Cool Editing Technique: Reversing Videos on TikTok

Funny TikTok videos that gain traction with viewers and followers don’t always have to depend on jokes, scripted dialogue, or hilarious concepts. Some of the best TikTok content ever posted uses a time-honored comedic technique: playing the video backward.

Eating in reverse…running in reverse…jumping from a roof in reverse; those are just simple ideas that may get your creative juices flowing. Watching reverse footage can be funny; when combined with more intricate plot twists, editing video to utilize the technique can be downright hysterical.

Want to give it a try? Reversing any video in the social media platform’s native editor is fast and easy.

How to Reverse a Video on TikTok

If you get hooked on creating special effects for your content, many third-party editing apps let you get even more creative with your TikTok editing. This video reversal effect is a great way to get started and experiment, though.

1. Open the “Create” screen by clicking the “+” icon at the bottom of your app’s home screen.
2. Upload video from your camera roll that you want to reverse, by tapping the “Upload” icon to the right of the “Record” button and then clicking “Next”; or just hit the Record button to start filming. Hit the checkmark when you’re done.
3. You’re now in TikTok’s Editing screen. Tap the “Effects” icon in the right-hand menu (two stars). Then choose the “Time” option in the scrolling menu below the video preview.
4. Click “Reverse.” After a brief pause for processing, you’ll see your reversed footage previewed on the screen. When you’re satisfied, tap “Save” at the top right of the page.
5. You’ll be sent back to the Editing page where you can add filters and text, or do any other work you’d like. When you’re done, hit “Next” and upload your finished TikTok post.

Reversing video footage can generate laughs for your friends and followers, particularly if the video features someone you all know. The technique can be much more valuable than that, though; many TikTok users’ “reverse TikTok dance” posts have racked up more than a million views apiece. Give it a try!