Lately, TikTok has become more than just a platform for sharing fun moments—it’s a stage where creativity meets professionalism. In fact, stats report 15 million independent businesses trust TikTok to successfully generate leads and sales for them. This includes both big businesses and small.
Given this, it’s become more important than ever for businesses to craft TikToks that stand out. The platform is not only high-yielding but also buzzing from competition.
So, in this guide, we’ll share seven expert tips to transform your TikToks from amateur to pro. These will ultimately make your TikToks look more professional and you can watch your audience engagement soar. 😌
Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
7 Tips to Make Your TikToks Look More Professional
Here are 7 ways you can make your TikToks look more professional…
1. Capture with at least 24-36 Megapixels
When aiming for professional-quality TikToks, the term “megapixels” refers to the resolution or clarity of the images you capture. A higher megapixel count means more pixels in the image, resulting in finer details and sharper visuals.
For TikTok content, we recommend aiming for a minimum of 24 to 36 megapixels. It ensures that your videos maintain their quality even when zoomed in or viewed on larger screens.
To achieve this level of resolution, consider using smartphones or cameras known for their excellent image quality. Smartphones like the iPhone 13 Pro Max, Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, or Google Pixel 6 Pro offer high megapixel counts and advanced camera features that are well-suited for professional TikTok content creation.
Suggested read: How to shoot an awesome video with an iPhone?
Similarly, DSLR or mirrorless cameras such as the Canon EOS R5, Sony Alpha a7R IV, or Nikon Z7 II provide exceptional image clarity and flexibility for shooting TikToks with professional-grade results.
By capturing your TikToks with a device boasting 24-36 megapixels, you ensure that your content maintains a level of visual quality that resonates with your audience and sets your videos apart from the crowd.
2. Use a Tripod
In the age of Instagram reels and TikToks, tripod has become one of the essential-buys for every content creator. It is, in fact, the secret weapon behind achieving this polished look.
A tripod provides a stable base for your camera, eliminating the shaky or jittery movements that can detract from the overall quality of your TikToks. Ultimately, ensuring a smooth and steady footage.
When selecting a tripod, opt for one that is sturdy, adjustable, and compatible with your camera or smartphone. Look for features such as adjustable height, tilt, and pan capabilities, as well as a solid build that can support the weight of your device without wobbling or tipping over.
For smartphone users, consider investing in a tripod with a smartphone mount or clamp attachment. This allows you to securely attach your phone to the tripod. Thus, keeping it in place while you film your TikToks. Some tripods even come with additional features like remote shutter controls or swivel heads, providing even more versatility and convenience.
So, whether you’re filming a stationary scene or capturing dynamic movement, using a tripod ensures that your shots remain steady and professional-looking. By stabilizing your camera and minimizing unwanted vibrations, a tripod helps elevate the overall quality of your TikTok content and enhances the viewing experience for your audience.
3. Avoid Disturbing Trendy Tracks
Although it may be tempting to jump on the latest music trends for your TikTok videos, it’s essential to consider the long-term impact on your content’s professionalism. Avoid using overly trendy or disruptive tracks that may distract viewers from your message or overshadow the quality of your video.
Instead, opt for music that complements the mood and theme of your TikTok without overpowering it. Look for tracks that have a timeless appeal or fit seamlessly into the background of your video, enhance the overall viewing experience without stealing the spotlight.
More specifically, the types of trendy tracks you might want to avoid are:
- Overly repetitive or gimmicky songs that may quickly become outdated. For example: Friday by Rebecca Black (2011), which gained popularity as a viral sensation but may not lend itself well to professional content due to its novelty factor.
- Songs with controversial lyrics or themes that could alienate or offend your audience.
- Tracks associated with viral challenges or memes that may quickly lose relevance. For example, Old Town Road by Lil Nas X featuring Billy Ray Cyrus, which gained massive popularity as part of the Yeehaw Challenge but may now feel overused and cliché in professional contexts.
- Tracks associated with specific challenges or memes that may lose relevance over time. For example: Renegade by K Camp, which was widely used for dance challenges but may now feel overdone and lacking in originality.
We recommend opting for the following types of tracks:
- Instrumental music or background tracks with a neutral tone and pleasant melody. An excellent example is the track Sunrise by Ikson – a mellow and uplifting instrumental track suitable for a wide range of video content.
- Ambient sounds or nature sounds that create a calming or immersive atmosphere. Rainforest Ambience by Relaxing Nature Sounds is a good example. It provides a soothing backdrop for meditation, relaxation, or scenic footage.
- Upbeat but non-intrusive tracks with a positive vibe that energize your audience without overpowering your message. For example, consider Feel Good by MusicbyAden. It is a cheerful and catchy track that adds a sense of optimism and joy to your TikToks.
