TikTok has become one of the most popular social media platforms for creating and sharing short video clips. With its easy-to-use video editing tools, TikTok makes it simple to cut, shorten, and trim your videos right within the app. Here are some tips on how to edit your TikTok videos to the perfect length.
Table of Contents
Upload a Video to Trim
To get started trimming a video on TikTok:
- Open the TikTok app and tap the + icon to create a new video
- Select Upload from the options
- Choose a video from your camera roll to upload
- Once uploaded, you can trim the video within TikTok
Trim a Video with “Adjust Clips”
TikTok has an “Adjust Clips” editing feature that allows you to trim your video clip. To use it:
- After uploading your video, tap Adjust Clips on the right side
- A timeline of your video clip will appear at the bottom
- Drag the handles on either end of the timeline to shorten or lengthen your video
- The trimmed portion will have a dashed outline
- Tap Save when you are happy with the trim
Rearrange Video Clips
The Adjust Clips tool also lets you rearrange the order of clips:
- Tap a clip to select it
- Hold and drag it left or right to place it earlier or later in the video
- Rearrange clips until you have the order you want
- Tap Save to apply the changes
Change Video Speed
You can use the Adjust Clips tool to change the playback speed of your video:
- Select a clip and tap the timer icon above the timeline
- Choose a speed like “3x faster” or “0.3x slower”
- The clip will now play faster or slower when viewed
- Tap Save to apply the speed change
Trim the Start or End of a Video
A quick way to trim just the beginning or end of an uploaded clip:
- Tap the scissor icon at either the start or end of the timeline
- Adjust the trim handles to set the new start and end points
- Tap Save to trim the excess video portion
Use Third-Party Editing Apps
While TikTok has great built-in editing tools, you can also use third-party video editor apps to trim your clips before uploading:
- InShot – Free video editor with trimming tools
- CapCut – Made by TikTok specifically for creative video editing
- Splice – Intuitive video editor with trimming features
These apps allow you to fine-tune your video trims and edits before bringing your polished video into TikTok.
Handy Tips for Trimming TikTok Videos
- Leave some extra footage when filming to allow room for trimming
- Use the timer option to record clips hands-free
- Rearrange clips to improve pacing and storytelling
- Speed up/slow down clips for dramatic effect
- Keep videos under 60 seconds for best results
Trimming your TikTok videos well takes some practice, but using these tools and tips will help you master the art of quick and effective TikTok video editing.
