28 TikTok Video Ideas For a Winning Social Strategy

From an app filled with kids' dance challenges to a star shining bright on social media content calendars, TikTok has come a long way. Once known for being a bit shady and odd, the app's now bringing together massive audiences. There are more than 1.7 billion active users on TikTok, and if you're not on there with your brand, you're likely missing out on The Next Big Thing. 

The best part about TikTok is that it lends itself to new, exciting content types: fun and engaging videos that can connect your brand to your audience and fuel your social media and content strategies creatively. 

Are you unsure where to start or what creative ideas to incorporate into your TikTok strategy? 

Keep reading and learn more about some of the best TikTok video ideas for inspiration. 

Create a tutorial

A tutorial on TikTok is a brief video explaining a specific skill or task. This type of TikTok video works for many types of businesses, from eCommerce (e.g., showing how to use a product) to service-based businesses (e.g., providing tips on how to improve a skill). In this tutorial, we will discuss the steps on how to create an effective tutorial on TikTok.

Tips on how to nail it:

• Keep it short and concise: TikTok videos have a maximum length of 60 seconds, so make sure to keep your tutorial within that time frame. This will not only keep your audience engaged but also force you to get straight to the point.
• Use trending audio clips or catchy music: TikTok is all about trends, so using popular music or sounds in your tutorial can help attract more viewers and make your video more relatable.
• Make it visually appealing: Use eye-catching visuals, such as text overlays, filters, and transitions to keep your audience engaged. This is especially important for tutorial videos as visual aids can help explain the steps more effectively.
• Engage with your audience: Encourage comments and questions in your video to create a sense of interaction with your viewers. This can also help you understand what type of video content your audience wants to see more of.
• Provide a call to action: At the end of your tutorial, don't forget to include a call to action such as "follow for more tips" or "check out our website for more information." This can lead to increased engagement and conversions for your business.

Showcase a recipe

Recipes are one of the most popular types of videos on TikTok. Even if your brand doesn't have much to do with cooking, you can still do a viral recipe to show the human side of your business. For instance, business owners can ask each employee to do a viral video recipe every month, helping to build a stronger brand, attract talent, and so on.

Tips on how to nail it:

• Choose a simple and trendy recipe: TikTok users love easy and visually appealing recipes that they can try themselves. Consider using viral food trends, like cloud bread or dalgona coffee, to attract more viewers.
• Show the process: Instead of just showcasing the final product, take your audience on a journey by showing the process of making the recipe. This is just the kind of relatable content people love! 
• Use hashtags: Hashtags are crucial on TikTok as they can help your video reach a wider audience. Research popular food-related hashtags to include in your post, such as #foodie or #easyrecipes.
• Collaborate with influencers: Partnering with influencers who specialize in cooking or food content can help boost the visibility of your recipe video.

Test a viral growth hack

This one's a great option for digital marketers, business service providers, and eCommerce businesses. A viral growth hack can be anything from a marketing strategy to a productivity tip that has worked for your brand. Alternatively, if your business doesn't connect to the idea of business growth or marketing, you can do a life hack video, in which you either show or test a hack your customers can use with your products. 

Tips on how to nail it:

• Show real results: Make sure to have evidence or data to support the effectiveness of your growth hack. This will lend credibility to your video and make it more valuable for viewers.
• Keep it simple and actionable: Your growth hack should be easy to understand and implement. Avoid using complicated terminology or steps that may confuse your audience.
• Use storytelling: Instead of just stating the growth hack, use storytelling techniques to make it more engaging. This could include sharing personal experiences or customer success stories.
• Share it on other social media platforms: Cross-promote your TikTok video by sharing it on other social media platforms, such as Instagram or Twitter. This can help drive more traffic and views to your original video.

Show a behind-the-scenes

A behind-the-scenes video offers a glimpse into your daily life, work, or events. It's a great format because it can be adapted to every kind of business. This type of video can help humanize your brand and give your audience a sense of connection and reliability.

