Connecting on social media requires engaging with other users. Sharing your own ideas is one way to be a part of ongoing discussions and topics, but responding to others can broaden your online community. With its Stitch feature, TikTok is one platform that makes it easy to respond to and build on content from other creators.
Launched in 2021, the Stitch feature lets users combine original content with existing TikTok videos. You can use TikTok Stitches to add to other videos, offer commentary, or answer questions.
Learn how to Stitch videos on TikTok and why they can also be a tool for creative expression.
What is Stitch on TikTok?
TikTok Stitch is a feature that lets you select a portion of another user’s video and add your own footage to create a new post. With this collaborative video-making tool, you can stitchup to five seconds of footage from other TikTok videos.
The TikTok app provides native editing tools that make it easy to record or upload your content and integrate scenes from another video. Users often use this technique to post video replies, share expertise, or just have fun.
How to Stitch on TikTok
Creating a Stitched video is easy once you understand the tool. Here’s what you need to do:
1. Choose a video
Select a video to incorporate into your stitched content. You can stitch one of your own videos or use any post from a public account with Stitch enabled. For better engagement, look for videos that relate to your brand or content that could spark conversation.
2. Select Stitch
Navigate to the video you want to include and tap the “Share” button on the right-hand side of the screen. This will bring up a menu with a list of options. Select the gray “Stitch” button located in the bottom bar.
3. Edit the clip
After you select the Stitch function, TikTok will display your chosen video above an edit bar. Use the bar to select the portion of the video you want to include in your content by dragging the red rectangle to the desired video frames and sliding the ends to adjust the duration. You can select up to five seconds to feature in your post, and the app will trim the rest away. Tap the red “Next” button at the top of the screen to move on.
4. Add your content
The TikTok app automatically pulls up your device’s camera on the next page. Choose your desired filming option. You can use the Record button to film new content or pull up your camera roll to select a prerecorded video. If you’re shooting new content, tap the button to start recording and tap the check mark to stop. Once your video footage is in place, you can use the editing tools to add captions or filters.
5. Finalize your post
Add the final details before you publish your post. Write a caption that describes your content, select a video thumbnail, and include any relevant hashtags. Including an accurate description and tags will help users discover your content. Tag the original creator in your caption to give them credit and boost visibility. Double-check your caption for typos and click “Post” to share your video.
How to manage Stitch privacy settings on TikTok
Account holders control who can Stitch their videos, but they can’t control what other users say. Enabling the Stitch function can help your content reach a wider audience—if a popular creator Stitches your video, it exposes your account to their followers. However, keep in mind that by allowing Stitches, you also risk users sharing negative opinions about your content.
If you’d like to allow stitching, TikTok provides several privacy options:
1. Go to your privacy settings
Navigate to your profile page and tap the three-line icon in the upper right corner to begin adjusting your permissions. Select “Settings and privacy” to open your account settings and the privacy menu. At the top of the privacy menu, ensure your account is set to “Public”—private accounts cannot participate in Stitching.
2. Grant or deny Stitch access
Scroll down the menu to find the Stitch option. This will lead you to a page titled “Who can Stitch with your videos.” From here, you can choose to grant Stitch access to everyone, mutual followers, or “Only me.” This selection will apply to all videos on your page, but you can adjust these settings for individual videos based on your preferences.
3. Manage individual videos
To edit the Stitch settings for a published video, navigate to the post. Click the three-dot button on the lower right-hand side of the screen. Tap “Privacy” and toggle the slider next to “Stitch.”
If you’re creating a new video, you can turn Stitch permissions on or off directly from the post screen before the post is live. Locate the “Allow Stitch” option below the caption field near the bottom of the page. Toggle the slider to allow or disable Stitching for the video before you tap post.
Tips for Stitching on TikTok
Every content format comes with its own set of rules and strategies for success. Follow these tips to create engaging stitched content:
Conduct background research
When you Stitch a video, TikTok automatically credits the original creator and links back to their page. Make sure you feel comfortable associating your account with theirs—especially if you’re running a business account.
Watch a few of the user’s videos to get a sense of their tone and content before you promote their work. Focus on working with content from users who share your brand values.
Make a meaningful contribution
Aim to produce content that adds additional value to the Stitched clip. This could be an educational tidbit, a humorous take, or a continuation of the theme. For example, if you operate a skin care business and a TikTok user shares a review stating your product gave them glowing skin, you could use this scene to create a Stitched video explaining how your unique formulations created this effect.
Respect the original content
Watch the original video all the way through before you use it to create a Stitch. Make an effort to understand the purpose of the video and be careful not to misrepresent it or take any scenes out of context—users could perceive this as dishonest.
Share genuine reactions
Reactions are one of the most common applications of the Stitch feature. Consider using this tool to share authentic responses to other TikTok videos.
Participate in trends
Create a Stitch with a trending video to capitalize on its popularity. Participating in trends may help your content appear in more places, such as in a user’s For You feed.
Edit carefully
Pay attention to the transition between the original video and your content. Make sure you don’t include a frame from a different scene in the portion you select to Stitch. Edit the videos to create a smooth viewing experience.