How to Make a TikTok Video with Words

Showing your face on camera isn’t always required to make killer TikTok content. Videos featuring just words are a surprisingly powerful way to tell stories, share tips, and connect with your audience. This guide walks you through exactly how to make a TikTok video with words, from popular formats to step-by-step instructions and pro tips for making your text-based content stand out.

Why Videos with Words Are a Genius Move

In a sea of dance challenges and complicated edits, sometimes the simplest ideas are the most effective. Text-based videos cut through the noise by being direct, accessible, and incredibly versatile. If you're not already making them, you're missing out on a huge opportunity.

No "Camera Ready" Required

This is the biggest benefit. You can create high-impact content from your couch, at a coffee shop, or during your commute. There's no need for perfect lighting, a clean background, or a fresh haircut. It removes the friction that stops many people from posting consistently, letting you focus entirely on your message.

Amazingly Direct Communication

There is zero room for misinterpretation. Your message is literally spelled out on the screen. This format is perfect for:

• Sharing quick tips or listicles
• Making announcements
• Telling a powerful, short story
• Repurposing quotes or tweet-style thoughts
• Explaining a complex idea step by step

Built for High Engagement

Read-and-watch content often encourages viewers to watch the video multiple times to catch every word. This behavior signals to the TikTok algorithm that your video is valuable, which can lead to increased reach. The fast-paced reveal of text creates anticipation, hooking viewers and keeping them engaged until the final word.

Easy to Batch and Repurpose Content

Because these videos are simple to produce, they're perfect for batch creation. You can brainstorm a dozen ideas and create them all in one sitting. It's also an excellent way to breathe new life into existing content. Got a great quote from a blog post or a popular tweet? Turn it into a text-based TikTok video in minutes.

Popular Formats for Text-Heavy Videos

While the concept is straightforward, there are several distinct styles of word-based videos that perform well on the platform. Here are three common formats to get you started.

1. The Classic Text Stack

This is the most common format. Lines of text appear one by one, often stacking on top of each other, timed to a trending audio track. It’s the perfect vehicle for storytelling, sharing lists like "3 Things I Wish I Knew Earlier," or slowly revealing a punchline or surprising fact. The key is in the timing - each new line adds a piece to the puzzle, keeping the viewer hooked.

2. The Green Screen Screenshot

This style uses TikTok’s green screen effect to feature a screenshot as the background. Most often, creators use a screenshot of a tweet, a Notes app entry, or even an article headline. You can appear on screen in front of the text to provide commentary or reaction, or you can simply let the text itself be the star of the show while a compelling audio plays. This is the go-to format for repurposing content from X (formerly Twitter) or for adding your own take on a viral quote.

3. Dynamic "Karaoke" Text

In this format, text animates on and off the screen to mimic the dialogue or lyrics of a popular sound. It’s nicknamed the "karaoke-style" video because viewers read along like they're reading lyrics. This is excellent for comedy skits where you don't want to show your face or for visually emphasizing key points in a voiceover. The text becomes the main character, acting out the audio for the viewer.

Your Step-by-Step Guide to Making a Text-Stack TikTok Video

Ready to try it yourself? The "Text Stack" is the best style for beginners because it teaches you the fundamentals of timing text. Here is a simple, step-by-step process using only the TikTok app.

Step 1: Open TikTok and Choose Your Sound

Sound is the heartbeat of a text-based video. A trending sound can boost your video's visibility, while the right song can set the perfect mood for your message. Tap the "+" button at the bottom of the screen to start a new video, then tap "Add sound" at the top. Browse the "Trending" list or search for something that fits the tone you’re going for - upbeat, dramatic, informative, or funny.

Step 2: Record a "Blank" Video Clip

You need a video canvas to add your text onto. Don't overthink this part! Simply point your camera at something neutral and record for 15-30 seconds. A plain wall, your desk, a bookshelf, or a gently blowing curtain all work perfectly. The background adds a subtle texture without distracting from your words. Once you have your clip, tap the red checkmark to move to the editing screen.

