What are stitched videos on TikTok?
Stitched videos on TikTok are a popular video format that allow users to combine two or more separate videos into one new video (https://support.tiktok.com/en/using-tiktok/creating-videos/stitch). The feature enables creators to respond to, react to, or build upon content from other users’ videos on the platform.
When a user creates a stitched video, they select another video on TikTok to “stitch” their own video alongside. This results in a split-screen or picture-in-picture effect, with the original video playing on one side and the user’s new video playing on the other.
Stitched videos have become an integral part of engaging with content and participating in trends on TikTok. The format gives creators a way to put their own spin on viral videos, challenge or react to other creators’ videos, and collaborate across the platform.
Why you might want to find the original video
There are several reasons why you may want to find the original video that was stitched in a TikTok:
- To give proper credit to the original video creator – TikTok’s stitching feature allows users to include parts of other videos in their own. Finding the original video lets you acknowledge the original creator and their work.
- To learn more about the context of the original video – Watching only a small stitched portion can sometimes be confusing or misleading. Viewing the full original video gives you a better sense of the overall meaning.
- To follow or contact the original video creator – If you really enjoyed their content, you may want to follow them for more. You could also potentially reach out to collaborate.
- To report copyright violations or other issues – If the stitch appears to repurpose content without permission, you may want to flag the issue to TikTok.
Overall, finding the original stitched video allows you to get a more complete picture and properly interact with the original creator.
Identifying a stitched TikTok video
One of the easiest ways to identify a stitched TikTok video is to look for screen splits or transitions. When a user stitches two or more videos together, you’ll often see the screen split in half, thirds, or quarters with each section showing a different video.
You may also notice a sudden change in the user, audio, or video content partway through the TikTok. This is another telltale sign that you’re watching a stitched video compilation rather than just one continuous TikTok.
Some other signs to look for include text captions like “stitch with @username” or “inspired by @username” which indicate the video is a creative stitch. The creator may also tag the original video’s creator in the caption to give them credit.
Searching by sound
One of the easiest ways to find the original video that a TikTok stitch is based on is to search by the sound used in the video. Here’s how:
Tap the sound icon in the bottom left corner of the stitched TikTok video. This will take you to a page showing that specific audio track used in the video.
From there, click on the sound to go to a page showing all TikTok videos using that same sound. The earliest videos are likely to contain the original, unstitched content that inspired the stitch.
Searching directly by the sound itself allows you to quickly trace a stitch back to its likely original source. This takes advantage of the way TikTok playlists and shares sounds between videos on the platform.
Searching by hashtag
One way to try to find the original video used in a stitch is to search by hashtag. Identify relevant hashtags used in the stitched video you want to find the source of. Hashtags like #stitch and #original are commonly used to indicate stitched videos and original content.
You can then search those hashtags directly on TikTok to potentially find the original video used in the stitch. For example, searching #original may surface videos that have been stitched by others. Similarly, searching #stitch could show you stitched videos where you may be able to identify the original source video used.
Keep in mind that hashtags are not a foolproof way to find the original video. The original video creator may not have used #original or other identifying hashtags. But browsing videos under hashtags related to stitches and original content can be a good starting point in your search.
See https://www.oberlo.com/blog/tiktok-hashtags for more tips on researching and using relevant hashtags to find content on TikTok.
Using TikTok search filters
One of the most effective ways to try and find the original video used in a TikTok stitch is to use the built-in search filters. TikTok has filters that allow you to search by specific users, sounds, or hashtags https://blog.hootsuite.com/how-to-search-on-tiktok/.
To use the filters, open the TikTok app and tap on the search icon at the bottom. In the search bar, type in any usernames, sounds, or hashtags that were used in the stitched video. This will bring up results related to those terms. Then tap on “Filters” at the top to open the filter menu.
From here you can filter by things like users, sounds, hashtags, or earliest videos posted. Filtering by earliest videos posted and scrolling through can potentially help you find the original source material used in a stitch. However, this method is still hit or miss as the original video may be buried deep in the results if it didn’t go viral.
Contacting the stitch video creator
One way to try to find the original video is to contact the creator of the stitch directly. On their TikTok profile page, you can leave a comment on one of their videos requesting the source or creator of the original video that was stitched. Being polite and explaining why you are trying to find the original video can help.
For example, you could say: “Hi! I really liked the original video you stitched in your [name of stitch video]. Could you please let me know who created it or link it? Thank you!”
If the stitch creator responds to comments, they may provide the information on the original video source. However, they are not obligated to share that information.
You can also try direct messaging the stitch creator through TikTok. Explain why you are trying to find the original video and kindly ask if they can share the source. This gives them the opportunity to respond privately if they choose.
The stitch creator may not always know the source themselves or remember where they found the original video. But by reaching out directly, you have a chance to get the information from them if they are willing to share it.
Third-party tools and sites
While searching within TikTok has its limitations, there are third-party sites and browser extensions that can help trace a video’s origin. For example, sites like TikTokLookup allow you to enter a TikTok video URL and find earlier versions of that video. This can help you identify the original video that was stitched.
There are also browser extensions like TikTok Analytics for Chrome that analyze TikTok video pages and can detect if a video is a stitch. The extension provides data on the original video source, which can make it easier to track down. While not definitive, these third-party tools provide additional options for identifying original videos.
Limitations and difficulties
There are some limitations and difficulties when trying to find the original video that was stitched:
The original video may have been deleted by the creator or the creator’s account may have been deactivated. According to TikTok’s support article, “If the original video is deleted, the Stitched video will still exist on the profile of the user who created the Stitch.” (https://support.tiktok.com/en/using-tiktok/creating-videos/stitch)
The stitched video may not properly credit or tag the original video it was stitched from. The stitch creator may intentionally or unintentionally leave out this information.
There is no guarantee you will be able to find the original video even if you try all the search methods. The original may be impossible to locate if it is uncredited or if the account was deleted.
Best practices for creators
When creating a stitched video, it’s important to properly credit the original video and creator. Here are some best practices to follow:
Credit the original video and creator in your stitched video. Overlay text naming the original creator and video within the first few seconds of your stitched video. This gives proper attribution.
Ask permission and give credit if possible. If you have the ability to contact the original creator, ask for permission to use their video in a stitch. If they agree, be sure to tag and credit them.
Link to the original video in the caption. Include the username of the original creator and a direct link to their video in your video’s caption. This allows viewers to easily find and watch the original content.
By properly citing your sources, you maintain trust with viewers and respect the work of other creators. Following these best practices for crediting original videos in stitches ensures you are producing quality content on TikTok.
