How to add text on TikTok and customize it to your video

TikTok has become the go-to platform for short video sharing . To make your TikTok videos stand out, adding text overlays can be an effective way to convey messages, enhance storytelling, and engage your viewers. Whether you’re a TikTok newcomer or a seasoned user looking to level up your video content, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of adding and customizing the text in your TikTok videos.

Step 1: Launch TikTok and Select a Video

To begin, open the TikTok app on your mobile device and select the video you want to add text to. You can either choose an existing video from your gallery or record a new one directly within the app. Ensure that the video you select aligns with the content or message you want to convey.

Step 2: Access the Video Editing Menu

Once you've chosen your video, TikTok will take you to the video editing menu. This menu provides various options for enhancing your video, including adding effects, sounds, stickers, and, of course, text. To access the text editing feature, tap on the Text icon (Aa) located at the top right corner of the screen.

Step 3: Add and Customize Text

Upon entering the text editing menu, you'll see a text input field where you can type the desired words you want to include in your video. Take your time to craft a compelling message or caption that aligns with the content and tone of your video. 

TikTok offers various customization options for your text, allowing you to make it visually appealing and eye-catching. To change the appearance of your text, you can modify the color and font style. TikTok provides a range of color options, which can be selected from the round color dots located above the keyboard. Experiment with different colors to find the one that best complements your video's aesthetics. Additionally, you can choose from a variety of font styles by tapping on the font names displayed above the color options. Select a font that aligns with the tone and message of your video.

Step 4: Align and Style the Text

In addition to color and font selection, TikTok allows you to align your text to create visually pleasing compositions. To align your text, tap on the alignment bars located to the left of the font options. You can choose to align your text to the left, right, or center of the screen, depending on your preference and the composition of your video. 

Furthermore, TikTok offers additional options to enhance the style of your text. To access these options, look for the highlighted icon denoted with an A located to the left of the alignment bars. By tapping this icon, you can add different highlights to your text, such as making it bold or placing it within a box. Explore these options and choose the style that best suits your video's theme.

 

Step 5: Finalize and Position the Text

Once you've crafted your text and customized its appearance, it's time to finalize its position within the video. TikTok allows you to manually adjust the placement of the text by dragging it across the screen. Ensure that the text is strategically positioned, so it doesn't obstruct any important elements or visuals in your video. Take the time to experiment with different placements until you are satisfied with the result.

 

Step 6: Upload or Save Your Captioned Video

With the text added and positioned correctly, it's time to proceed to the uploading menu. Tap on the "Next" button located at the bottom right corner of the screen. In the uploading menu, you have the option to either upload your captioned video directly or save it to your drafts for future editing or posting. Choose the appropriate option based on your preferences and the readiness of your video for public viewing.

Step 7: Editing Text on TikTok (If needed)

If you feel the need to make changes to the text after publishing your video, TikTok provides a way to edit it. Tap on the written text in the video, and a popup menu will appear. 

From the options presented, select "Edit" to make modifications to the text. You can follow the same steps as outlined in the earlier sections to add, customize, and reposition the text as needed. Once you're satisfied with the edits, tap "Done" to save the changes.

Step 8: Setting the Duration and Disappearing Text

To add a touch of creativity to your TikTok videos, you can set the duration for which the text appears in the video. This allows you to make the text disappear at a specific point during playback, adding intrigue and enhancing the storytelling aspect of your video. Here's how you can set the duration for your text:

- Tap on the relevant text within the video.

- Select "Set duration" from the options that appear.

- Drag the time slider at the bottom of the screen to the left or right to adjust the time frame for your text.

- Preview the text's appearance by tapping the play button above the time slider.

- Once you're satisfied with the timing, tap the checkmark symbol in the lower-right corner of the screen to confirm the duration.