The Ultimate Guide: How to Add Text to TikTok Videos

One of the most important aspects of creating an eye-catching TikTok video is the use of text. In this step-by-step guide, you will learn how to add text to TikTok videos to elevate your content, enhance storytelling, and improve accessibility.

How to Add Text to TikTok Videos

The TikTok app comes with a built-in text editor that allows you to add text to your videos with ease. To access the text editor, simply tap the “Text” icon at the bottom of the screen after recording or uploading your video.

From there, you can follow these steps to include text and make your video more engaging:

1. Type your desired text using the on-screen keyboard.
2. Choose the font, size, and color for your text by tapping the “Aa” icon. Keep in mind that readability is crucial, so select a font and color that stand out against your video background.
3. Drag your text to the desired position on the screen.
4. Tap “Done” to save your changes.

Timing Your Text for Perfect Synchronization

Timing your text is essential to ensure it synchronizes with the other elements of your video, such as music or voiceovers. To set the duration and display time of your text:

1. Tap on the text you’ve added to your video.
2. Select the “Set duration” option.
3. Adjust the start and end times of your text using the slider at the bottom of the screen.
4. Tap “Done” to save your changes.

Using Captions and Subtitles for Improved Accessibility

Adding captions or subtitles to your TikTok videos is not only a way to make your content more engaging but also improves accessibility for viewers with hearing impairments. To create and add captions or subtitles in the TikTok app:

1. Follow the steps outlined in the “How to Add Text to TikTok Video” section.
2. Ensure your text accurately transcribes the audio content of your video.
3. Time your captions or subtitles to match the audio using the “Set duration” feature.

Advanced Techniques: Integrating Text with Third-Party Apps

If you’re looking for more advanced text options, consider using third-party apps to add text to TikTok videos. Popular apps like Canva, InShot, and Adobe Spark offer additional features for text customization. To use a third-party app:

1. Choose an app that suits your needs and download it to your device.
2. Import your TikTok video into the app.
3. Edit your video and add text using the app’s text tools.
4. Export your edited video and upload it to TikTok.

Best Practices for Adding Text to TikTok Videos

It’s essential to follow some best practices to ensure that your text complements the visual elements in your video without causing any distractions or clutter. Here are some key tips to help you make the most of your TikTok text:

Ensuring Readability and Clarity

1. Choose the right font and size: Make sure that the font you choose is easily readable on various screen sizes. Avoid using overly decorative or intricate fonts, as they can be hard to read, especially on smaller screens. Additionally, ensure that your text is large enough to be read comfortably but not so large that it dominates the screen.
2. Contrast with the background: To enhance the visibility of your text, select a color that contrasts well with the video’s background. If the background is light, use a darker color for the text, and vice versa. You can also add a subtle outline or shadow to the text to make it stand out against a busy background.
3. Keep it simple: Less is often more when adding text to TikTok videos. Limit the use of multiple font styles, colors, and effects within a single video to maintain a clean and cohesive appearance.

Using Text to Enhance Storytelling and Convey Emotions

1. Emphasize key points: Use text to highlight important information, quotes, or facts in your video. This will help your viewers focus on the essential aspects of your content and make it more memorable.
2. Convey emotions: Text can be a powerful tool to convey emotions and evoke a specific mood or atmosphere. For example, use bold, large text to emphasize excitement or urgency, or choose a softer, cursive font to create a romantic or nostalgic feel.

Balancing Visual Elements and Avoiding Clutter

1. Be mindful of text placement: When adding text to your TikTok videos, consider the overall composition and avoid obstructing important visual elements. Place your text in areas where it doesn’t distract from the main action or subject matter in the video.
2. Use whitespace effectively: Whitespace, or the empty space around your text, can help create a balanced and visually appealing composition. Ensure that your text isn’t too cramped or cluttered by leaving enough space around it.
3. Limit the amount of text: Keep your messages concise and to the point. Consider breaking down the longer text into shorter phrases or sentences that appear sequentially.