TikTok is a popular short-form video app that allows users to create, edit, and share 15 second to 3 minute videos. The app has built-in tools for capturing, editing, and post-processing videos in real-time. TikTok has over 1 billion monthly active users, making it one of the fastest growing social media platforms in the world.
Post-processing on TikTok refers to the editing tools and effects that can be applied to videos after they are recorded. This includes filters, text overlays, sound effects, trimming, stitching multiple clips together, and more. Post-processing allows creators to enhance and customize their videos before sharing.
Recently, some users have reported issues with long processing times after uploading videos to TikTok. This prevents them from quickly sharing new content. In this article, we’ll explore the reasons why TikTok videos may take time to process.
Uploading and Compressing Videos
TikTok uses advanced video compression technology to reduce file sizes when users upload videos to the platform. According to an analysis by Medium, TikTok’s compression scheme significantly reduces video bitrates and dimensions while maintaining high visual quality (Source: https://medium.com/@asierr/decoding-the-compression-game-lessons-from-tiktok-and-instagram-f47c6e7687d4). The compression allows videos to upload quickly even on slower connections. TikTok’s compression reduces 1080p or 4k video files to ~800×450 resolution at under 3 Mbps bitrate before uploading. This is much lower resolution and bitrate compared to the original.
The exact compression algorithms TikTok uses are proprietary but utilize techniques like chroma subsampling and optimized encoding presets to reduce file size dramatically with minimal perceived loss in quality. Some users have complained about excessive compression on the platform but TikTok claims it’s a necessary tradeoff for fast mobile uploading (Source: https://www.reddit.com/r/Tiktokhelp/comments/w40oh0/tiktok_video_compression/). Users cannot adjust the compression settings themselves – the process is fully automated by TikTok.
Applying Effects and Filters
One of the most popular features of TikTok is its wide variety of built-in effects and filters that users can easily apply to their videos. TikTok has an Effects tab in the video editor that contains different categories of effects users can browse through and add to their videos with just a tap. Some examples of effect categories include Face Effects, Beauty, Trending, Funny, and more.
The effects transform users’ appearances, add animated elements and graphics, or apply fun distortions to the video. There are hundreds of diverse effects to choose from, with new ones constantly being added. TikTok also has a Filter tab containing options to quickly alter the look of videos through color changes, adding grain/blur effects, or stylizing the video in different ways. Filters help set the mood and aesthetic of TikTok videos.
Effects and filters assist creators in making their videos visually appealing, on-trend, and unique. They allow users to get creative and add high-quality post-production value to videos without professional editing skills. TikTok’s built-in editing tools democratize special effects and make video creation accessible. The wide selection engages users to continually try new effects and find favorites to use consistently in a personal style.
Stitching and Duetting
One of the most popular features of TikTok is the ability to stitch and duet videos. Stitching allows you to clip a part of someone else’s video and add your own video alongside it, essentially “stitching” the two videos together. According to Dash Hudson, stitches are great for responding to trends and participating in memes. Stitches place the original video on the left side of the frame and your video on the right.
Duetting also combines your video with someone else’s, but it plays the two videos simultaneously side-by-side instead of stitching clips together. As explained by Kapwing, duets are better for elaborate reactions, commentary, and collaborations. Duets keep both videos at equal size rather than prioritizing one over the other.
When stitching or duetting, the original video remains visible the entire time. This allows creators to put their own spin on viral content while still crediting the original. Stitches and duets keep videos viewable in the app instead of just repurposing content off platform. They facilitate collective trends and conversations between creators.
Adding Text and Captions
One of the key features of TikTok is the ability to add text and captions to videos. This allows creators to provide context, tell a story, insert commentary, or add subtitles. There are several ways to add text on TikTok:
The app has a text tool that allows you to type directly over your video. You can adjust the font, color, size, and placement of the text. This is useful for short captions or subtitles. As noted by Riverside.fm (https://riverside.fm/blog/how-to-add-captions-on-tiktok), you can also turn on auto-generated captions, which will transcribe any speech in your video into subtitles.
For longer blocks of text, TikTok has a captions tool. According to Hootsuite (https://blog.hootsuite.com/tiktok-auto-captions/), you can add multiline captions over your video, adjust their appearance, and place them anywhere on screen. The captions can include hashtags and links as well.