4. Use the Green Screen Effect
Utilizing TikTok’s Green Screen Effect can also significantly enhance the professionalism and visual appeal of your videos.
Start by selecting compatible backgrounds that complement your content and ensure proper lighting to avoid shadows and inconsistencies. Position yourself against a solid-colored background, preferably green, for optimal results.
Apply the Green Screen Effect using TikTok’s editing tools, adjusting settings as needed for a seamless integration. Experiment with various backgrounds from TikTok’s library or upload your own to add depth and intrigue to your videos.
You might also want to fine-tune the effect to ensure a polished finish, and preview your video to confirm its visual impact.
5. Add Text (Overlays or Closed Captions)
Incorporating text overlays or closed captions into your TikTok videos can enhance engagement and accessibility for your audience by 10 levels.
Here’s how to do it effectively:
- Highlight Key Points: Use text overlays to emphasize important messages, key points, or calls to action in your videos. Keep the text concise and easy to read, using bold fonts and contrasting colors to ensure visibility.
- Enhance Storytelling: Utilize text overlays to provide context, backstory, or additional information that complements your video content. This can help enhance the storytelling aspect of your TikToks and keep viewers engaged from start to finish.
- Improve Accessibility: Incorporate closed captions into your videos to make them accessible to viewers who are deaf or hard of hearing. This not only expands your audience reach but also demonstrates inclusivity and thoughtfulness in your content creation.
But as we always say, If you’re unable to add text overlays or closed captions to your TikToks yourself, don’t hesitate in seeking assistance from platforms like editvideo.io. As professional video editors, editvideo.io can seamlessly integrate text elements into your videos.
6. Use 3 Point Lighting System
The 3 Point Lighting System is a fundamental technique used in photography, filmmaking, and videography to achieve balanced and professional-looking lighting. It consists of three primary light sources strategically positioned around the subject: the key light, fill light, and backlight:
- Key Light: This is the primary light source and is typically the brightest of the three. It’s positioned at a 45-degree angle to the side of the camera and slightly above the subject. The key light illuminates the main features of the subject, providing definition and depth to the scene.
- Fill Light: Positioned on the opposite side of the key light, the fill light helps to soften shadows created by the key light. It provides overall illumination to the scene without adding harsh shadows, creating a more balanced and flattering lighting effect.
- Backlight: Placed behind the subject and angled slightly downward, the backlight adds separation between the subject and the background. It creates a rim of light around the edges of the subject, enhancing their visibility and adding depth to the scene.
It is used in various forms of visual media production, including film, television, photography, and yes, TikTok. It’s important because proper lighting is essential for capturing high-quality, professional-looking footage. It also allows creators to control the intensity, direction, and quality of light — which results in a super visually appealing and engaging content.
Plus, it helps to eliminate harsh shadows, enhance facial features, and add depth to the scene. Overall, resulting in a more polished and professional-looking final product.
7. Do Not Overcrowd the Colors
Maintaining a balanced color palette is essential for creating visually appealing TikTok videos that look professional and cohesive. Here’s how to ensure your color scheme doesn’t overwhelm your content:
- Choose a Primary Color Scheme: Start by selecting one or two primary colors to anchor your video’s aesthetic. These colors should reflect the mood or theme of your content and remain consistent throughout your video.
- Limit the Number of Colors: Avoid overcrowding your video with too many different colors, as this can lead to a cluttered and chaotic appearance. Stick to a limited color palette to maintain visual harmony and coherence.
- Use Color Blocking: Organize your video’s elements into distinct color blocks to create a clean and structured composition. This helps to visually separate different elements and prevents the colors from competing for attention.
- Emphasize Contrast: Incorporate contrast into your color scheme by pairing light and dark colors or complementary hues. This adds visual interest and depth to your video, making it more engaging and dynamic.
- Consider the Background: Pay attention to the background color or backdrop of your video, as it can influence the overall color scheme. Choose a background color that complements your subject and enhances the mood or theme of your content.
- Use Color Grading Wisely: Apply color grading techniques to enhance the overall look and feel of your video, but be mindful not to overdo it. Subtle adjustments to contrast, saturation, and hue can help unify your color palette and create a cohesive visual style.
- Test Your Color Scheme: Before finalizing your video, preview it to ensure that the colors work well together and convey the desired mood or message. Make any necessary adjustments to the color scheme to achieve the desired aesthetic.
Suggested read: How to incorporate brand color palette in your videos?
End Note
Summing up, mastering the art of professional TikTok content creation involves careful attention to detail, from lighting and color schemes to text overlays and closed captions. Additionally, incorporating subtle transitions in your video’s intro and outro can further elevate its quality.
For those seeking assistance in achieving smooth transitions and other editing techniques, professional video editing services like editvideo.io offer valuable expertise to enhance your TikTok presence effortlessly!
