How To Start a TikTok and Finish It Later

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Carolyn Howell

Last Updated: May 13, 2024

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Editing is a big part of the fun of creating TikTok videos! With so many tools, filters, and effects to play with, you may need more time to get the perfect final cut. Do you want to know how to start a TikTok and finish it later? We got you!

Creating and Editing a TikTok Video Without Posting It

Are you new to TikTok and still exploring its extensive selection of editing tools? Even if you’re already TikTok savvy, experimenting with new effects or video styles may require more time before you’re ready to post. Here’s your step-by-step guide on how to finish a TikTok later!

1. Setting up Your Camera

Recording a video straight from the app makes editing more convenient, as you can add some filters and effects before pressing the Record button. Below are the different ways to set up your camera:

  • Flip. Use your front or rear camera by tapping the Flip button in the top right corner. 
  • Video length. Choose from 15 seconds, 60 seconds, or 10 minutes. You can stop recording at any time.
  • Speed. Set/adjust your video speed. Choose from 0.3x or 0.5x to slow down your video. Normal speed is 1x. Speed up your video by choosing 2x or 3x.
  • Timer. Set a timer for when your phone will start and end recording.
  • Flash. Tap the Flash icon to turn on your camera light. This is only available when you’re using your rear camera. 

You can also add Filters, Beautify, and Voice effects before you start recording. 

2. Explore Effects and Filters

Add details and enhance your video with TikTok Effects, Filters, and Voice Effects. You can record with an effect or a filter or add them after recording. 

TikTok categorizes Effects into:

  • Trending
  • New
  • Visual
  • Transition
  • Motion
  • Trick
  • Sticker
  • Split
  • Time 

You can select from the following types of Filters:

  • Portrait
  • Landscape
  • Food
  • Vibe 

Voice Effects alter how you sound in the video. You alter your sound with the following voice effects:

  • Telephone
  • Echo
  • Equalizer 
  • Mic
  • Trickster
  • Beauty guru
  • Chipmunk
  • Sneaky
  • Jessie
  • Helium
  • Literature
  • Bae

3. Add Sound

Tap the Add Sound button at the top to explore trending sounds on TikTok or find your own. Tap the scissors icon to edit the sound. Tap the bookmark icon to add a sound to your Favorites. You can also adjust the sound volume by tapping the volume icon in the bottom right corner. 

Choose from the following categories:

  • Recommended
  • Favorites
  • Recent 

4. Add Text, Stickers, and Captions

The Text feature lets you superimpose your text on the video. You can choose from a variety of fonts, colors, and alignments. You can also select when the text will appear and disappear or keep the text visible throughout the video. 

The Stickers feature lets you add interactive and other fun stickers anywhere on your video. You can add a photo from your device as a sticker. Use the @Mention sticker to tag someone or the Poll sticker to ask your viewers a question. You’ll also find the emojis within the Stickers feature. 

The Captions feature automatically generates captions or subs for your video. You can edit the caption to correct it, as well as change the font style and color. 

5. Editing Tools and Templates

The Edit button lets you edit individual clips in your video. You can trim, split, crop, or rotate the video. You can also add sound, text, effects, or an overlay only to certain parts of the video and adjust the volume. 

If you want a quick edit, explore beautiful video Templates. A video template automatically applies a set of effects, filters, sounds, and more to your video. 

6. How To Start a TikTok and Finish It Later: Saving a Draft Video

You can save your video as a draft anytime during the editing stage. Just tap the X in the top left corner, then select Save draft

If you’re happy with your edits but not yet ready to post them, tap Next. On the Post page, you can add your video description, edit your cover image, and adjust your video settings. You can also do this later by immediately tapping the Drafts button at the bottom. 

When you’re ready to resume editing your video draft, go to your Profile and tap the Drafts folder. Select the draft you want to edit. TikTok will take you back to the editing screen. Continue editing, then tap Next. Finish your post, then tap Post. Or you can save the video as a draft again. 

Note that you will lose all your drafts if you ever need to uninstall TikTok from your device. Save them to your device first if you still want to keep working on them. 

Master the Art of TikTok Creation for Consistent and Quality Posts

TikTok ensures you can produce great videos with its suite of tools, regardless of your age and skill level. You don’t even need fancy video equipment. A smartphone and the TikTok app are all you need!

Start with the primary text effects, voice effects, and filters. Learn how to trim, split, and crop videos. Then, it advances to more complicated transitions and other augmented reality (AR) effects. Before you know it, you’ll soon be a TikTok pro. 

Learn how to start a TikTok and finish it later to have more time to create visually compelling content that drives high engagement. Find editing styles that best suit your type of content and audience, and share content consistently. Consistency in posting will help you maintain good visibility and audience interest. 

Just as important is connecting with genuinely interested viewers. Sign up for a High Social plan to ensure your posts reach your target audience each and every time. 

High Social’s advanced, proprietary AI technology lets you double your targeting power so you’ll always get engaged viewers. Start growing your TikTok today!

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