A two part video on TikTok refers to splitting a single video into two parts and posting them separately. This has become a popular technique on the platform for a few key reasons:
It allows creators to get more content and views out of one video. By splitting into multiple parts, each part can be posted separately and get engagement. According to an analysis by Wired, dual videos get nearly double the views compared to posting the full video at once.
It keeps viewers hooked and coming back for more. Posting a clip or scene in parts utilizes cliffhangers to keep the audience engaged. As noted in Decider, this can prompt users to binge through all the parts.
It allows for more exposure. Each part can show up separately in feeds and searches, helping the video get seen by a wider audience. Splitting into multiple parts essentially gives more opportunities for the content to be discovered and viewed.
Length Requirements
TikTok has a time limit of 3 minutes per video. This means that each part of your two-part TikTok video needs to be under 3 minutes.
Additionally, the total time of both parts combined cannot exceed 10 minutes. So if you make Part 1 five minutes long, Part 2 can only be five minutes as well.
It’s important to be mindful of these time limits as you plan out and film your two-part TikTok video. Making sure each part falls within the 3 minute constraint will ensure your videos properly upload to the platform.
In summary, keep each video under 3 minutes, and both videos combined under 10 minutes total. This will allow you to maximize the storytelling capabilities of a two-part TikTok video while staying within the app’s limits.
Planning the Story
Before filming your two-part TikTok video, it’s important to outline the full story across both parts so that the narrative flows well and keeps viewers engaged. As recommended by Travis M. Leland in his TikTok video, you should plan out your script and story ahead of time.
According to an article from NPR, you should craft a narrative arc for your story, starting with a statement or problem in the first video, and providing a resolution by the end of the second video. Structure your story so there is a cliffhanger or unresolved tension at the end of the first video that compels viewers to watch the next part.
As explained by Nicolas Cole, you can use the framework and structure of your short-form content as an outline for the long-form video across two parts. Having a clear outline planned out will make filming and editing your two-part TikTok video much easier.
Cliffhangers
One of the most important elements of a successful two-part TikTok video is using a cliffhanger at the end of the first part to keep the audience hooked. A cliffhanger is an abrupt ending that leaves the viewer wondering what will happen next. According to this TikTok page, some effective cliffhanger examples include stopping right before revealing a surprise, cutting off during a critical moment, or posing an unanswered question.
The cliffhanger creates suspense and urges the viewer to watch the second part to get resolution. When planning the video story, identify a pivotal scene, revelation, or unresolved question to highlight at the very end of part one. Make sure it’s a hook that grabs attention and leaves people eagerly anticipating the conclusion in part two.
Transitions
An important aspect of creating a compelling two-part TikTok video is using transitions between the two parts. This helps indicate to viewers that there is more content coming in a second video. According to Mastering TikTok Transitions: Tips and Tricks for Captivating Content, some effective transition techniques include:
- Use a “To be continued…” screen at the end of part 1 to build suspense and tease the next video.
- Fade to black or use a blur transition when switching between parts.
- Use hard cuts between important scenes to maintain pacing.
- Match action or motion between the two parts for seamless transitions.
- Implement speed changes, zooms, or camera whip transitions.
Well-executed transitions that indicate an upcoming part 2 are key for captivating viewers and prompting them to watch both videos in the series. Strategically placed transitions can make the two-parter feel cohesive.
Part Indicators
Clearly labeling each video part is crucial for viewers to understand they are watching a multi-part series. According to TikTok experts on Reddit, you should include part numbers in the captions or overlay text to indicate which part the viewer is on (e.g. Part 1, Part 2, etc.) [1]. This helps orient viewers, especially if they find one part without seeing the others. Numbering parts also encourages viewers to seek out the other videos to see the full story. You can get creative with part names beyond just numbering, but make sure it’s very obvious each video is connected sequentially.
Consistent Thumbnails
Use similar thumbnails for both parts. Having a cohesive look across the thumbnails helps viewers easily identify the videos as a connected set. The thumbnails should be complementary without being identical. For example, you could use the same image but with different cropping, use images taken from the same photoshoot, or use the same graphics with slightly different text. This helps signal to viewers that the videos build on each other.
Make sure any text or images on the thumbnails directly relate to that specific video. Don’t reuse the exact same thumbnail or it may appear like duplicate content. Show some connection through visual consistency, but customize each thumbnail to highlight what happens in that part of the story.
Playlist Feature
TikTok allows you to group your videos into playlists to better organize your channel and content. This can be especially useful when creating a long, multi-part series. To create a playlist on TikTok:
– Tap your profile icon in the bottom right corner of the app
– Select the “Videos” tab
– Tap “Sort videos into playlists”
– Give your playlist a name and description
– Select the videos you want to add from your video library
Once created, your playlist will have its own page that viewers can visit. Playlists are a great way to showcase a cohesive series and guide your audience through longer stories or themes. Using playlists can also help boost watch time as it encourages viewers to continue watching multiple videos in a row 1.
Promote Both Parts
When releasing a multi-part video, it’s important to promote both parts to your audience. When part 2 is released, you’ll want to promote part 1 again to remind viewers of the full story and maximize views.
Some tips for promoting both parts of your TikTok video:
- In part 2, recap key moments from part 1 to refresh your audience’s memory.
- Consider using part of the same soundtrack in both videos so viewers recognize it’s a series.
- Link to the other part in captions and comments to make it easy to find.
- Post throwback clips from part 1 when launching part 2.
- Use a consistent hashtag across both parts.
Promoting previously released installments when launching new additions helps continue driving views to the full series over time. Reminding viewers about the entire narrative keeps them engaged.
Check Performance
After both parts of your video are published, it’s important to analyze the performance of each one in your TikTok analytics. You can view key metrics like view count, comments, shares, etc. for each part in the analytics section of the TikTok Creator Portal (https://www.tiktok.com/creators/creator-portal/en-us/tiktok-content-strategy/understanding-your-analytics/).
Comparing the metrics for part one and part two can provide valuable insights. For example, if part one massively outperformed part two, you may want to re-evaluate the storyline, transitions, cliffhangers, and title/thumbnail to identify areas for improvement. Optimizing each part based on real data can help drive more viewers through the full story.
