TikTok Templates: How To Look At, Choose, And Use Them

Some TikTok users are creative and imaginative. When they set out to produce their first TikTok video, they already have an idea of what they want their content to look like.

Many others, however, stare at the “Create” screen and draw a blank. They may know what they want to say or show, but they’re not quite sure how to get started.

That’s why the social media platform provides video templates for fledgling content creators. When they’re ready to start a project, they can choose a pre-designed template, a framework that includes a layout, transitions, music, and sometimes even graphics and text. All they have to do is plug in their content, make any necessary edits, and upload their finished TikTok post.

Even some experienced video creators rely on templates as a starting point before adding their own tweaks, edits, and flourishes. The availability of templates is a blessing for those who don’t want to produce their TikTok content completely from scratch.

Let’s explore.

How to Look at and Choose TikTok Templates

TikTok makes the process simple.

1. Open the “Recording” screen by tapping the “+” icon at the bottom of the screen.
2. Click on “Create” in the bottom menu.
3. In the bottom half of the screen, you’ll see scrolling examples of templates available for your video. They’re also sorted by categories you can select from the menu right above them. The templates are designed to show photos and videos in a highly-produced slide show; each one tells you how many photos or videos (“clips”) are needed to fill the template.
4. Take your time to find the template that best matches your vision for the video you want to produce. You can see previews of each one by tapping on it.
5. When you’re satisfied, click the “Try this template” button at the bottom of the screen.

Ready to make your video?

How to Use TikTok Templates

Once you’ve chosen your template, a screen opens showing thumbnails of the content on your camera reel. Here’s what to do next.

1. Tap the circle in the upper right-hand corner of each video or photo you want to use. There will be an instruction at the bottom of the screen telling you how many clips you can choose.
2. When satisfied, click the “Next” button.
3. After a few seconds of processing, you’ll see a preview of the video TikTok has created with your template. You can use the editing controls to the right to add stickers, effects, or edit any other way you’d like; you can also change the TikTok sound by clicking the ‘x’ at the top of the screen.
4. Tap “Next” and you’ll be taken to the “Post’ screen where you can upload your video.

That’s all there is to it! Pro tip: the co-owned CapCut editing app has an even greater and more versatile selection of templates to choose from.

Have fun!