How to Make a Long TikTok Video

Making a TikTok longer than 15 seconds used to be the goal, but now the platform supports videos up to 10 minutes long, opening up a new world for creators. This guide will walk you through the practical steps of creating and uploading long videos, and more importantly, how to make them engaging enough to hold a viewer's attention. We'll cover storytelling techniques, formatting tips, and content ideas perfect for this extended format.

Can You Actually Make Long Videos on TikTok? (Spoiler: Yes!)

Absolutely. TikTok has been steadily increasing its maximum video length, moving from its original 15-second cap up to 60 seconds, then 3 minutes, and now a generous 10 minutes for most users. In fact, they're even testing uploads as long as 30 minutes with select creators, signaling a clear push towards longer, more substantive content.

Why the shift? TikTok is competing directly with YouTube for viewer attention and creator talent. By accommodating longer formats, they're encouraging creators to produce more in-depth content like tutorials, commentary, and detailed storytelling - the kind of videos that keep users on the app longer. For brands and marketers, this is a fantastic opportunity to move beyond quick trends and build deeper connections with an audience through more valuable, evergreen content.

How to Create a Long TikTok Video: The Step-by-Step Guide

You have two main options for creating a longer video: recording it directly within the TikTok app or uploading a video you’ve already recorded and edited. Here’s a breakdown of both methods.

Option 1: Recording Directly in the App

Recording in the app is great for spontaneous, off-the-cuff content like "story time" videos or GRWMs (Get Ready With Me). It’s quick, easy, and lets you use TikTok's native effects and sounds in real-time.

1. Open the Create Screen: Launch the TikTok app on your phone and tap the plus icon (+) at the bottom of the screen to open the camera.
2. Select Your Video Length: Just above the big red record button, you'll see a carousel of time options. Swipe through them to find the longer formats. You'll typically see 15s, 60s, and 3m. Sometimes, the 10-minute option is also available here, but more often you will get access to it using the upload method. Select the maximum length you think you'll need. Don't worry if you finish early - the recording will stop when you do.
3. Record Your Video: Once you've selected your time limit, press and hold the red button to record. You can also tap it once to start and tap it again to stop, allowing you to record in multiple clips. This is great for creating jump cuts or changing angles without stopping the whole process.
4. Edit and Post: After you're done recording, tap the checkmark to move to the editing screen. Here, you can add text, stickers, effects, and your all-important auto-captions. Once it's ready, add your description, hashtags, and hit post.

Option 2: Uploading a Pre-Recorded Video (The Recommended Method)

This is the preferred method for anyone creating more polished, high-value content. Recording on your phone's camera app or a dedicated camera gives you better quality control. It also allows you to edit your video more precisely in an external app like CapCut, Adobe Rush, or Final Cut Pro before bringing it to TikTok.

1. Prepare Your Video File: Record and edit your video using a separate app. Make sure it adheres to TikTok's vertical format (a 9:16 aspect ratio, typically 1080x1920 pixels). The total length can be up to 10 minutes.
2. Start the Upload Process: Open the TikTok app and tap the plus icon (+). Instead of recording, tap the Upload button to the right of the record button.
3. Select Your Video: This will open your phone’s camera roll. Select the long video you want to upload. You can even select multiple clips, and TikTok will stitch them together.
4. Trim and Adjust: On the next screen, you can trim the beginning or end of your video if needed. Here, TikTok will enforce the 10-minute limit.
5. Edit, Add Details, and Post: From here, the final steps are the same. Add your text overlays, captions, sounds, voiceovers, and other finishing touches in the TikTok editor. Write your description, choose a cover image, and publish it for the world to see.

How to Keep Viewers Hooked for the Full 10 Minutes

Getting the 10-minute option is the easy part. Convincing someone to watch the entire thing is the real skill. Standard TikTok tactics won't work here, you need a more thoughtful approach to content structure and delivery.

Nail the First 3 Seconds

With short videos, the hook is important. With long videos, it's everything. Your first 3 seconds must make a compelling promise that the next 10 minutes will deliver on. Ditch vague introductions. Get straight to the point with a powerful opening.

