I. Introduction
If you’re looking to step up your TikTok game, adding text to your videos can be a game-changer. But if you’re new to TikTok, or video editing in general, it can be daunting to figure out where to start. That’s where this guide comes in – we’ll take you step by step through the process of adding text to your videos and provide tips and tricks to help you make your TikTok content stand out.
We’ll cover five different creative approaches to adding text, and offer suggestions on how to customize them to fit your content. We’ll also provide tips on how to choose fonts, colors, and text effects that catch the eye and enhance your video’s storytelling. And we’ll share examples of TikTok videos that effectively use text to engage viewers.
So whether you’re new to TikTok or a seasoned pro, read on to learn how to add text to your videos in a way that makes them truly stand out.
II. A Step-by-Step Guide on Adding Text to Your TikTok Videos
The first step to adding text to your TikTok videos is to shoot the video itself. Once you’ve got that done, follow these steps:
- Open TikTok and tap the plus sign (+) on the bottom of the screen to create a new video.
- Select the video you want to add text to from your phone’s camera roll.
- Tap the text icon on the bottom of the screen – it looks like a capital “A.”
- Type in the text you want to add to your video.
- Use the buttons at the bottom of the screen to choose the font, color, and text effect you want. You can also adjust the text size and alignment using these buttons.
- Tap and drag the text to move it around and resize it as needed.
- When you’re happy with how the text looks, tap “Done” and then “Next.”
- Add any other effects or music you want to your video, and then tap “Post” to share it with the world!
Of course, the devil is in the details – and there are a lot of ways to customize the text you add to your videos. So let’s take a closer look at how to make your text stand out.
III. 5 Creative Ways to Incorporate Text into Your TikTok Content
Adding text to a TikTok video doesn’t have to mean just slapping a caption on top of the action. Here are five different creative approaches to adding text:
1. Use text to tell a story
One of the most effective ways to use text in your TikTok videos is to tell a story. This can mean literally using text to narrate a story, or simply using it to add context or captions that enhance the viewer’s understanding of the video.
For example, you might use text to introduce the setting or characters of your video, or add captions that reveal the punchline of a joke. Check out this TikTok video that incorporates text to tell a funny story:
(Embed video: https://www.tiktok.com/@shespeaksocean/video/6897383108626666501)
Notice how the text is integrated seamlessly into the video, adding to the humor of the scene.
2. Use text as a call to action
If you’re using TikTok to promote your brand or business, you’ll want to use text to encourage viewers to take action. This might mean adding text that directs viewers to your website or social media channels, or invites them to participate in a challenge or giveaway.
For example, check out this video from skincare brand L’Occitane, which uses text to invite viewers to “tap for good vibes” and learn more about the brand’s products:
(Embed video: https://www.tiktok.com/@loccitaneusa/video/6949176849381306629)
Notice how the text is bold and eye-catching, and uses vibrant colors that match the brand’s aesthetic.
3. Use text to create a mood
Another way to use text in your TikTok videos is to create a mood or tone. This might mean using a particular font or text effect that matches the vibe you’re going for, or using text in a way that adds visual interest to the shot.
For example, check out this video by TikTok user @mrs.spooky.vibez, which uses a dripping text effect and eerie font to create a spooky mood:
(Embed video: https://www.tiktok.com/@mrs.spooky.vibez/video/6956593037823489538)
Notice how the text is integrated into the video in a way that adds to the overall aesthetic.
4. Use text as a design element
Text doesn’t always have to take center stage in your TikTok videos – it can also be used as a design element that enhances the overall visual effect.
For example, check out this video from fashion brand ASOS, which uses text to create an interesting visual pattern:
(Embed video: https://www.tiktok.com/@asos/video/6956281999387902469)
Notice how the text is almost like a moving background, adding to the overall visual interest of the scene.
5. Use text to surprise and delight your audience
Finally, one of the most effective ways to use text on TikTok is to surprise and delight your audience. This might mean using unexpected text effects or playing with the viewer’s expectations in some other way.
