How to add titles to TikTok videos


Adding a title to your TikTok video is one of the easiest ways to make your content clearer, more engaging, and more searchable. Titles can explain what your video is about, grab attention in the first few seconds, and help boost your views.

This guide explains how to add titles on TikTok using the in-app text tools, as well as other tricks for making your titles look better and stand out.

What Is a Title on TikTok?

A TikTok title is the main text you place on your video to introduce the content. It’s usually added using the text option inside the TikTok editor. Titles can be:

  • A headline
  • A short description
  • A hook
  • A keyword
  • A statement that encourages viewers to watch

Titles appear directly on the video, not in the caption.

How to Add a Title to TikTok Videos (Step-by-Step)

Below is the simplest and most commonly used method for adding titles using TikTok’s built-in features.

  1. Open TikTok

Launch the TikTok app on your phone.

  1. Tap the “+” Button
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This opens the TikTok recording and editing screen.

  1. Record or Upload a Video
  • Record your content
    or
  • Tap “Upload” to choose an existing video from your gallery
  1. Tap the “Text” Button (Aa)

Once you reach the editing screen, tap the Text (Aa) icon at the bottom.

  1. Type Your Title

Enter the text you want to display as your title. Keep it short, clear, and attention-grabbing.

Examples of good titles:

  • “Amazon Travel Necessities”
  • “Morning Routine Tips”
  • “Kitchen Hack You Need to Try”
  1. Customize the Title Style

TikTok allows you to adjust:

  • Font style
  • Text color
  • Text background
  • Alignment
  • Size
  • Position

Adjust these until the title matches your video style.

  1. Hold and Drag to Position the Title

Use your finger to move the title to the top, center, or corner of the video. Ensure it does not block important parts of your content.

  1. Set Duration (Optional)

If you want the title to appear only at the beginning or for a few seconds:

  • Tap the title
  • Select Set Duration
  • Drag the timeline to control when the text appears and disappears

This is useful for intro titles.

  1. Tap “Next” and Post the Video

Add your caption, hashtags, and settings, then post.

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How to Make Titles More Attractive

To make your titles stand out, follow these tips:

  • Use bold or high-contrast colors
  • Keep the text short
  • Start with a hook (e.g., “Watch this before you travel!”)
  • Use a clean font for readability
  • Place titles where they don’t overlap with your face or main subject
  • Add a subtle background for visibility

Good titles increase watch time and improve retention.

How to Add Titles Using Templates and Overlays

If you want more advanced or stylish titles, you can use:

  • CapCut
  • Canva
  • InShot
  • VN Video Editor

These apps offer aesthetic text effects like:

  • Drop shadows
  • Animation
  • Borders
  • Motion titles
  • Preset intro templates

Once you create your title in one of these apps, export the video and upload it to TikTok.

Should You Add Titles to Every TikTok Video?

While not mandatory, titles help in:

  • Boosting engagement
  • Improving clarity
  • Increasing watch time
  • Helping TikTok understand your topic
  • Making your content more professional

For educational, review, storytelling, and tutorial videos, titles are especially effective.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Adding too much text
  • Using colors that blend into the background
  • Blocking your face
  • Placing titles too low (can be covered by captions)
  • Using hard-to-read fonts

Keeping titles simple usually works best.

Also Read: How to add a TikTok shop link

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