Tips on how to nail it:

• Be authentic: Don't be afraid to show the imperfections and real moments in your behind-the-scenes video. This will make it more genuine and endearing for your audience.
• Incorporating humor: Adding some lightheartedness and humor to your behind-the-scenes video can make it more entertaining for viewers. This could be through funny anecdotes or bloopers.
• Use captions or text overlays: Since behind-the-scenes videos often have background noise, adding captions or text overlays can help convey the message more effectively.
• Give a sneak peek of upcoming projects or products: Use your behind-the-scenes video to tease upcoming projects or a product launch, generating excitement and anticipation among your audience. Remember to include a call to action for viewers to stay tuned for more updates.

Run a science experiment

A science experiment video showcases a hands-on demonstration of a scientific concept. This type of TikTok may not be a great fit for everyone, but it can work for brands in the educational, technology, or food industries. This format not only provides informative content but also creates a sense of wonder and curiosity in viewers.

Tips on how to nail it:

• Choose an interesting experiment: Pick a science experiment that is visually appealing and easy to understand for your audience. You can also add a twist by using everyday objects or food items for the experiment.
• Explain the concept: Along with showing the experiment, make sure to explain the science behind it in a simple and easy-to-understand manner. This will add value to your video and help educate your audience.
• Keep it short and fast-paced: TikTok videos have a maximum length of 60 seconds, so make sure your experiment can be completed within that time frame. Also, keep the pace of your video quick to maintain viewers' attention.
• Encourage participation: At the end of your video, encourage your audience to try the experiment themselves and share their results in the comments section. This can help create a sense of community and engagement around your brand. Keep in mind any safety precautions that may be necessary for viewers attempting the experiment at home.

Show a makeover

Showing a makeover involves capturing a transformation, whether it's personal, home improvement, or style-related. This format can work for a wide range of businesses, from fashion and beauty to home decor and fitness. 

Tips on how to nail it:

• Choose a dramatic transformation: To make your makeover video stand out, choose a significant transformation that will catch viewers' attention. This could be anything from a complete style overhaul to before-and-after home renovation.
• Highlight the process: Similar to showcasing the process of making a recipe, showing the steps involved in the makeover can make your video more interesting and relatable. This could include time-lapse footage or before-and-after comparisons.
• Use music and editing creatively: Music and editing can enhance the overall impact of your makeover video. Choose upbeat music that fits the mood of your transformation, and use creative video editing features.

Do a Stitch or a Duet Video 

Collaborate with other TikTok creators through stitches or duets. Stitches are a feature that allows you to use other users' video segments and add your content on top of it, while duets allow you to create split-screen videos with another user. This format can help expand your reach by tapping into the audience of the creator you are collaborating with.

Tips on how to nail it:

• Find complementary creators: Look for creators who have a similar target audience or content style as yours. This will help ensure that your collaboration is relevant and appealing to both of your audiences.
• Be creative with the concept: Instead of just copying the other user's video, add your unique twist or incorporate elements from both of your styles. This can make for a more engaging and entertaining duet or stitch.
• Follow up with more collaborations: Once you've successfully collaborated with another creator, consider doing more stitches or duets in the future. This can help strengthen your relationship with the other user and continue to reach new audiences.

Show a process in fast(er) motion

In this type of video, you speed up a process to make it visually interesting and engaging, often revealing the final outcome in a satisfying way. If you run an eCommerce, you could show a product being made or packaged. For service-based businesses, you could showcase the process of completing a project or creating a custom solution for a client.

Tips on how to nail it:

• Choose a captivating process: To grab viewers' attention, choose a process that is visually appealing and unique. This could be anything from making handmade jewelry to designing a website.
• Use time-lapse or hyperlapse techniques: These techniques can help speed up the process while maintaining clarity and smoothness in the video. Experiment with different speeds to find what works best for your content.
• Show before and after: Seeing a dramatic transformation at the end of the fast-motion process can be satisfying for viewers. Ensure a clear shot of the final outcome to give your video a sense of completion.
• Add text or captions: Since the process is sped up, adding text or captions can help explain what's happening and keep viewers engaged. You can also use this opportunity to showcase any key features or benefits of your product or service. Showing a process in fast motion can be an effective way to pique viewers' interest and showcase your brand's capabilities.

Lip-sync to a song

This might seem like the kind of thing only teenagers are allowed to do lip-syncing videos, but this TikTok format can be such a great way to showcase your personality and have a little fun with your audience. You can choose any song that fits your brand or content, whether it's a popular hit or an original jingle.

