How to Turn On Video Replies on TikTok

TikTok’s video reply feature is one of the most powerful tools for connecting with your audience on a deeper level. This guide walks you through the simple steps to turn it on, how to use it effectively, and strategies to make your video replies stand out. We'll also cover creative ideas to turn simple comments into content that builds a genuine community.

Why Video Replies are a Game-Changer for TikTok Engagement

Before we get into the technical steps, it’s worth understanding why this feature is so effective. Replying to a comment with a video does more than just answer a question - it transforms a simple interaction into a piece of public-facing content. It shows you’re listening, you’re engaged, and you care enough to create something new just for that person.

Here’s what that really means for you as a creator or brand:

• It Humanizes Your Brand: Text comments can feel robotic. A video reply puts a face and a voice to your account, making you more relatable and approachable. It's the difference between a form letter and a personal conversation.
• Creates Effortless Content: Struggling for ideas? Your comments section is a goldmine. A video reply lets you turn a follower's question or observation into your next video, directly addressing what your audience is curious about.
• Increases Visibility and Reach: When you reply with a video, that new video links back to the original comment. This creates a public thread that shows up on the For You Page, pulling in new viewers who can see exactly how you engage with your community. It often encourages others to leave comments in the hopes of getting their own video reply.
• Builds a Stronger Community: Singling out a follower's comment makes them feel seen and valued. This small act of acknowledgment can turn a casual viewer into a loyal fan who actively participates in your comment section.

How to Turn On Video Replies on TikTok: A Step-by-Step Guide

Enabling video replies is a quick process you can do right from your privacy settings. By default, this feature is often already active for eligible accounts, but it's always good practice to check and make sure your settings are how you want them. You have control over who can comment and, by extension, who you can reply to with a video.

Follow these exact steps to enable and manage this setting for your account:

Step 1: Go to Your Profile and Open Settings

First, open the TikTok app and navigate to your main profile page by tapping the "Profile" icon in the bottom-right corner of the screen.

Once you're on your profile, look for the three horizontal lines (often called the hamburger menu) in the top-right corner. Tap it to open the main menu, and then select "Settings and privacy" from the options that appear at the bottom.

Step 2: Navigate to Your Privacy Settings

Inside the "Settings and privacy" menu, you'll see a list of categories for managing your account. Tap on the "Privacy" option, which is usually found near the top under the "Account" section.

Step 3: Find and Adjust Your Comment Settings

Scroll down within the Privacy menu until you find the "Interactions" section. Here, you'll see an option labeled "Comments." Tap this to open up all of the settings related to how users can comment on your videos.

Step 4: Enable Comments and Choose Your Audience

This is the most important step. In order for video replies to work, you must have comments enabled in general. The video reply feature is tied directly to your overall comment settings.

• At the top, you'll see a setting straightforwardly titled "Comments." If it's set to "No one," you won't be able to receive comments or create video replies.
• To turn on video replies, you must select either "Everyone" (if your account is public) or "Followers that you follow back." This setting determines who can leave a comment on your videos.

Once you select one of these options, the ability to create video replies to those comments is automatically enabled. There is no separate "on/off" switch specifically for video replies, it is activated by allowing comments on your posts.

Note: For users under the age of 16, comment settings are automatically restricted for safety reasons. You may have more limited options available depending on your age.

How to Create a Video Reply to a Comment

Now that you've confirmed your settings are correct, you’re ready to start replying. The process is intuitive and integrated directly into your comments section.

1. Find the Perfect Comment

Go to one of your videos and open the comments section. Scroll through until you find a question, a particularly funny remark, or a comment that gives you a great idea for a follow-up video.

2. Tap the Video Icon

To the left of the text field where you’d normally type a reply, you’ll see a red video camera icon. Tap this icon. This will take you directly to the TikTok video recording screen.

3. Record or Upload Your Video

The comment you selected will now appear as a sticker overlaid on your camera view. You can pinch to resize it, drag it around the screen, or tap the "X" if you decide you don't want it visible.

From here, you have two options:

• Record a New Video: Just like creating any other TikTok, you can hold the record button to film your reply. You have access to all the standard features: sounds, effects, timers, and filters. This is perfect for giving a personal, on-the-spot response.
• Upload an Existing Video: You can also tap the "Upload" button to choose a video from your phone's camera roll. This is great if you need to reply with a pre-recorded tutorial, a clip that shows something in more detail, or a "green screen" style video using the initial comment.

4. Edit and Post

After recording or uploading your clip, you’ll be taken to the standard TikTok editing screen. You can add text, stickers, voiceovers, and a caption just like you would for any other video. The video reply will be posted as a new, public video on your profile, but it will also appear in the original comment thread and include a sticker that links back to the initial comment, showing everyone the context for your reply.

Creative Strategies for Using Video Replies

Knowing how to turn on and create video replies is just the beginning. The real magic comes from using them strategically to build your brand and connect with your audience. Here are some effective and creative ways to incorporate video replies into your content plan.

1. Q&A and “Ask Me Anything” Sessions

This is the most straightforward and effective use case. When someone asks a great question in your comments, answering it with a video provides value to your entire audience. Instead of a tiny text response, you can give a detailed, visual answer.

Example: A fitness coach gets a comment asking, "What's the best way to correct my form on a squat?" Instead of typing a long explanation, they post a video reply demonstrating the correct and incorrect form side-by-side.

2. Shout-Outs and Community Appreciation

Did someone leave an exceptionally kind, funny, or insightful comment? Reward them with a video reply. Simply thanking them and highlighting their comment makes that person feel incredibly special and encourages others to leave positive feedback.

Example: A small business owner sees a comment saying, "I just got my order and I love it so much!" They can reply with a video saying, "Thank you so much, [Username]! So glad you love it. People like you are why we do what we do."

3. Busting Myths and Correcting Misinformation

Comments are often filled with misconceptions related to your industry or niche. Use a video reply to address misinformation head-on in a friendly and educational way. This positions you as a trusted expert.

Example: A chef posts a recipe and gets a comment like, "You should never wash mushrooms, they get waterlogged." They can create a video reply explaining the science behind washing mushrooms properly without ruining their texture.

4. Leverage Humorous or "Troll" Comments

Sometimes, the best content comes from unexpected places. A witty or slightly absurd comment can be the perfect setup for a funny video. Rather than taking negative or silly comments personally, you can use them as a creative prompt to show off your brand's personality.

Example: A brand that sells colorful socks gets a comment: "Who would ever wear those?" They reply with a quick-cut video montage of people - from firefighters to executives - all wearing their vibrant socks in different scenarios.

Final Thoughts

Enabling and creating video replies on TikTok is a straightforward process that unlocks a powerful way to engage with your audience. By turning comments into content, you can answer questions, build community, and add a personal touch that sets your account apart from the crowd.

Managing all the comments across TikTok, Instagram, and your other social channels can quickly get overwhelming, and great opportunities for video replies can get buried. This is a challenge we thought about a lot. That’s why we built Postbase with a unified inbox that brings all your comments and DMs into one clean feed. Instead of jumping between apps, you can spot the perfect comments for video replies and manage your entire community conversation from a single, organized dashboard.