How to add transition effects to a video on TikTok using in-app tools

• You can do transitions on TikTok using the app’s on-board editing function to add effects, or download third-party apps that are compatible with TikTok.
• TikTok transitions are simple video effects that can add some fun and creativity to your clips.
• Visit Business Insider’s Tech Reference library for more stories.

If you’re unfamiliar, TikTok is an algorithm-driven video app where people can shoot, edit, upload, and share videos between one to 60 seconds. You can follow people for a curated feed, or browse a random selection of videos TikTok prepares for you based on your engagement with content, known as the For You Page (FYP). 

What began as an app primarily for lip-syncing songs and dancing has become what some may view as video Tumblr. The platform is home to cooking how-to videos, comedic challenges, elaborate community in-jokes, a platform for political activism, mental health support, and more.

If you’re bored at home and want to join in on the fun, the good news is it’s incredibly easy to make your own videos on TikTok. Part of creating is using the app’s on-board effects, such as transitions to change the look and feel of your videos, as well as to add dimension and engagement.

There are eight unique transitions available on TikTok – Turn on TV, Turn off TV, Slip, Scroll, Horizon, Vertical, Rotate, and Circle. These transitions essentially describe the action being done to your video; for example, the Scroll transition mirrors the effect of scrolling through a feed by making a scene change appear using that visual.

How to do transitions on TikTok

Transitions are just one editing feature. Though TikTok’s video editing software is simple, creators have used it to impressive results. 

1. Open TikTok.

2. Tap the plus button in the center of your toolbar.

3. This opens the camera. Upload or record a video. I'm going to shoot two clips, one holding up one finger, followed by another holding up two fingers, so the first and second shot are distinct.

4. At the bottom of your screen, tap "Effects."

5. Tap "Transition."

6. Drag the slider tool to wherever you want your transition. I'm going to place it right around the cut between the two clips.

• For a clean transition, adjust the placement. Depending on the length of the transition, you might want to place it toward the end of the first clip and a little before the second. That ensures the transition is actually happening during the cut, rather than on top of it.

7. Select your transition. The app will automatically play your video from the beginning of the transition to the end of the clip.

8. If you don't like the placement of the transition, hit the back arrow.

9. Tap the transition icon more than once to add another transition.

10. When you're done, tap play to review your whole video.

11. If you're happy with your transition, tap "Save" in the top right corner, and now you're ready to post your video to TikTok.

You can also add transitions to your TikTok video using a third-party app, which provides you with more advanced editing options and flexibility  (like "jumping" into an outfit change). Some popular ones are BeeCut, Inshot, Videoshop, and Magisto, as well as plenty others. Depending on the type of customization you seek, one may rank above the other. Make sure you save the edited video to your camera roll when you're done to then upload it to TikTok.