Tips on how to nail it:

• Pick a catchy song: The key to nailing this format is choosing a song that will get stuck in viewers' heads. This could be a popular song or one that you create specifically for your brand.
• Add a unique spin: Instead of just lip-syncing to the song, add your own twist to make it more interesting and memorable. This could include incorporating props, costumes, or dance moves into your video.
• Engage with trends: Pay attention to trending songs on TikTok and consider using them in your lip-sync videos. This can help your content reach a wider audience and make it more relevant to current trends.
• Keep it light-hearted: Lip sync videos are meant to be fun and entertaining, so don't take yourself too seriously. Let your personality shine through, and have fun with it! Remember, the goal is not only to showcase your brand but also to connect with your audience.

Explain one hot tip

Again, this type of TikTok video idea can work for quite literally every type of business there is. All you have to do is think of one hot tip that connects with your industry or audience and share it in a short, digestible video. This can help establish your brand as an expert in your field and provide value to your viewers.

Tips on how to nail it:

• Keep it simple: The key to explaining one hot tip in a TikTok format is to keep your message clear and concise. Don't overcomplicate things or try to cover too much information in one video.
• Use visuals: To make your tip more memorable, use visuals that support your message. This could be through animations, text overlay, or even just demonstrating the tip in action.
• Make it actionable: Your hot tip should be something that viewers can apply to their own lives or businesses. Provide specific steps or suggestions for how they can implement your tip.

Create an inspirational video

An inspiring video on TikTok aims to motivate and uplift the audience by sharing a touching story, a message of hope, or a personal achievement. We all need them sometimes. No matter what industry you're in, creating inspirational content can help humanize your brand and connect with your audience on a deeper level.

Tips on how to nail it:

• Find a relatable angle: The key to creating an inspiring video is finding a story or message that your audience can relate to. This could be something personal from your own experience or something you've witnessed in your community.
• Use storytelling techniques: To make your video more impactful, use storytelling techniques such as building tension and resolution, or incorporating emotions like empathy and gratitude.
• End on a positive note: Your video should leave viewers feeling uplifted and motivated. Make sure to end on a positive note and include a call-to-action for viewers to take action in their own lives.

Create soothing/oddly satisfying videos

There's something mesmerizing about watching oddly satisfying or soothing visuals on TikTok. This could include any everyday task from pouring paint, cutting soap, or arranging objects in a visually pleasing way. Even if your business doesn't naturally lend itself to this type of content, you can still find creative ways to incorporate it into your brand and connect with viewers.

Tips on how to nail it:

• Focus on aesthetics: The key to creating soothing or oddly satisfying visuals is to prioritize aesthetics. Choose a color scheme, arrange objects in a visually pleasing way, and pay attention to lighting and composition.
• Experiment with different materials: Don't be afraid to get creative with the materials you use in your videos. This could include anything from food items to office supplies. Just make sure they are safe!
• Include a trending sound or a chill tune: Adding a trending sound or a relaxing tune can make your visuals even more satisfying to watch. Experiment with different sounds and music to find what works best for your content.
• Don't forget your branding: While the focus of these videos is on the visuals, it's still important to incorporate your brand into the video in some way. There's no point in posting something just because it's satisfying if it doesn't also connect back to your brand and its values. So find creative ways to include your logo or branding elements in the video without taking away from the soothing effect of the visuals.

Play with the green screen

The green screen filter on TikTok must be one of the greatest inventions of our time. It allows you to transport yourself and your audience to any location or situation without leaving your home. This opens up endless possibilities for creative content and funny videos that showcase your brand's personality and sense of humor.

Tips on how to nail it:

• Plan ahead: Before filming, plan out what background images or videos you want to use in your green screen video. This will help you stay organized and make the editing process smoother.
• Use props and costumes: To add more humor or creativity to your video, consider using fun props and costumes that fit with your theme or message.
• Experiment with angles: Play around with different camera angles to create a more dynamic effect in your green screen video. This can make it look like you are actually interacting with the background instead of just standing in front of it.
• Edit carefully: Green screen videos require more editing than other TikTok content, so make sure to pay attention to details like lighting and timing to make your video look seamless and professional.