Captions are important for making videos accessible and searchable. TikTok’s text and caption options give creators powerful ways to enhance their content.
Trimming and Editing
One of the key features in TikTok is the ability to trim and edit videos after they’ve been recorded. The app provides robust tools that allow you to cut unwanted sections, rearrange clips, and fine-tune your videos.
To trim a video in TikTok, simply tap on the scissors icon after recording your clip. This will open up an editing timeline where you can drag the trim handles to set the start and end points. You can split clips, delete sections, and reorder segments as needed. The app makes precision editing easy with frame-by-frame previews.
In addition to trimming, TikTok also allows you to adjust video speed, add filters and effects, include background music, and more. With its user-friendly interface, even novice creators can produce high-quality, polished videos.
As noted in this Alphr article, trimming in TikTok is essential for creating concise and engaging content. The tools empower users to shape their narrative and highlight the most shareable moments.
Thumbnails and Covers
TikTok automatically generates a thumbnail image and cover for videos uploaded to the app. This thumbnail appears in the video feed and is the first thing viewers see before clicking on a video. According to Simplified, TikTok selects the most engaging frame from the video to use as the thumbnail. However, creators can customize and change the auto-generated thumbnails if desired.
After uploading a video, tap “Select cover” on the editing screen. You can then scrub through the video and pick a frame to use as your custom thumbnail. Choosing an eye-catching, compelling image for the thumbnail can help grab attention and get more views. The ideal TikTok thumbnail visually represents the content of the video and makes viewers want to watch.
In addition to the small thumbnail image, TikTok videos have a full-size cover image displayed on the individual video page. Setting an attractive, high-quality cover can give videos a more polished look. TikTok offers Cover templates to make creating covers quick and easy.
Content Moderation
TikTok uses a combination of machine learning and human moderators to monitor and review content on the platform. According to TikTok’s Community Guidelines, content that is considered “dangerous,” “illegal,” “violent,” or “harmful” is prohibited.
Videos uploaded to TikTok are initially scanned by automated moderation systems that aim to detect policy violations. The company claims this automated review process catches the majority of violative content before it is even posted.1 If the automated systems detect a potential violation, the video may be sent for human review by TikTok’s global moderation teams.
In addition to automated scanning, TikTok relies on user reports to flag inappropriate or objectionable content. Users can report videos or comments directly within the app. Flagged content gets reviewed by human moderators to determine if it violates TikTok’s Community Guidelines.
TikTok says its moderators are trained to assess cultural nuances and consider context when evaluating content. The company has also partnered with independent experts to advise on content policies and enforcement practices.2 However, the platform has faced criticism over inconsistent and opaque moderation decisions.
If a video is found to violate policies after review, it may be removed and the account owner notified. Serious or repeated violations can result in penalties like temporary or permanent bans. TikTok’s goal is to create an enjoyable community and limit exposure to objectionable content.
Copyright Detection
One key aspect of post processing on TikTok is identifying and dealing with copyrighted content. TikTok has automatic scanning technology that checks videos against a database of copyrighted material like songs and video clips. According to TikTok’s support page, “If your video contains copyrighted content, it may be taken down and your account may be subject to warning, restrictions, or termination.”
When you upload a video, TikTok will scan the audio and video and notify you if copyrighted content is detected. You’ll see an on-screen message if your video contains copyrighted music or video clips. TikTok may mute the audio or block the video in certain countries if it contains unauthorized copyrighted content.
To avoid copyright issues, creators should be careful about using snippets of copyrighted songs, movie clips, or other media without permission. Original compositions, public domain material, and authorized content tends to be safer. TikTok has licensing deals with many major record labels and studios, but the rules are complex. Refer to TikTok’s copyright help page for more details.
Conclusion
TikTok applies post-processing to videos for several reasons. First, it compresses and resizes videos to optimize them for mobile streaming and sharing on the platform. The compression reduces file sizes while maintaining quality. Resizing standardizes videos to vertical orientation. Second, TikTok’s editing tools add effects, filters, text, and more to creatively stylize videos. These options allow users to enhance their content. Third, features like stitching and duetting combine videos for more engaging video storytelling. Finally, TikTok uses automated moderation and copyright detection to ensure content adheres to community guidelines and legal requirements. In summary, TikTok’s post-processing aims to create an entertaining user experience while also maintaining a safe environment.