For example, check out this video from magician Ryan Tricks, which uses text in a way that makes the viewer question their assumptions about what’s going on:
(Embed video: https://www.tiktok.com/@ryantricks/video/6952685105004451077)
Notice how the text “breaks the fourth wall” by acknowledging the viewer’s expectations and then subverting them.
Of course, these are just a few ideas – the possibilities for using text on TikTok are endless. The key is to experiment and have fun!
IV. How to Make Your TikTok Videos Stand Out with Eye-Catching Text Overlays
Now that you have some ideas for how to use text in your TikTok videos, let’s talk about how to make that text look as visually appealing as possible. Here are some tips:
Choose fonts that match your brand or video aesthetic
Just like choosing a font for a website or print document, the font you choose for your TikTok video can say a lot about your brand or the mood you’re trying to create. If you’re a fashion brand, you might choose a sleek, modern font that matches your aesthetic. If you’re a comedian, you might choose a playful or quirky font that matches your humor.
It’s also worth remembering that some fonts are more readable than others. If you’re using a script font or something that’s difficult to read, consider adding a drop shadow or outline to make the text stand out more.
Use colors that pop
Just like fonts, the colors you choose for your text can make a big difference in how eye-catching it is. Consider using contrasting colors to make the text stand out more – for example, a light-colored font on a dark background, or vice versa. You might also try using bold or neon colors to draw attention to the text.
Experiment with text effects
Finally, there are a ton of different text effects available on TikTok, from neon glitter to rainbow gradients. Of course, not all of these effects will be appropriate for every video – but experimenting with them can help add visual interest and make your text stand out.
Here are a few examples of video creators who have used text overlays effectively:
(Embed video: https://www.tiktok.com/@masovpicks/video/6933299251744042758)
(Embed video: https://www.tiktok.com/@samuelgrubbs/video/6839270778474197253)
V. The Do’s and Don’ts of Adding Text to Your TikTok Videos
Now that you have some ideas for how to add text to your TikTok videos in creative and visually appealing ways, let’s go over some best practices (and common pitfalls) to keep in mind:
Do keep your text readable and concise
TikTok videos are short and attention spans are short, too – so make sure your text is easy to read and gets right to the point. If your text is too small or too long, viewers might just scroll past and miss your message altogether.
Do use font and color to create a cohesive aesthetic
If you’re using text in your TikTok videos to promote your brand or business, it’s important to create a cohesive aesthetic that matches your other marketing materials. Stick to a consistent font and color palette to reinforce your brand identity.
Don’t overdo it with text effects
Text effects can be a lot of fun, but too many can make your video look cluttered or distract from your message. Use text effects sparingly, and make sure they complement the overall visual effect of your video.
Don’t be afraid to experiment
Finally, don’t be afraid to try out new approaches to adding text to your videos. TikTok is all about experimentation and creativity – so have fun with it!
VI. 3 Types of Text Effects to Try on Your TikTok Video Captions
Now that you’ve got the basics of adding text down, let’s take a closer look at some of the different text effects you can use to make your captions more engaging:
1. Drop shadow
A drop shadow is a subtle effect that adds depth and dimension to the text. It’s great for making the text stand out more and making it easier to read.
Here’s an example:
(Embed video: https://www.tiktok.com/@ismailrazzle/video/6985407262780212738)
2. Neon glitter
Neon glitter is a fun and eye-catching effect that’s great for adding a pop of color. It’s especially effective when used sparingly to highlight a key word or phrase.
Here’s an example:
(Embed video: https://www.tiktok.com/@lifesabeach/video/6989390582668643333)
3. Rainbow gradient
Rainbow gradient is a bold and colorful effect that’s great for adding visual interest to your captions. It’s especially effective when used on longer blocks of text.
Here’s an example:
(Embed video: https://www.tiktok.com/@danielthenerdyguy/video/6971665263750885382)
VII. Tutorial: Using TikTok’s Built-In Fonts and Colors to Enhance Your Video’s Storytelling
Now that we’ve covered some of the more flashy ways to use text in your TikTok videos, let’s talk about how to use TikTok’s built-in fonts and colors to create a cohesive and visually appealing video.