How to Make Good TikTok Videos

Going viral on TikTok isn't just about luck, it's a skill that combines creativity with a solid strategy. A great video can look effortless, but behind the scenes, creators are making intentional choices about hooks, sounds, editing, and how they connect with their audience. This guide provides a straightforward roadmap to creating TikTok videos that grab attention, tell a compelling story, and help you grow, breaking down everything from brainstorming your first idea to hitting the post button with confidence.

Groundwork First: Smart Strategy Trumps Lucky Breaks

Before you even hit record, taking a few moments to think strategically can make a huge difference. Randomly posting and hoping for the best is a slow path to growth. Instead, lay a solid foundation that gives your content direction and purpose.

Find Your Niche and Your People

You can't create content for everyone. The most successful TikTok creators have a clearly defined niche. Your niche is your subject area, your topic, your "thing." It’s what people can expect from you when they follow your account. It could be sourdough recipes, minimalist apartment decor, life as a small business owner, funny commentary on reality TV, or anything in between.

Why is this so important? The TikTok algorithm works by showing your content to a small test audience. If they engage with it, it gets shown to a wider group of similar people. If your content is consistently about one topic, TikTok gets very good, very quickly, at finding the exact audience that will love your videos. If your videos jump from dog training to car repair to tech reviews, the algorithm gets confused and your content struggles to find a consistent audience.

To find your niche, ask yourself:

• What am I genuinely passionate about and could talk about endlessly?
• What skills or knowledge do I have that others might find helpful?
• What communities am I already a part of?

Once you have a niche, your content will have a natural focus, making it easier to attract repeat viewers who eventually become loyal followers.

Study What Works (The Right Way)

Spend time on your "For You" page, but don't just passively scroll. Start watching videos like a creator. When you see a video with tons of likes and comments, don't just think, "Wow, that went viral." Ask yourself why it went viral. Break it down:

• The Hook (First 3 Seconds): What did the creator say or do right at the beginning? Did they ask a question? Make a bold statement? Show something surprising? The first three seconds are everything.
• The Sound: Are they using a trending audio clip or a popular song? Does the sound match the vibe of the video perfectly? Often, the sound is the backbone of the entire concept.
• The Pacing: How fast is the editing? Are the cuts quick and snappy? Is there constant movement? A slow, drawn-out video is rarely successful on TikTok.
• The Format: Is it a tutorial, a ranked list, a "Day in the Life," a stitches response, or a comedic skit? Notice which formats appear over and over in your niche.

This isn't about copying other creators directly. It's about recognizing patterns and understanding the unwritten rules of the platform. You'll soon see that viral videos aren’t random, they're built on proven formulas you can adapt for your own ideas.

Brainstorming Hooks & Creating Unskippable Ideas

A good idea is the heart of a good TikTok video. The algorithm can push your video to people, but only a compelling idea will make them stop scrolling and watch. Here's how to generate ideas that connect.

Lean into Trends (While They're Hot)

Trends are the lifeblood of TikTok. They're a built-in way to get your content discovered because people are actively looking for and engaging with them. Trends come in a few flavors:

• Sounds and Music: The most common type of trend. You’ll hear an audio clip used with different visuals and contexts. Your job is to find a way to apply that sound to your specific niche.
• Effects and Filters: Keep an eye out for trending AR filters or effects, like the greenscreen effect, which are often at the core of a popular video format.
• Challenges and Formats: This might be a specific dance, a "Point of View" (POV) scenario, or a particular editing style.

The "For You" page is your primary tool for finding trends. If you hear the same sound three or four times in a 10-minute scrolling session, it's a trend. Act fast, because TikTok trends can die out in a matter of days.

Use Proven Video Formats

You don’t have to create a totally original format every time. Rely on templates that are known to work well on short-form video platforms. Here are a few reliable ones:

• How-To / Tutorial: Show people how to accomplish something quickly. Examples: "How to Fold a Fitted Sheet in 30 Seconds," "The Easiest Way to Clean Your Grout," "My 2-Minute Iced Coffee Recipe."
• Numbered Lists: Our brains love lists. They set a clear expectation and create curiosity. Examples: "3 Mistakes You're Making as a New Homeowner," "5 Apps I Can't Live Without," "My Top 4 Underrated Skincare Products."
• Day in the Life / A Glimpse Behind the Curtain: People are inherently curious about other people's lives and professions. A sped-up montage of your workday or routine, set to good music, can be very compelling.
• Stitches and Duets: Use someone else's viral video as a launchpad for your own commentary. Stitching is a great way to add your opinion, debunk a myth, or provide extra context.

Storytelling in 15 Seconds: Hook, Body, Payoff

Every good TikTok video, no matter how short, tells a tiny story. A simple model to follow is Hook, Body, Payoff.