• Raise a Question: "Why does nobody talk about this one simple trick for editing videos?"
• Make a Bold Statement: "This is the single biggest mistake new freelancers make."
• Start In Medias Res (in the middle of the action): Open with the most exciting part of your story and then say, "Here's how I ended up here..."

The hook buys you the viewer's attention. Now you have to keep earning it minute by minute.

Give Your Video a Clear Structure

A 10-minute ramble is a scroll-stopper in the worst way. Great long-form content always has a clear narrative arc: a beginning, middle, and end. Think like a storyteller, not just a content creator.

• Problem-Solution: Start by introducing a common problem your audience faces. Spend the middle of the video exploring the struggle and failed attempts to solve it. End with the ultimate solution or revelation. This works perfectly for tutorials and advice content.
• The Story Arc: For "story time," follow a basic plot structure. Introduce the setting and characters (the setup), present the main event or conflict (the confrontation), and conclude with the outcome and what you learned (the resolution).
• The Listicle: For countdowns or tip-based videos, use on-screen text like "Tip #3" or "Point #2" to act as visual signposts. This helps viewers understand where they are in the video and encourages them to stick around to see all the points.

Use Pattern Interrupts to Reset Attention

Attention spans are fickle. You need to shake things up every 15-30 seconds to keep the viewer from zoning out. These are called "pattern interrupts."

• Vary Your Shots and Angles: Even if you're just talking to the camera, cut between a tight shot and a wider shot. Or record B-roll (supplemental footage) that illustrates what you're talking about and layer it over your primary video.
• On-Screen Text and Graphics: Use text callouts to emphasize key points. Add simple graphics or stickers that relate to your topic. The movement on screen keeps the eye engaged.
• Sound Effects: A subtle 'whoosh' when a graphic appears or a 'ding' for a key takeaway can add a layer of polish and help refocus attention.

Always, Always Add Subtitles

This is non-negotiable for long videos. A huge percentage of users watch videos with the sound off. And even for those with the sound on, closed captions increase comprehension and keep people locked in. TikTok’s auto-captioning feature makes this incredibly simple. Just tap 'Captions' on the editing screen, let it generate the text, and proofread it for any errors. It’s the highest ROI activity you can do for your video's retention.

Content Ideas Perfect for Long-Form TikToks

Not sure what to create? Here are some content formats that thrive in the 10-minute setting:

• In-Depth Tutorials: Instead of a 30-second hyper-lapse, show the entire process. Examples include a full makeup look from skincare prep to finishing spray, a step-by-step guide to a complex recipe, or a tutorial on using a specific piece of software.
• Detailed Storytelling: Have a wild story from your vacation? A lesson from a past job? The "GRWM and listen to my insane story" format is wildly popular. The mundane act of getting ready provides a visual anchor while the story unfolding keeps people listening.
• Educational Deep Dives: Use the extra time to properly explain a complex topic. This could be breaking down a historical event, explaining a tough scientific concept, or walking through a business strategy. Think of it as a mini-documentary.
• Behind-the-Scenes & Vlogs: Take your audience on a full "day in the life" journey. Show them what it's really like to run your small business, prepare for an event, or work on a creative project from start to finish. This format builds a powerful sense of community and authenticity.
• Commentary and Reaction Videos: React to a trend, a movie trailer, or a news story. The longer format allows you to provide nuanced takes and develop your arguments, positioning you as an authority in your niche.

Final Thoughts

Mastering long TikTok videos is about more than just finding the upload button. It’s a shift in mindset from creating disposable, trend-driven clips to producing valuable, engaging narratives that build a lasting relationship with your audience. By mastering the hook, structuring your content, and keeping your visuals dynamic, you can turn those 10 minutes into a powerful tool for growth.

Creating deeper video content like this also demands better organization. We deal with this all the time, and it's a big reason why we created Postbase. Our visual content calendar is designed for today’s mix of media, helping you plan these bigger, story-driven TikToks right alongside your shorter Reels and day-to-day posts. Seeing everything in one place keeps your strategy clear and your publishing schedule consistent without the stress.