Creating Short But Memorable Videos

Facilitator: Dr. Bruce Ellis (@drbruceellis)

Join us to learn how to hack TikTok to make short videos that you can download to share with your students. We won't be using TikTok with students, but will be using its video creation capabilities and downloading the videos. You'll be amazed at how creative you can be.

The Basics

Here are the basics to get you started with TikTok:

  • Most videos are 15 seconds long
  • You can record up to 60 seconds in TikTok
  • You can upload longer videos in TikTok
  • Users that have more than 1K followers may be given ability to load longer videos
  • Several templates are also available if you want to do something like a slideshow
  • You need to use the app on your phone or tablet to access TikTok (Apple, Android, or Amazon)

"Formulas"

Products

Here are a few formulas for you to use. Watch other videos and pay attention to technique.

  • No talking but add text to screen
  • Just talking (with filter)
  • Talking with green green photo effect
  • Talking with green screen video effect
  • Reverse video
  • Cut from one video to another
  • Bluetooth Remote Control, Camera Shutter with Bluetooth Wireless Technology (Amazon)
  • Selfie Stick Tripod, 51" Extendable Tripod Stand (Amazon)
NOTE: Choose TCEA for Amazon Smile and a small portion of the cost will be donated to TCEA...but will not cost you any more than if you didn't use Smile.

process

filters & effects

As you find ones you like, be sure to click the favorite icon to add them to your favorites. The bold titles are the names of the filters.

Green Screen

Upload photo as green screen backdrop

Green Screen Video

Upload video as green screen backdrop

Green Screen Sticker

Add photo as sticker in top corner

Raindrop Control

Raindrops (freeze drops by showing all 5 fingers)

Rise and Shine

Become a talking sun

Bling Bling

Have shiny, sparkly bling around you

Burning

Become fire

TikTok Times

Create your own newspaper headline video

Smirk

Suspicious eyes

Eye Color Switch

Blink to change eye color

Rainbow Pupil

Rainbow eye color

Color Contact Lenses

Change eye color by waving hand across your face

Colored Pencil

Create a colored pencil drawing effect

TikTok Text

Type colored text on the screen

Sketchpad

Choose 1 of 3 sketch designs of you

Flashback

Create that 'remember when' video effect

Disco

Have disco-colored flashing lights

Neon Brush

Draw with your finger while recording

Raincloud

Have a raincloud above your head

Portrait

Blurs the background

Additional Resources

Parents' Ultimate Guide to TikTok - Whether you are a parent or not, you'll find this article handy and applicable as an educator.

How to Use TikTok | The Ultimate Guide for Beginners - A nice breakdown on the different features of TikTok.

This is How the TikTok Algorithm Works - Being "in the know" of how TikTok's algorithm works will help you find better videos to use for education...and help you see better examples of what you might want to do for a video for your students.

TikTok & Why Librarians Should Use it (Part 1) - This is an interesting interview of how one librarian is making good use of TikTok.

Ultimate Tik Tok Guide – How to Tik Tok & How to Make a Tik Tok Video that Gets Likes - Elena uses good screenshots and doesn't make any assumptions when it comes to explaining how to make a good video...great for folks who don't feel very creative (like me).