TikTok is a popular short-form video platform that allows users to create and share videos up to 3 minutes long. As of 2022, TikTok has over 1 billion monthly active users and has been downloaded over 3.3 billion times globally (https://www.statista.com/topics/6077/tiktok/).
TikTok’s key features for video creation include powerful editing tools, audio and visual effects, and the ability to sample and remix content from other users. While TikTok has basic editing capabilities in-app, many creators use third-party apps and software to produce high-quality, professional-looking videos.
This article provides an overview of the top third-party apps that TikTok creators use for tasks like advanced editing, audio editing, animation, and applying creative effects and filters. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to step up your TikTok video production, this guide will explore some of the best options to use alongside TikTok’s built-in tools.
Basic Video Editing
For simple video editing with just basic cuts, transitions, and effects, there are some easy-to-use and often free options. Two of the most popular basic video editors are iMovie for Mac and Windows Movie Maker for PC.
iMovie comes included for free on all Mac computers and iOS devices. It provides an intuitive drag-and-drop interface to combine video clips, photos, music, titles, and effects. Basic color correction, cropping, splitting, and speed adjustments can be made on clips. There are various themes and video styles available to easily give a consistent look. iMovie is best for quickly assembling clips, making simple edits, and exporting videos for social media or sharing.
Windows Movie Maker was the native video editing app for Windows 7 and earlier versions. While no longer officially supported, it can still be downloaded and provides a straightforward way to cut video clips together, add transitions, insert audio, apply visual effects, and export. The interface is easy to navigate with different timelines for video, audio, effects, and titles. Windows Movie Maker works well for basic editing needs without advanced options.
Advanced Editing
For more advanced video editing capabilities, tools like Adobe Premiere Pro and Final Cut Pro offer professional-grade features. These tools are commonly used in film, TV, and video production due to their sophisticated editing capabilities. Some of the main advantages of advanced tools like Premiere and Final Cut Pro include:
– Extensive effects and filters – You have access to hundreds of professional effects, transitions, and filters to enhance your video.
– Precision editing tools – Keyframing, multicam editing, captions, and other advanced features allow for extremely precise editing.
– Support for high-end formats – Premiere and Final Cut support editing high-resolution footage like 4K and 8K video.
– Integration with other Adobe/Apple products – These tools integrate seamlessly with other products like Photoshop, After Effects, Logic Pro, and more.
– Used widely in professional video production – Advanced tools like Premiere and Final Cut Pro are considered industry standards for video editing.
The main downsides are the steep learning curve and the monthly subscription fees for Premiere/Final Cut. But for professional-caliber editing capabilities on complex projects, tools like Adobe Premiere Pro and Final Cut Pro are hard to beat.
Mobile Editing
When creating TikTok videos on your phone, it’s convenient to use a mobile video editing app. Some top options specifically designed for mobile include CapCut, InShot, and VivaVideo.
CapCut is one of the most popular choices for editing TikTok videos on iOS or Android devices. It offers an array of creative tools including video trimming, filters, effects, transitions, stickers, text, and more. CapCut makes it easy to add music and create precise cuts and edits (Source).
InShot is a full-featured mobile editor with chroma key, reverse, split screen, and other effects. The app allows overlaying videos, photos, stickers, text, and more. InShot has a large library of sound effects and music. It’s free to use with optional in-app purchases (Source).
VivaVideo offers advanced editing tools like blur, mosaic, animations, and subtitles. You can change video speed, add filters, text, and FX. The app provides hundreds of stickers, sound effects, and licensed music. VivaVideo works for both short-form social content and longer videos (Source).
Effects and Filters
Adding visual effects and filters is a great way to spice up your TikTok videos. Two popular video editing programs with built-in effects are Filmora and VideoPad.
Filmora offers over 100 visual effects ranging from basic filters to green screen, split screen, and animation effects. Some highlights include stylized filters, transitions, titles, overlay effects like smoke or falling leaves, and distortions like ripple or glitch effects. Filmora makes it easy to customize and layer effects to achieve exactly the look you want.
VideoPad has a library of over 50 effects and transitions including chroma key green screen, slow motion, reverse, black and white, lens flares, and more. You can adjust parameters like duration, intensity, or blend mode. VideoPad is great for basic editing needs, while Filmora offers more advanced capabilities.
When choosing effects, aim for subtle enhancements that complement your video. Overdoing effects can look tacky and detract from your content. Consider how effects can help convey the mood and style you want for your TikTok videos.
Audio Editing
Audio is a crucial part of any video. Clear, high-quality audio can elevate your TikTok videos and help them stand out. When editing audio for your TikTok videos, there are some great options to consider.