Step 3: Add Your First Line of Text

On the editing screen, tap the "Text" icon (it looks like "Aa") on the right-hand menu. Type your first line or phrase - this is your hook, so make it grab attention. Now, customize it! You can:

• Change the font: Tap the font name to cycle through options. Stick to something clear and easy to read.
• Pick a color: Choose a color that stands out against your background.
• Add a highlight: The "A" button with a box around it adds a background color block to your text, which really helps with readability.
• Adjust alignment: Use the lines icon to center your text or align it to the left or right.

Once it looks good, tap "Done."

Step 4: Set the Duration for Your Text

This is the most important step. Tap on the text you just added. A white box will appear around it with a few options. Select "Set duration." You will see a timeline editor at the bottom of your screen showing your video clip. A red bar indicates where your text appears.

Drag the handles of this red bar to control the exact moment the text appears and disappears. For the first line of a text-stack video, you usually want it to start right at the beginning. Drag the endpoint to where you want it to disappear - typically just a few seconds.

Step 5: Repeat to Stack Your Text

Now, repeat the process. Tap the "Text" icon again to add your second line. Type it out, style it, and tap "Done." Tap your new text box and select "Set duration" again. This time, drag the start point of its red bar so it begins right after the first line of text disappears. This creates the one-by-one reveal effect. Continue this process - add text, set duration, add text, set duration - for all the points you want to make.

Step 6: Preview and Polish

Once all your text snippets are on the timeline, play the entire video back from the beginning. Does the timing feel right? Is each line on screen long enough to read comfortably? Overlap them slightly if you want previous text to remain on screen for a moment while the next appears. Tap on any text snippet and go back into "Set duration" to make tiny adjustments until the flow is perfect.

Step 7: Write a Great Caption and Post It

With your video complete, tap "Next." Write a compelling caption that provides more context or asks a question to encourage comments. Add 3-5 relevant hashtags to help TikTok understand what your video is about and show it to the right audience. Choose your cover image, then hit "Post."

Tips for Better-Performing Word Videos

Making a text video is easy. Making a *great* one requires a bit more thought. Keep these principles in mind to create content that stops the scroll.

Keep Each Line Short and Punchy

People scroll fast. No one wants to read a novel on a 15-second video. Break your message down into bite-sized chunks. Think one idea per line. If a sentence feels long, find a way to split it into two separate text blocks.

Readability Is Everything

If people can't read your text easily, they will scroll away instantly. Avoid hard-to-read script or overly decorative fonts. Use high-contrast colors (like white text on a dark background or black text with a light-colored highlight). Use the text highlight/background feature to your advantage to make your words super legible.

Match the Pacing to the Sound

This is what separates average videos from great ones. Listen to the music or audio you chose. Are there distinct beat drops? Pauses? Changes in rhythm? Time the appearance of your text to sync with these musical cues. A line of text that pops up perfectly on a beat drop is incredibly satisfying for a viewer.

Use an Interesting "Blank" Background

Instead of a plain, static wall, try using a short video clip for your background. A clip of you typing on a keyboard, rain falling on a window, pouring coffee, or leaves in the wind can add a subtle layer of visual interest that makes your video feel more polished and atmospheric. Just make sure it’s not so busy that it distracts from the text, which should always be the main focus.

Lead With a Strong Hook

The first 1-2 seconds determine whether someone watches your video or keeps scrolling. Your first line of text is the hook. Make it intriguing. Start with questions like "What if I told you..." or controversial statements like "The worst advice I ever got was..." to pique curiosity and make viewers want to see what comes next.

Final Thoughts

Creating TikTok videos with words is an incredibly adaptable strategy for sharing your message and building a brand without the pressure of being on camera. By breaking down your ideas into concise text, timing them to engaging audio, and focusing on readability, you can make content that resonates deeply and performs exceptionally well on the platform.

We know that making great content is just one piece of social media strategy, staying consistent across multiple platforms is the real challenge. At Postbase, we designed our platform specifically for the modern creator who’s juggling short-form video on TikTok, Reels, and Shorts. We enable you to schedule all your videos from one visual calendar, manage comments and DMs in a single inbox, and see your performance with easy-to-read analytics, helping you turn creative sparks into a reliable content engine that genuinely builds your brand without the chaos.