What makes a TikTok video great? - 8 things to get right

Creating great content is challenging, no matter where you’re posting it.

However, we think it’s safe to say that TikTok is one of the toughest platforms to conquer, since you have so little time to capture someone’s interest, and there’s always an itch in one’s finger to scroll to the next video.

But with that said, we believe most people with the right ambition can learn the necessary skills for creating TikTok videos that thrive.

While it might seem random which videos perform well or not, there are actually many things you can do to massively improve your chances of making something viral. 

That’s why we’ve put together this article, where we will share our best tips for making truly great TikTok videos.

1. Being easy and satisfying to watch 

The first thing to get right is creating a video that is clean and easy to watch. All too often we see creators make videos that are hard to get through, simply because they’re not “satisfying” to our brains.

In short, you should avoid creating TikToks that are messy and all over the place. Also, the video shouldn’t look “amateurish.” Instead, you should aim to shoot videos with a steady camera, have only a few key objects you instantly see, and keep the people in frame at all times.

2. Being relatable

This one goes without saying, right? People connect with content that reflects their own experiences or emotions. If your video feels distant or out of touch, your viewers will likely scroll past it. 

To ensure your content resonates with your audience, focus on scenarios, reactions, and language that people can see themselves in. 

It’s important to avoid overly polished or staged moments that might feel inauthentic (you’re creating a TikTok, not a Netflix movie). Embrace the imperfections and nuances of everyday life, as these elements are what make your content truly engaging and shareable.

3. Being easy to comprehend

Always make sure your TikTok videos are easy to comprehend. Often, creators lose viewers by making videos that are confusing or hard to follow. This disconnect happens when the message isn’t clear, or there’s too much going on at once.

You should never over complicate your content. The storyline or idea should be straightforward, with a clear beginning, middle, and end. Stick to simple visuals and concise text, and make sure your audio is clear. A clear format is 100% crucial. The goal is for viewers to instantly grasp the message without having to watch it multiple times.

4. Having an excellent hook

TikTok is ALL about capturing your viewer’s attention. Because, after all, how are they otherwise going to see your video, instead of just scrolling past it?

That’s why your TikTok video needs an outstanding hook. Often, creators miss the mark by failing to grab attention in the first few seconds (the first second is the most important), leading to people scrolling past without a second thought.

Refrain from starting your video with slow or irrelevant content. Instead, aim to capture interest immediately with something surprising, funny, or intriguing. Whether it’s a bold statement, an unexpected visual, or simply a feeling you instantly grasp, the opening moment is crucial.

5. Encouraging people to share

You should always strive to make TikTok videos that people want to share with their friends, as it’s the most important metric for going viral. Creators commonly miss opportunities to expand their reach simply because their content doesn’t inspire that urge to share. This can be for different reasons, such as being too “boring.”

If you want to go viral, don’t make videos that are forgettable or lack a clear takeaway. Instead, aim to create something relatable, funny, satisfying, or thought-provoking. Something that viewers feel compelled to send to others. 

6. Having a clean background

Great TikToks generally have a clean background. This means that it’s neat and organized without too much stuff or too many people. When the background is a mess, the video is less visually appealing and harder to comprehend, which increases the risk of the viewer scrolling past. 

Avoid recording in areas that are messy or filled with distractions, and for god’s sake, clean your room :) 

Always try to have a clean and simple backdrop that keeps the attention on your content. A well-organized background not only enhances the visual appeal of your video but also makes it look more polished and professional. We would actually go as far as saying the simpler the background, the better.

7. Having a clear theme 

Another thing many top-performing TikToks have in common is having a clear and recognizable theme. The feeling your TikTok is trying to give should be distinct and impossible to miss.

Work on establishing a clear theme or mood, like the "old money" vibe that’s gotten a lot of popularity lately. Here, the combination of visuals and music instantly conveys the video’s essence. 

A well-defined aesthetic not only makes your content more appealing but also helps it stand out, making it instantly recognizable and engaging for viewers. And if someone likes those feelings, they won’t scroll away.

8. Being filmed from a one-point perspective 

At least in general, we would say that great TikToks are filmed from a one-point perspective. One-point perspective refers to a technique where the camera is positioned so that all the lines in the scene converge toward a single point on the horizon, typically at the center of the frame. 

This can, for example, mean that you shouldn’t stand in the corner of your room. Instead, you should have a flat wall behind you. 

A one-point perspective creates a sense of depth and draws the viewer's eye directly into the scene, where the important content usually is. This also makes the TikTok more visually appealing, as the composition becomes more balanced and the video more symmetrical. 

Bonus: Having help from Parasition 

Creating great TikTok videos is undoubtedly challenging, since there are so many things to get right. 

One of the easiest ways to get better is by becoming a creator for Parasition, as it gives you the opportunity to receive plenty of guidance while also being a part of a strong community. 

In short, with Parasition, you create TikToks for our industry-leading clients. We provide you with a comprehensive brief of what to do, but there’s still plenty of room for creative freedom. Shortly after the video is posted, you get paid! It’s as easy as that.

If you’re a company reading this and want to create massive amounts of awareness around a song, your brand or product, contact us and get access to the Parasition community!

Wrap up 

Making a standout TikTok video requires attention to quite a few different factors, from ensuring it's easy to watch and comprehend to creating a strong hook that captures attention immediately. 

By focusing on relatability, encouraging shares, and maintaining a clean background with a clear theme, you can significantly increase the chances of your content going viral. 

Very importantly, filming from a one-point perspective enhances the visual appeal, making your video more engaging. 

With these tips in mind, and perhaps some help from Parasition, you'll be well on your way to mastering TikTok and creating videos that truly resonate with viewers, and go viral as a result.

Here’s a checklist of what to remember, feel free to save it for the future:

1. TikToks should be easy and satisfying to watch.

2. TikToks should be relatable.

3. TikToks should be easy to comprehend.

4. TikToks should have an excellent hook.

5. TikToks should encourage people to share them.

6. TikToks should have a clean background.

7. TikToks should have a clear theme.

8. TikToks should be filmed from a one-point perspective. 

Thanks for sticking around to the end! 

PS: If you want to learn about about making money on TikTok, make sure to check out this tutorial :)