Splitting a TikTok video into two parts means dividing a longer video into two shorter videos that can be posted separately. This allows creators to get around TikTok’s video length limitations, as the platform restricts uploads to 3 minutes for normal users.
TikTok creators may want to split longer videos for a few reasons:
- To create suspense and encourage viewers to stay tuned for the next part
- To bypass the 3-minute upload limit
- To provide shorter, more digestible content
- To maximize watch time and completion rate
- To split different themes or topics into separate videos
Overall, splitting longer videos into multiple parts can help TikTokers make their content work better within the constraints of the platform.
Length Requirements
As of 2023, TikTok’s video length limits are as follows:
- Videos recorded directly in the TikTok app can be 15 seconds to 3 minutes long (source).
- Videos uploaded to TikTok can be up to 10 minutes long, but users have found 60 seconds to 3 minutes to be the ideal length (source).
Keeping videos in the 1-3 minute range takes advantage of people’s short attention spans on the platform while still allowing you to showcase your content fully.
Recording the Full Video
When recording the full video you plan to split into two parts, it’s important to follow best practices for creating high-quality TikTok videos. As recommended by the TikTok Creator Portal (https://www.tiktok.com/creators/creator-portal/en-us/tiktok-creation-essentials/camera-tips-and-tricks/), start by framing your shot properly and keeping yourself centered in the frame. Use good lighting, either natural or with some simple artificial lighting, to make sure you are clearly visible. Keep your video concept simple and planned out ahead of time so you deliver your message clearly in the allotted time.
When recording in the TikTok app, don’t use the in-app camera but rather record your full video externally and then upload it. This allows you to edit and perfect the full video before splitting it into the required shorter segments. Record in landscape orientation and with a stable camera/phone mount to keep the framing steady. Capture some extra lead-in and lead-out footage to give you flexibility when splitting the video later.
Most importantly, follow best practices for creating engaging, high-quality content that resonates with your audience and makes them want to see more. Put thought into your message, energy into your performance, and care into perfecting the technical details. This will ensure your full video – and split videos – make the impact you desire on TikTok.
Editing the Video
TikTok has built-in editing tools that allow you to edit your videos right in the app. To access the editing tools, first open the TikTok app and tap on the ‘+’ icon to record a new video. Once you’ve finished recording, tap ‘Next’ and you will be taken to the editing screen.
On the editing screen, you will see various options along the bottom for trimming, adding effects, inserting stickers and text, and more. To trim your video, simply drag the handles on either end of the timeline to adjust the start and end points. You can tap on any part of the video thumbnail to preview that section.
According to Backstage, TikTok also allows you to split a longer video into different clips using the split tool, which looks like a scissors icon. Just tap on the spot where you want to split the video and it will become separate clips that you can rearrange, delete, or edit further.
Overall, TikTok’s in-app editing suite provides powerful tools for trimming, splitting, and enhancing your videos without needing to use a separate video editing app.
Splitting the Video
Once you’ve recorded your full video, you can easily split it into two parts within the TikTok app. Here are the steps:
1. Open the video in TikTok and tap on the scissors icon in the bottom left. This will bring up the video editing screen.
2. Scroll through the video timeline at the bottom until you find the point you want to split the video. Tap on that spot to set the first split point.
3. Scroll further to find the point for the second split. Tap on that spot to set the second split point.
4. Press the “Split” button. This will divide your video into two clips based on the split points you set.
5. You can now edit and post each clip as a separate video on TikTok. The app will automatically add transitions between the clips when users watch the full video back-to-back.
Splitting up longer videos into multiple parts is a great way to maximize exposure and engagement on TikTok. You can fine-tune the timing of the splits to end each video on a cliffhanger that entices viewers to watch the next part.