Run a Q&A or AMA (Ask Me Anything)

One of the best things about social is that it is actually...social. It doesn't happen in a void, and it's not a monologue you're addressing to a faceless audience. People come to TikTok for real, human interaction. That's why running a Q&A or AMA (Ask Me Anything) session can be a great way to connect with your audience and show them the personal side of your brand.

Tips on how to nail it:

• Set a theme or topic: To avoid random questions that may not align with your brand, choose a theme or topic for your Q&A or AMA session. This will help keep the conversation focused and on-brand.
• Promote it in advance: Use your other social media channels to promote your Q&A or AMA session on TikTok. This will allow you to reach a wider audience and give them time to prepare their questions.
• Engage with viewers: During the live, make sure to ask viewers engaging questions and reply to their comments. This will make them feel more involved and connected to your brand.
• Save it for later: Once the live session is over, save it as a video on your TikTok profile. This will allow viewers who missed the live to watch it later and still engage with your brand.

Do a TikTok challenge

Unfortunately, the history of TikTok challenges is not the best or the brightest. Things have changed, though. From dangerous challenges, the TikTok community grew into a space where users can showcase their creativity and have fun without putting themselves in harm's way. Some examples include dance video challenges, lip-syncing challenges, or even cooking video challenges.

Tips on how to nail it:

• Be original: Don't just copy other popular TikTok challenges. Put your own spin on it and make it unique to your brand or niche.
• Keep it safe: Make sure the challenge is safe for participants and doesn't encourage dangerous behaviors.
• Use a popular sound or song: Using a trending sound or song can make your challenge more engaging and increase its odds of becoming viral content. 
• Use hashtags: Hashtags are crucial on TikTok for reaching a wider audience. Come up with a unique hashtag for your challenge and encourage participants to use it in their video clips.

Talk about a current event

TikTok is known for its fast-paced nature, and one of the best ways to stay relevant on the platform is by talking about current happenings or trends. This not only shows that your brand is paying attention to what's happening in the world, but it also helps you connect with your audience on a more personal level. Just make sure it's something you can tie back to your brand and its values.

Tips on how to nail it:

• Keep it positive: While discussing current events, try to focus on the positive aspects or solutions rather than dwelling on negative news. This will help keep your video and brand's image uplifting and optimistic.
• Use facts and credible sources: Make sure to fact-check before sharing any information in your video. Using credible sources can also add more legitimacy to your content.
• Invite conversation: Encourage viewers to share their thoughts and opinions on the current event in the comments. This will create a space for meaningful discussions and further engagement with your brand.
• Tie it back to your brand: Make sure to connect the current event or trend back to your brand or its values. This will help make your video more relevant and purposeful.

Try out a trending filter

Experimenting with the latest filters and effects can add a unique flair to your content. It can even lead to a very popular video for your brand. Depending on what your business is selling, you can use filters to create eye-catching and creative content that can help your brand stand out on the platform.

Tips on how to nail it:

• Keep it relevant: Make sure the filter you choose aligns with your brand's message or theme. Using a random filter just for the sake of being trendy may not resonate well with your audience.
• Test it out beforehand: Try out the filter in a test video before using it in your business content. This will give you an idea of how it works and what type of videos it complements best.
• Don't overdo it: While filters can be fun, make sure not to go overboard with them. Too many filters or effects in one video can be overwhelming and take away from your message.

Go live

TikTok lives sometimes feel like a parallel universe. But they can still be a great tool to connect with your audience in real time and get instant feedback. If you don't want to run an AMA or Q&A, you can use it to share behind-the-scenes content, the everyday lives of your team, product demos, or even host a live event.

Tips on how to nail it:

• Plan ahead: Make sure to plan out what you want to showcase during your live session. This will help avoid any awkward pauses or technical difficulties.
• Interact with viewers: Similar to Q&A or AMA sessions, make sure to engage with your audience during the live. Respond to their comments and questions to make them feel included.
• Promote it beforehand: Use other social media platforms or TikTok videos to promote your live session in advance. This will help attract more viewers and increase engagement.
• Save it for later: Like with Q&A or AMA sessions, make sure to save your live session as a video on your profile for those who missed it the first time. This can also serve as additional content for your brand's page.

