly straightforward:

1. Open the App and Tap "Template": At the bottom of the CapCut home screen, there's a navigation bar. Tap the button labeled "Template."
2. Browse or Search: You will land on an endless scroll of trending templates. Use the search bar at the top to look for something specific or browse the curated banners for what’s hot.
3. Select "Use Template": When you find one you like, preview it and then tap the "Use template" button in the bottom right corner.
4. Add Your Content & Export: Just like before, add your photos and videos to the placeholders. Once you are finished, tap "Export." The great thing about CapCut is the seamless integration. You can export directly to TikTok without a watermark by selecting the “Save and Share to TikTok” option. This will save the video to your phone and automatically open TikTok with your new video ready to post.

Final Thoughts

Finding TikTok templates is simple once you know where to look. Whether you’re grabbing trends from your For You Page, browsing the hidden editor library, or diving deep into CapCut, you now have all the angles covered to create engaging content quickly and efficiently.

Once your video is ready, the next step is getting it seen. Consistency is huge on TikTok, and that's where planning comes in. At Postbase, we built our tool specifically for today’s fast-paced, video-first world. Our visual calendar lets you map out your TikTok content strategy, so you can see everything at a glance and schedule your template-based posts for the perfect time. It helps turn that spark of creative energy into a consistent, growth-driving content plan.