To add text to TikTok, tap the icon +, record or import your content, then tap the «Text» button» in the editor.
You can choose the police, the color and adjust the time of onset directly in the app, or use an external tool if you want more control.
Add text to TikTok videos using the TikTok app
You don't need to’no external tools to add text on TikTok. The feature is built right into the app, and the creators use them to provide a caption for a scene, ask a question, or keep the spectators stuck with it until the end.
It's also a great way to boost your commitment.
Steps to Add Text to Your TikTok Video
- Open the app and tap the icon " + " at the bottom of the screen to create a new video.
- You can record a video for as long as you like, or import a video from your gallery.
- When you're done, on the right side of your screen, you'll see the button «Text» or the icon Aa.
- Type your message, then click "Submit.".
According to recent versions of the app, the text button may be located in the Edit menu rather than in the lower-left corner. Adding text works the same way once the editor is open.
Customize and Edit Text on TikTok
Once you've written your text, there are several customization options are available to you:
- The police, the style and the text color from among several options.
- L'alignment and the size : Pinch the screen with two fingers to zoom in or out.
- The background color : Tap the highlight icon several times to change the appearance.
To move the block of text, just drag it with your finger to the desired spot in the video. You can repeat this step to Add multiple blocks independent tracks on the same video.
Manage the display duration and hide the text
TikTok lets you specify the exact duration while your text is displayed on the screen. Tap your text block, then select «Set the duration». A editing toolbar opens at the bottom of the screen.
Drag the delimiters to choose the exact moment when the text should appear and disappear. This is ideal for synchronizing a legend with music or a line of dialogue.
When everything looks good to you, press «Next» to add your caption and hashtags, then click «Publish». You can also save the video as a draft to post it later.
If you want break through on TikTok, paying close attention to your text and captions from the very beginning really makes a difference.
Add Texts on TikTok Videos via External Apps
Sometimes, TikTok's built-in features aren't enough. You want more fonts, more than’effects or more precise control over the display duration. External apps then take over: you edit your video there, add your text, and then publish it on the platform.
Most are free, with a few ads here and there. Here's a sure bet for August 2026.
CapCut (Android, iOS, and PC)
CapCut is the most widely used video editing app for creating TikTok videos. It is owned by ByteDance, the same parent company as TikTok, which explains why the presentation is perfectly tailored to the platform's format.
Upload your video, then click the text button, you type your message and drag the block to the desired location. Some of the highlights include:
- Numerous animated text styles and ready-to-use templates.
- Precise adjustment of the duration and the time the text appears.
- Addition of music and effects in the same editor.
Once you're done editing, save your video and share it directly to TikTok. It's also a great tool for creating TikTok with photos and the overlay text.
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