What is TikTok and Why is it Important to Digital Video Production
Are you wondering what is TikTok and why it is important to digital video production? TikTok video has quickly become a highly popular avenue for video producers to showcase their skills and for amateurs to have some fun along the way. But what is TikTok? And, more so, why it is important?
Those working in digital video marketing know that TikTok is an emerging pattern that borders crazy now that millions partake in the creation of fun, silly short clips for sharing on the video platform. Both young and old videographers, those with deep skills and those who have zero skills, come together on TikTok to share their love for digital video.
With more than 500 million active users, TikTok is one of the most downloaded iOS Apps of 2019. But what can brands, companies and influencers do to get started in the TikTok game?
We’re showing those who work in digital video production what makes TikTok so special and what you must know about this growing social phenomena.
What is TikTok?
TikTok is a social media video sharing platform that originally included mainly musical lip-synced videos that were 3-15 seconds in length. As users continued to enjoy TikTok, the community also started to add different forms of content including short comedy skits and more silly lip-sync videos for users to mimic. What started as musical remakes has turned into a social challenge in which viral trends keep occurring around hashtag challenges ranging from funny to downright hilarious.
TikTok is easy to use and offers an intuitive platform that virtually anyone could figure out. Users begin creating content almost immediately and then share with other TikTokers.
From a digital media and filmmaking perspective, TikTok is mostly made up of single shot smartphone footage but, we’re starting to see some in depth productions come into play as the app evolves. Users can experience tricks, techniques and special effects along the way.
Using an App to Upload to TikTok
Certain apps allow for immediate upload of a video creation straight to TikTok. TikTok is releasing a Software Development Kit that will allow certain outside apps to export to TikTok. This is a game changer that will likely include the ability to add video from the following programs:
- Adobe Premiere Rush
- Plotaverse
- Fuse.it
- Medal
- Momento
- PicsArt
- Enlight
What Does this Mean to Digital Video Creators?
TikToks specs and dimensions are compliant with smartphone production. But, the use of additional software and the ability to upload TikTok from various software will likely change how we render TikTok films.
Digital video creators must realize that TikTok is not going anywhere and in fact appears to be growing. Get in on the action by learning to follow along with the best practices of TikTok use:
- Know that there really are no set of “best practices.”
- Know that you can learn a lot about TikTok by downloading the app and spending time browsing around the “For You” page.
- Check out the most popular videos and trends on the platform to see where your creative efforts could come into play.
- Take lessons from Vine and other social platforms. Know that creating content for TikTok or any other buzzing app can be time consuming but…going viral could dramatically change exposure for your business.
Digital video producers should consider showcasing their skills on TikTok–joining in on the action.