Create a branded challenge

Branded challenges are the types of videos that get the best of both worlds: TikTok challenges and branded content. Essentially, you create a challenge that is unique to your brand and encourage users to participate by using your branded hashtag or sound. This not only increases brand awareness but also creates user-generated content that can be used for marketing purposes.

Tips on how to nail it:

• Make it engaging: Like with regular TikTok challenges, make sure to create a challenge that is fun, creative, and easy to participate in. This will attract more users to join in.
• Have a clear theme: Make sure the challenge aligns with your brand's values and message. Having a clear theme or purpose can also help make your branded challenge stand out.
• Offer incentives: Encourage participation by offering some type of prize or reward for the best submissions. This can also help generate more buzz and attract a wider audience.
• Collaborate with influencers: Partnering with popular TikTok influencers who align with your brand can help increase the reach and impact of your branded challenge.

Have fun with a comedy video

Creating a hilarious and entertaining comedy video can make your content go viral, and it can put a smile on your audience's face – which is priceless. Use humor to showcase your brand's personality and charm, and watch as your video gains more views and engagement.

Tips on how to nail it:

• Keep it relevant: Make sure the comedy video is related to your brand or industry in some way. This will help tie it back to your business while also adding a unique spin with humor.
• Collaborate with other creators: Partnering with other TikTok creators who specialize in comedy can add more diversity and creativity to your skit. It can also help attract their followers to your page.
• Use trending topics or challenges: Incorporating popular trends or challenges into your comedy skit can make it more relatable and increase its chances of going viral.
• Keep it appropriate: While humor can be an effective tool for building connection, make sure to always keep it appropriate and avoid any offensive or controversial jokes.
• Remember to stay true to your brand's values and have fun with it! So go ahead and start brainstorming ways to incorporate these tips

Share fun facts

Who doesn't love a good listicle with facts that are actually interesting and engaging? This type of content can be a great way to educate your audience about your brand or industry while also keeping them entertained. Plus, it's an easy and quick format to create, and relatively easy to connect to pretty much every type of business or industry, too.

Tips on how to nail it:

• Keep it relevant: Make sure the fun facts you share are related to your brand or industry. This will help tie it back to your business and make it more valuable to your audience.
• Use visuals: Incorporating videos or images into your fun facts can help make them more visually appealing and engaging.
• Keep it bite-sized: TikTok videos have a short time limit, so make sure to keep each fun fact short and concise. This will also help maintain the viewer's attention throughout the entire video.

Create a StoryTime video

Sharing a personal or entertaining story with your viewers can create a deeper connection with your audience. It can also be a great way to showcase your brand's unique experiences or values. Whether it's a behind-the-scenes look at your business or a personal anecdote related to your industry, StoryTime videos on TikTok can be both informative and entertaining.

Tips on how to nail it:

• Keep it authentic: Make sure the story you share is genuine and aligns with your brand's values. This will make it more relatable to your audience and help build trust.
• Use visuals: Similar to fun facts, incorporating videos or images into your StoryTime video can help keep viewers engaged and make the story more interesting.
• Have a clear message: Make sure the story has a clear purpose or takeaway that ties back to your brand or industry. This will help make your video more valuable to your audience.
• Be creative: You don't have to stick to a traditional storytelling format on TikTok. Get creative with the visuals, music, and editing to make your StoryTime video stand out.

Run a poll

Running a poll on TikTok can engage your audience by asking them to vote on a specific topic or question. Like many of the other TikTok ideas in our article, polls can also be a fun and interactive way to get your audience involved and show off your brand's personality.

Tips on how to nail it:

• Keep it relevant: Make sure the poll is related to your brand or industry in some way. This will help keep it valuable and interesting to your audience.
• Use visuals: Incorporating graphics, images, or videos can make your poll more visually appealing and engaging.
• Keep it simple: Don't overcomplicate the poll with too many options or questions. Keep it simple and easy to participate in.
• Share results: Once you've gathered enough votes, share the results with your audience. This will keep them engaged and interested in future polls as well.

Create a cute animal video or meme

It's hard not to love animal videos and memes. They can be a great way to brighten someone's day and bring some joy to their feed. Plus, incorporating animals into your TikTok content can help showcase your brand's fun and playful side too, so it's a win-win on all grounds.

