TikTok beginner's guide: Start like a pro

In recent years, TikTok has emerged as a major force among social networks. Competing with giants such as Instagram, Snapchat, and others, this entertainment platform from ByteDance has redefined content consumption. Often associated with Gen Z, TikTok undeniably offers a unique experience. That's why we decided to create this guide.

Don't skip any lines to understand the basics of TikTok and master its inner workings.

Understanding TikTok: Origins and principles

TikTok, launched in 2017 by ByteDance, experienced rapid growth after the acquisition of Musical.ly in 2018. With over one billion users worldwide in 2021, the platform stands out for its 5 to 10-minute video format. the uninterrupted flow of content contributes to its addictive appeal.

Although considered a social network, with comments, private messages and even live chats, TikTok focuses on video consumption. The Chinese version, Douyin, meets the needs of the local market with integrated shopping functionalities.

According to the Digital Report by We Are Social and Meltwater, TikTok holds the record for time spent by users, with an average of 31h14 per month in July 2023.

Before continuing, watch this video and you'll get a better understanding of what TikTok really is 👇 

Using TikTok: step-by-step

Although it is possible to view TikTok content without an account, it is best to create one to take advantage of all the features offered by this social network. So, let's start at the beginning.

Step 1: Register and create a TikTok account

To set up your account on TikTok, Start by downloading the app from the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play Store (Android).. Next :

1. Launch the app and select your interests (travel, sports, art, etc.);
2. Click on "Start viewing";
3. Go to the profile menu, then click on "Registration";
4. Once on the registration page, choose the connection via email, phone number, Facebook, Google, or Twitter ;
5. Please enter your date of birth ;
6. Creation via Google, Facebook, or Twitter is instantaneous. If you choose to use your phone number (SMS code) or email address (password), an additional step is required.
7. Then complete your account information (name, profile photo, etc.).

Note: Initially personal (by default), your TikTok account can be transformed into a company or creator account by accessing the "Settings and privacy" section of your profile. And don't forget to secure your account to prevent hack TikTok.

Step 2: Choosing what to watch

The diversity of contributors on TikTok, whether they are ordinary users, influencers, media outlets, brands, artists, or political figures, offers a variety of themes. ranging from cooking to sports, including current events and humor. Challenges and trends emerge regularly, leading to the creation of videos based on the same concept.

TikTok's powerful algorithm adapts to your preferences by suggesting videos that match your tastes. By interacting more with content on a specific topic (watching videos all the way through, liking them, commenting on them, etc.), TikTok will suggest more of the same to you. If necessary, you can reset the algorithm by following these steps:

1. Go to your profile and open the burger menu (≡);
2. Select the "Settings and Privacy" option;
3. Click on "Content preferences";
4. Choose "Refresh your News Feed For you".

Step 3: Understanding the different sections of TikTok

You will find the following sections in the lower menu of your page:

Welcome

Here you can watch videos divided into two sections at the top center:

• Follow-ups (or subscriptions) : videos from accounts you follow.
• For Toi (enabled by default) : videos proposed by the algorithm.

Discover (or Friends)

Find your Facebook friends and phone contacts on TikTok, or follow content creators you might be interested in.

+ in the center

This tab is dedicated to creation of TikToks (see below).

Inbox

The app's messaging feature allows you to chat with your friends and family or creators. Use it to share TikToks that you like.

Profile (Me)

Find all your profile information and manage the parameters.

Additional sections (top)

On the right, use the search tool to find specific videos more easily. Popular on TikTok, this tool has sometimes earned it the nickname of the new Google for Gen Z.

To the lefta section dedicated to live performancesAccess to this feature is restricted to users with at least 1,000 followers. However, we have some tips on how to launch a live stream without having that many followers:

👉 How can you do a live Tik Tok even without 1000 subscribers (followers) in 2023?

Step 4: Reacting to TikTok videos

Once in the "Home" section, explore the videos by scrolling down the screen. Each video, once completed, starts again automatically, requiring an upward swipe to move on to the next. To interact with each piece of content, use the icons on the right:

Designer's profile

The first icon represents the creator's profile. Tap it to view other videos, subscribe, or send a message.

Like

If you like a video, press the heart-shaped icon to like it. Then find the videos you've liked in your profile.

Comment

The speech bubble icon allows you to comment on the video and view other users' comments.

Bookmark

Using bookmark iconSave a TikTok for later viewing. Find your saved videos on your profile.

Share

Share or republish TikTok video via the arrow icon. You can do this via TikTok messaging, but also via WhatsApp, Messenger, Instagram, etc.

Original sound

With the disk icon at the bottomTikTok, explore videos using the same audio as the one you're watching. Some TikTok trends involve reusing an audio track to create a different video.

Step 5: Creating a video on TikTok

If you want to share your own content on the platform, there are two methods available to you. The first is to create a video outside of the app, using ByteDance's Capcut editing software, for example, and then import it into TikTok.

The second option is to create your TikTok directly in the app. Here's how :

Creation in the Application

Go to the + section and choose the maximum length of your video: 10 minutes, 60 seconds, or 15 seconds. Although you can also post a photo or text, these options are less common because they are less in line with the spirit of the app.

Using the editor

Before recording, adjust the settings on the right side of the interface (camera orientation, speed, filters, edits, timer, voice transformation, etc.). At the top center, add music or an audio track from the TikTok library.

1. To register : press the red circle at the bottom center ;
2. To take a break : press the red square to edit live ;
3. After registration: make additional adjustments such as editing the montage, adding text, stickers, subtitles, etc.;
4. To publish : if you're satisfied with the video, press Next, then Publish!

How do I delete or deactivate a TikTok account?

If you plan to stop using your TikTok account, follow these simple steps:

1. Head to your profile;
2. In the top right-hand corner, press the burger menu (≡) ;
3. Select "Settings and privacy;
4. Go to the "Account;
5. Choose Deactivate or delete account, then select "Permanently delete account" (if you wish to proceed with this action). At this point, you will have the opportunity to download your data.
6. To confirm the action, a 6-digit code will be sent to you by SMS. Enter it to complete the procedure.

TikTok: Popularity and controversy

The phenomenal success of TikTok has transformed the social media landscape, prompting other platforms to adopt similar formats, including Instagram, YouTube, and Snapchat with:

Instagram Reels

With a format very similar to TikTok, many creators post simultaneously on Instagram and TikTok. Reels can be an interesting alternative for Instagram users.

YouTube Shorts

In 2021, YouTube launched Shorts, emulating the spirit of TikTok. No account is required to view Shorts, offering an accessible alternative via PC or smartphone.

Snapchat Spotlights

Snapchat's Spotlight section has also moved closer to TikTok, offering a continuous stream of videos in a similar format.

TikTok has been criticized for hosting inappropriate videos despite its preventive algorithm. The main concern is its relationship with the Chinese government, which the United States and other countries fear could pose a threat of espionage, although no tangible evidence has been presented to date. In any case, it is currently the most sought-after social network!

You can also read our article on how to do a TikTok live without 500 subscribers to find out more about this platform.