How to Make a Day-in-the-Life TikTok

Day-in-the-life videos are one of TikTok's most engaging formats, and you don’t need a wildly exciting job to make one go viral. This deep dive will show you how to plan, film, and edit a compelling day-in-the-life video that captures your unique routine and connects with viewers, step-by-step.

Why 'Day in the Life' Videos Work So Well

Ever wondered what it’s really like to be a baker, a software developer, or a freelance artist? Us too. “Day in the Life” (DITL) videos tap into our natural curiosity about how other people spend their time. They’re relatable, authentic, and offer a satisfying behind-the-scenes look into different jobs, hobbies, and lifestyles. The best ones aren't just a random assortment of clips, they tell a miniature story, showing the challenges, the small wins, and the mundane moments that make up a day. For creators and brands, these videos are fantastic for building community and showing the human side of your work, making you more approachable and trustworthy.

Step 1: Plan Your Story (Before You Hit Record)

A great day-in-the-life video starts long before you pick up your phone. Spontaneity is good, but a little bit of planning separates a chaotic video from a captivating story. Think of yourself as a director setting the scene for the day.

Find Your Hook: What is the Story of This Day?

Instead of just filming a generic day, give your video a specific theme or focus. This "hook" gives viewers a reason to care and makes your content stand out. A simple theme anchors your video and makes it more memorable.

Consider these angles:

• The Event-Driven Day: “A day in the life of a founder on product launch day.”
• The Routine-Focused Day: “A cozy WFH day as a programmer.”
• The Challenge-Based Day: “A day in the life of a student juggling classes and a part-time job.”
• The Aspirational Day: “My 5-to-9 routine after my 9-to-5 job.”

Knowing your angle helps you decide which moments are most important to capture.

Brainstorm a Simple Shot List

You don't need a professional storyboard, but jotting down a quick list of 8-10 key moments will prevent you from getting to 8 PM and realizing you forgot to film anything interesting. A typical shot list might look something like this:

• Waking up shot (alarm clock, stretching)
• Morning routine (coffee brewing, skincare, making the bed)
• Commute (if you have one) or setup for WFH (opening laptop)
• First major task of the day (client call, coding, packing an order)
• Mid-morning break (stretching, grabbing a snack)
• Lunchtime
• Afternoon slump / overcoming a challenge
• A satisfying "win" moment (finishing a project, shipping a product)
• Winding down (closing the laptop, dinner, evening hobby)

Think in Aesthetic, "B-Roll" Moments

Your story isn't just about the big tasks, it's also about the little details that create a mood. These small, visually pleasing clips are the glue that holds your video together. Before you start your day, think about some simple "b-roll" shots you can grab.

Examples include:

• Steam rising from a coffee mug
• Your fingers typing on a keyboard (close-up)
• Sunlight hitting your desk
• A tidy workspace shot
• The view from your window
• Watering your plants
• Organizing pens or notebooks

Capture more of these than you think you need - they’ll be invaluable during the editing process.

Step 2: Capture Your Clips (Your Quick Filming Guide)

Now that you have a plan, it's time to film. Remember, you’re gathering raw ingredients for your final edit. Keep things simple and focus on capturing clean, interesting clips.

Go For Short, Dynamic Clips

TikTok moves fast. Aim to record clips that are only a few seconds long. A 2-second shot of you pouring coffee is much more effective than a 15-second one. You can always trim longer clips down, but thinking in short bursts helps you capture the essence of a moment, without adding unnecessary fluff. The goal is to collect dozens of these tiny moments throughout the day.

Vary Your Angles and Shots

To keep your video from looking flat and repetitive, switch up how you film. Don't just set your phone on your desk and leave it there. A mix of angles makes your edit feel much more professional and engaging.

Try to include:

• Wide shots: To establish the scene (e.g., your entire office or kitchen).
• Mid shots: Focusing on you from the waist up.
• Close-ups: Highlighting details (e.g., your hands typing, food being prepared).
• Overhead shots: Filming from above for a pleasing, uncluttered view.

Focus on Lighting and Stability

You don't need fancy equipment to get great shots. The two most important things are light and stability.

• Lighting: Natural light is your best friend. Whenever possible, film near a window. Avoid harsh overhead lighting that can create unflattering shadows.
• Stability: Shaky footage can be distracting. Prop your phone up against a stack of books, a water bottle, or invest in a small, affordable phone tripod. This single change can make your videos look 10x better.