Tips on how to nail it:

• Use cute and relatable animals: Choose animals that are well-known and loved by many people. This will make the video more relatable and increase its chances of going viral.
• Use trending music or sounds: Pairing your animal video with a popular song or sound can make it more entertaining and engaging to viewers.
• Keep it short and sweet: Animal videos and memes tend to be on the shorter side, so keep it concise and to the point. This will also help maintain the viewer's attention throughout the entire video.
• Don't force it: If your brand doesn't align with animals or you don't have access to cute animal content, don't force it. Authenticity is key on TikTok, so make sure only to incorporate what feels natural and authentic to your brand.

Do a song or sound trend

Jumping on a song or sound trend involves using a popular or trending song as the background for your video. You can use the song as background for a branded video, tutorial, or simply a social proof showcase if it fits.

Tips on how to nail it:

• Pick a trending song: Keep an eye out for popular or viral songs on TikTok, and consider using them in your own videos.
• Get creative with the trend: Don't be afraid to put your own spin on the trend and make it unique to your brand.
• Use relevant hashtags: Using trending hashtags can help increase the visibility of your video and reach a larger audience.
• Keep it on-brand: Make sure the song you choose aligns with your brand's values and messaging. This will ensure consistency in your content and maintain your brand's image. So go ahead and start brainstorming ways

Run a collab with an influencer

Collaborating with an influencer in your niche or industry can help you gain exposure to a new and engaged audience. It can also add credibility to your brand and help establish authority in your industry. It's also a great way to network and build relationships with other creators on TikTok.

Tips on how to nail it:

• Choose the right influencer: Make sure to research and choose an influencer who aligns with your brand's values and has a similar target audience.
• Be clear about expectations: Communicate clearly with the influencer about what you expect from the collaboration, including content ideas and deadlines.
• Promote each other's content: Make sure to promote each other's TikTok videos on your respective platforms to maximize reach and engagement.
• Have fun: Collaborating with an influencer should be a fun and creative experience, so don't be afraid to let your personality shine and have a good time.

Shoot an educational video

Educational content shares knowledge on a specific topic or subject related to your business or industry. They can be a great way to establish yourself as an expert in your field and provide valuable information to your audience. Plus, this is just the kind of evergreen content you can reuse and re-share for a long time to come. 

Tips on how to nail it:

• Choose a relevant topic: Make sure the topic of your educational video is related to your brand or industry and is something that would be of interest or value to your target audience.
• Keep it concise: Educational videos should be informative but also concise and to the point. This will help maintain the viewer's attention and make it easier for them to absorb the information.
• Use visuals or demonstrations: Incorporating visual aids or demonstrations can make your educational video more engaging and easier for viewers to understand.
• Include a call-to-action: Don't forget to include a call-to-action at the end!

Do a "TikTokMadeMeBuyIt" video

For brands, this type of content works best when it's posted by actual users (as user-generated content) or by influencers. These TikToks usually feature a product that the creator bought or tried out after seeing it on TikTok, and their honest review about it.

Tips on how to nail it:

• Be authentic: Make sure your review is genuine and honest. Viewers can easily detect when content is overly promotional, so keep it real.
• Show results or before/after shots: If you're reviewing a product, showcase its effectiveness by including before and after shots or demonstrating how it works.
• Use relevant hashtags: Using popular hashtags such as #TikTokMadeMeBuyIt or #ProductReview can help your video reach a larger audience and gain more views.
• Engage with comments: Be sure to engage with viewers in the comments section, answering any questions they may have about the product. This will help build trust and credibility with your audience.

Lights, camera, action! Start your TikTok journey today! 

Video content is massive, and TikTok is the rising star in this field. With hundreds of thousands of users swiping, liking, and sharing video clips every day, TikTok's an opportunity you probably don't want to miss out on. It's not just fun, it's also business-efficient! 

Need someone to help you with your social media strategy? Contact Mayple and we'll match you with an experienced, vetted social media marketer in a matter of days! No hassle, no fuss, no wasted time – just the right person for you! 

Psst: want to grow your YouTube channel too? Check out our list of the 69 top YouTube video ideas.