1. The Hook: The first part of your video that stops the scroll. It poses a question, introduces conflict, or promises information. "Here's why you're probably paying too much for flights."
2. The Body: The middle part that delivers on the promise of the hook. This is where you quickly provide the tips, show the steps, or tell the core story. "Don't book on Fridays. Instead, use these two websites on Tuesday mornings..."
3. The Payoff: The conclusion that provides a resolution or takeaway. It could be the final result, a call-to-action, or a witty punchline. "...and you'll save on average 20%. Follow for more travel tips!"

Thinking about your videos in this simple three-part structure gives them a satisfying flow and keeps viewers watching until the very end, which is a powerful signal to the algorithm.

Production for Beginners: Filming and Editing on Your Phone

High production value isn't required on TikTok, but clear and crisp video is. Luckily, your smartphone is more than capable of producing awesome content. Focus on getting these basics right.

Good Lighting & Clear Audio are Non-Negotiable

People will forgive a slightly shaky camera, but they won't stick around for a video they can't see or hear. You don't need expensive equipment to get this right.

• Lighting: The best light source is a window. Always try to face a source of natural light when you film yourself. If you’re filming at night or in a dark room, a simple ring light is an affordable investment that makes a massive impact on your video quality.
• Audio: If you're speaking, your audio needs to be clear. The built-in mic on your phone is decent, but it picks up a lot of room echo. An easy hack is to use the headphones that came with your phone - the attached microphone is designed to isolate your voice. This simple trick can make your audio sound ten times better.

Filming: Keep It Dynamic and Vertical

Always film your videos vertically (the 9:16 aspect ratio). It’s the native format of the platform, and anything else looks out of place. To keep your viewers engaged, add some movement.

• Change Your Angle: Instead of filming one long shot from a static position, record multiple short clips. Film a close-up, then a medium shot. Get an angle from the side. Each change in perspective recaptures the viewer’s attention.
• Add Movement: Even slight camera movements can make a video feel more dynamic. You can physically move the camera, use punchy "zoom" effects during the edit, or even use the "push-in" effect common in trends.
• Stabilize Your Shot: You don't need a high-end gimbal, but shaky hands can be distracting. Prop your phone up against books or buy a cheap phone tripod. The stability will instantly make your footage look more professional.

Editing in the TikTok App

You can get incredible results just using TikTok's built-in editor. Focus on mastering these core features:

• Trimming Clips: Be ruthless. Cut out every pause, every breath, every unnecessary moment. Fast pacing keeps viewers engaged. Split your clips and remove any tiny bit of dead air.
• On-Screen Text: Use text overlays to highlight key points. Many users watch without sound, so on-screen text ensures they still understand your message. Animate the text to appear as you say the words to emphasize them and keep the viewer's eyes moving.
• Transitions: Use TikTok's built-in transitions (or create your own with clever cuts) to move smoothly from one clip to the next. Simple cuts work just fine, but a well-placed transition can add a touch of polish.
• Sounds & Music: Add your sound last. You can search for trending sounds directly in the editor. Just as important: check the volume mix. If you’re speaking, make sure the volume of the original audio is higher than the background music so your voice isn't drowned out.

The Launch: Your Posting and Engagement Strategy

Creating the video is only half the battle. How you package and post it can dramatically affect its performance. It's the final step to give your content the best chance to succeed.

Writing Captions and Choosing Hashtags

Keep your captions short and engaging. The main goal is to spark conversation in the comments. End your caption with a question or a controversial opinion related to your video. For example, if you make a video about loading a dishwasher, you could say, "This is the ONLY right way to do it. Agree or disagree?"

For hashtags, quality beats quantity. Forget about spamming your caption with dozens of tags. Instead, use a strategic mix of 3-5 hashtags:

• 1-2 Broad Hashtags: These are relevant to your general topic (e.g., #homedecor, #smallbusiness).
• 2-3 Niche Hashtags: These are much more specific to the content in your video (e.g., #ikeahacks, #etsyshopowner). These help TikTok classify your content and show it to the most relevant viewers.
• Optional - 1 Trending Hashtag: If there's a specific challenge or sound you're using, include its associated hashtag.

Be a Part of Your Community

Once you hit post, your job isn't done. The first hour after a video goes live is an important window. As comments start rolling in, respond to them. Answer questions, "like" feedback, and engage with the people who took the time to interact with your content. This kind of engagement not only builds a loyal community around your brand but also signals to the algorithm that people are interested in your video, which can give it an extra push on the "For You" page.

Final Thoughts

Creating TikTok videos that perform well is a mix of art and science. It's about understanding your audience, recognizing patterns in what works, consistently applying the fundamentals of good storytelling, and keeping your edits fast and engaging. Stick with a clear niche, jump on relevant trends, and always aim to provide value or entertainment with every post. Building an audience takes time, but by following a consistent strategy, you're setting yourself up for real growth.

Once you get into a regular rhythm of creating, the challenge shifts to staying consistent and organized across multiple platforms. This is exactly why we built Postbase to help creators. Since our platform was designed primarily for short-form video, you can easily plan your TikTok ideas on a visual calendar, schedule your finished videos in advance, and publish them across all your channels without the headache. This allows you to focus all your energy on making great content, not just managing it.