Capture "In-Camera" Transitions

Seamless transitions can elevate your vlog. Instead of just relying on editing cuts, you can create smooth transitions while you film. These are easy to do and add a professional touch.

• Lens Cover: End a clip by covering the camera lens with your hand. Start the next clip by uncovering it.
• Object Wipe: Pass an object (like a coffee mug or a book) in front of the lens to transition between scenes.
• Screen Tap: Tap the screen to create a quick, energetic cut.

Step 3: Edit Your Video Into a Cohesive Story

This is where the magic happens. You’ll take all your raw clips and weave them into a fast-paced, engaging narrative that viewers will want to watch to the very end.

Choose an Editor: TikTok vs. CapCut

You can edit entirely within the TikTok app, which is great for quick, simple videos. However, for more control over cuts, text, and effects, a dedicated app like CapCut (which is also owned by TikTok's parent company and integrates perfectly) is highly recommended. It’s free and gives you much more creative freedom.

The Voiceover: Your Secret Storytelling Weapon

A good voiceover is what often separates a decent day-in-the-life video from a great one. It provides context, shares your inner thoughts, and guides the viewer through the day. Waiting to record your voiceover after you’ve edited your clips together allows you to time your narration perfectly.

How to Record a Great Voiceover:

1. Write a casual script. Don't just list what you're doing. Instead, tell a story. Talk about what you're excited for, what you're struggling with, or a key takeaway from the day. Write like you talk.
2. Record in a quiet space. A closet filled with clothes works surprisingly well to dampen echoes.
3. Speak clearly but conversationally. Don't sound like you're reading a script. Be friendly and natural, as if you're talking to a friend. You can record directly in TikTok or CapCut to perfectly time your voice to the clips.

Find the Perfect Audio

Sound is half the experience on TikTok. If you’re not using a personal voiceover, the music or trending sound you choose sets the entire mood.

• Trending Sounds: Using a popular sound can help your video get more visibility. Scroll through your "For You Page" to see what audio clips are currently trending.
• Instrumental Music: Lofi beats, classical music, or cinematic scores are perfect for creating an "aesthetic" or calming vibe. Search for keywords like "lofi vlog," "aesthetic," or "peaceful piano" in TikTok's sound library.

Assemble and Pace Your Clips

Start by arranging your clips in chronological order on your editing timeline. Keep the pace quick - most clips should only be on screen for 1-2 seconds. Here are some key pacing techniques:

• Cut to the Beat: If you're using music with a strong beat, synchronize your video cuts with the music. This creates a rhythm that is incredibly satisfying for viewers.
• Speed Things Up: Use speed ramping to fast-forward through more mundane tasks like commuting or typing an email. This maintains energy and keeps the story moving.

Use Text Overlays to Add Context

Text overlays are perfect for adding brief notes that provide extra context or highlight key moments. Keep the text clean, easy to read, and don't leave it on screen for too long.

Good examples include:

• "6:00 AM // Time to wake up"
• "Quick break to answer emails"
• "Finished my biggest project of the week!"

Step 4: Post Your Video for Maximum Reach

You've done the hard work of filming and editing, now it's time to set your video up for success when you post it.

Write a Compelling Caption

Your caption should do three things: grab attention, provide context, and encourage engagement.

• The Hook: Start with an interesting or relatable statement. "Come with me on a chaotic Monday as a biz owner."
• The Context: Briefly explain what the video is about. "Here’s a realistic look at everything that goes into a product photoshoot day."
• The Call to Action: Ask a question to spark comments. "What does your WFH routine look like? Let me know!"

Use a Smart Mix of Hashtags

Hashtags help TikTok understand what your video is about and show it to the right audience. Use a mix of broad and niche tags (aim for 3-5 total).

• Broad: #dayinthelife #vlog #workvlog
• Niche: #smallbusinessowner #graphicdesignerlife #nurselife #wfhlife

Final Thoughts

Creating a day-in-the-life TikTok is all about authentic storytelling. By choosing a clear angle, gathering a variety of short clips, and weaving them together with a strong narrative - whether through a voiceover or well-placed text - you can give people a genuine and engaging peek into your world.

Once you’ve perfected your video, the last thing you want is for it to get lost because of bad timing. That's a challenge we're passionate about solving. With our visual calendar at Postbase, we make it simple to plan your content, see gaps in your schedule, and upload your videos to schedule them for exactly when your audience is most active. It helps you stay consistent across all platforms so you can focus on creating your next amazing DITL video.