One free and popular audio editing software is Audacity. Audacity provides tools for recording, editing, mixing, and exporting audio. Key features include noise reduction, equalization, sound effects, and the ability to combine and edit multiple tracks. Audacity is available for Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems. With its wide range of editing tools and free price point, Audacity is a top choice for TikTok creators on a budget.
Another option to consider is GarageBand, which comes free with Mac computers. GarageBand allows you to record vocals and instruments directly into your computer and provides intuitive editing tools like trimming, splitting, and arranging audio clips. You can enhance your audio with built-in effects like reverb and compressor and export your finished audio track directly to use in video editing software. The user-friendly interface makes GarageBand a great option for beginners looking to improve their TikTok audio.
Proper audio editing can make a huge difference in the quality of your TikTok videos. Investing some time into polishing your audio with software like Audacity or GarageBand is worth the effort.
Color Correction
Color correction is an important part of post-production and can drastically improve the look of your videos. Two of the most popular tools for color correction are DaVinci Resolve and Adobe After Effects.
DaVinci Resolve has a dedicated color page with professional tools for color grading. You can adjust exposure, contrast, color balance and much more. DaVinci Resolve’s node-based workflow allows you to stack color adjustments and effects. It’s used widely in Hollywood and independent productions.
Adobe After Effects also has robust color correction tools like Lumetri Color, which is similar to tools found in Photoshop and Lightroom. You can adjust individual colors, create color lookup tables, and use preset color grading effects. After Effects integrates well with other Adobe apps like Premiere Pro.
For beginners, DaVinci Resolve may have a steeper learning curve but provides sophisticated tools. After Effects is great for those already familiar with Adobe apps. Both allow extensive color manipulation to get the cinematic look you want for your TikTok videos.
Animation
If you want to add animated elements to your TikTok videos, there are a couple of great free options. Powtoon is one of the most popular free animation video maker tools. It provides a drag-and-drop interface to easily create 2D or 3D animations. You can choose from a variety of characters, props, scenes, and more to build an animated video. Powtoon also has a large library of royalty-free music and sound effects you can add to your video. It’s relatively simple to use even for beginners.
Another option is Animaker, which has a similar easy drag-and-drop animation builder. You can customize characters, record voiceovers, add effects, and more. Animaker has multiple animation styles to choose from like 2D, whiteboard, and typography. Both tools allow you to export your finished animation as an MP4 video file that can then be uploaded to TikTok.
Recommendations
When choosing a video editing program for TikTok, it helps to consider your skill level. Here are recommendations for beginners, intermediates, and experts:
For Beginners
1. InShot – InShot is a free mobile video editing app with powerful editing tools and filters perfect for short social media videos. It’s easy to trim, crop, and adjust speed.
2. Adobe Premiere Rush – Premiere Rush is a scaled-down version of Premiere Pro optimized for mobile video editing. It has a simple interface but still offers effects, audio editing, and publishing options.
3. iMovie – For Mac and iOS users, iMovie is likely already on your device. It has intuitive drag and drop editing and various effects to stylize your videos.
For Intermediates
1. FilmoraGo – FilmoraGo has pro-level tools like keyframing, color grading, and motion tracking in an easy-to-use mobile interface.
2. KineMaster – KineMaster is full-featured yet affordable, offering multilayer timelines, chroma key, and precise audio controls.
3. Adobe Premiere Pro – Premiere Pro is the industry-standard for professionals, but has a steep learning curve. The interface accommodates complex edits and powerful effects.
For Experts
1. Adobe After Effects – After Effects is motion graphics and VFX software allowing you to create composites, animations, and dynamic effects.
2. DaVinci Resolve – Used for major movie productions, DaVinci Resolve has top-of-the-line color correction tools, audio editing, and visual effects.
3. Final Cut Pro – Final Cut Pro works seamlessly with other Apple products and is optimized for power users editing on Mac.
Conclusion
In summary, there are many great options for editing TikTok videos depending on your needs and skill level. For basic trimming and splicing, the built-in TikTok editor works well. For more advanced editing, options like InShot, CapCut, and KineMaster provide professional tools while still being easy to use on mobile. Power users may prefer desktop options like Final Cut Pro, Premiere Pro, and After Effects which offer the most control.
When choosing which app to use, consider how much editing you need to do, what devices you have available, and your budget. The free mobile tools pack impressive capabilities for most TikTok creators. However, those making complex, heavily edited videos will need the advanced tools offered in paid desktop software.
No matter which program you choose, utilizing transitions, text overlays, filters, effects, and audio editing can take your videos to the next level. Do some experimenting to find an editor that suits your style. With the right tools, you’ll be creating captivating content tailored for the TikTok audience.