Source: https://www.tiktok.com/@gingermarketer/video/7099750407668288774?lang=en
Transitions
Transitions are a great way to smoothly move from one part of your split TikTok video to the next. Using transitions helps the two parts flow together and feel cohesive. Some effective transitions to use between the two video parts include:
The Complete Guide: How to do transitions on TikTok suggests using the arm swipe, finger snap, close up, and over the head transitions. These transitions involve swiping your arm or hand across the screen or using a close up of your face to switch between sections.
According to 7 Trending TikTok Transitions You Need to Try, other popular transitions are the hand swipe, side to side, and finger snap transitions. These involve swiping your hand or snapping your fingers to change scenes.
Experiment with different transitions to find ones that suit your style and flow well between the two parts of your video. The key is choosing transitions that keep the viewer engaged rather than jarring or distracting.
Titles
When splitting a TikTok video into two parts, it’s important to use engaging titles for each part that entice viewers to watch both videos. According to TikTok’s creative best practices, strong titles are essential for getting more views and follows.
For the first part, the title should indicate it’s the first or start of the full video. For example “The story of how I started my business (Part 1)”.
The title for the second part should reference back to part one and indicate it’s the conclusion. For example “The story of how I started my business (Part 2 – Conclusion)”.
The titles for both parts should be compelling, creative and informative about the overall story or message. Use keywords, emojis, or numbering to highlight they are a connected, two-part video.
Consistent titling helps viewers clearly identify the videos are related. This encourages them to watch both parts for the full experience.
Hashtags
Hashtags are an important part of any successful TikTok video, and using the right hashtags for split videos can help get more views. When splitting a video into two parts, you’ll want to use similar hashtags on both videos to connect them. Some hashtag strategies for split TikTok videos include:
Using broader hashtags like #split, #splits, or #part1 and #part2 on both videos. These indicate it’s a split video series and help connect the videos. As this source notes, #split is a popular hashtag for these types of videos.
Including more specific hashtags relevant to your content in each video. For example, if your split videos feature travel content, using hashtags like #travel, #vacation, #explore, etc. can help reach that audience.
Adding trending hashtags and challenges. Check what’s currently popular on TikTok and consider including relevant trending hashtags. This can help more users find and engage with your split videos.
Using the same key hashtags in the same order on both parts. This signals to the TikTok algorithm that the videos are related.
In general, aim for a mix of broader split-related hashtags and more specific, relevant hashtags tailored to your content. Being consistent across both videos will also help with discovery and retention.
Sounds
Choosing the right sounds is an important part of creating compelling split TikTok videos. You want sounds that will transition well between the two parts and keep viewers engaged. According to ScreenRant, you can trim sounds on TikTok to make them shorter than 15 seconds so they work for split videos.
Look for trending sounds created specifically for split TikTok videos. Many creators make compilations of the best split video sounds you can use. You may also want to use two complementary sounds that work well together when transitioning between video parts. Using popular or viral sounds can help your split videos get more views. Just make sure to properly credit the sounds you use.
Get creative in mixing and matching sounds for your split videos. You can use sound effects to transition between scenes or tell a story. Funny voice-overs and audio clips can add humor. The sounds you choose really set the vibe and tone for your entire split TikTok video.
Analytics
One of the best ways to determine how effective splitting your TikTok video was is to analyze the analytics for each part. TikTok provides robust analytics within the app that you can use to compare metrics between the two videos.
To view analytics, open the TikTok app and tap on the profile icon in the bottom right. Then tap on the video you want to analyze. Tap the three dots in the upper right corner and select “View analytics”.
Here you can see important data like plays, likes, comments, shares, followers gained, etc. Compare these metrics between the two parts of your split video to see which one performed better. You can also view demographic data like age, gender, geographic location, and device used.
Third-party analytics tools like HootSuite and TikTok analytics can provide even more detailed insight. You can see real-time data on views, engagement, top videos, follower growth, audience demographics, and more. This helps optimize your content strategy going forward.
Analyzing the performance of split test videos is key to understanding what resonates with your audience on TikTok. Use the in-app analytics as well as third-party tools to get a complete picture.
