Tag: tiktok

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Brand's Resources

Why brands should leverage short-form content: Instagram Reels, TikTok

When looking back at 2020, I’m sure all anyone can remember is the COVID-19 pandemic. But with the rise of COVID-19 cases, 2020 also saw a huge rise in the appeal and consumption of short-form video — especially on the app, TikTok.

Vine walked so TikTok could run

Short-form content — content less than a minute long — is not new to us. It has long existed since 2013, popularized by the now-defunct platform, Vine. This all began when users on that platform would create 6-second looped videos, creating all sorts of content, from synchronized dancing to “meme-worthy” comedy videos. 

Consuming content on the go

Now, short-form content is even more popular than before thanks to TikTok, and Instagram’s Reels. 

This trend can be attributed to a number of factors, including the shortened attention spans of consumers. In an age of constant distractions and an overwhelming amount of information available at our fingertips, people are less likely to spend a long time engaging with a piece of content. Instead, they want to quickly consume information and move on to the next big thing.

Another key driver is the increasing use of mobile devices. With the convenience that smartphones and tablets bring, more people are consuming content on the go. Hence, they are looking for shorter, bite-sized pieces of content that are easy to consume on a small screen.

Leverage short-form content 

Platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter are designed for quick, snackable content, and they have become a go-to destination for millions of people looking for entertainment, news, and information. And leveraging them is easier than you think!

We previously talked about the power of customer reviews, and how it has the power to influence potential consumer’s purchasing decisions. Instagram Reels makes it really easy for you to share testimonies  — simply repost any User-Generated Content (UGC) by getting existing consumers to contribute a video testimonial. 

With the increase of users on these platforms each year, demand for short-form content continues to grow. Therefore, the number of users marketers can reach with ads on platforms like Instagram’s Reels feed and TikTok is bound to increase.

Is going viral a bad marketing strategy?

Both Instagram Reels and TikTok present an endless potential; it allows you to reach new audiences that seemed impossible, simply with a trending video. 

Now, wanting to go viral isn’t bad. But trying to go viral isn’t a good marketing strategy. The internet and its algorithm are unpredictable, and unless you have the pulse of knowing what the next big thing is, it’s always safer to create authentic content true to your brand.

It is also what makes them hooked. Relatability is the strongest tool in short-form content, and when executed correctly, it helps you stand out in the loud market we’re living in. Remember, audiences want to connect with your content, and that connection is what makes people share your videos around! 

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Brand's Resources Creator's Academy

Instagram Reels vs TikTok: Which is better?

It can be hard to figure out which media channels to use for your company. Every social media platform has a different type of distribution content, not to mention different target audiences and media cultures. 

Fret not. Once you understand how the different platforms work and what kind of content best fits the audiences, you’ll be going viral and gaining a following in no time. Right now, video content is crucial in marketing your products and getting your brand out there. What’s the difference between Instagram reels and TikTok videos? 

By Pawjourr

Instagram Reels

For starters, just because they’re both video-based content doesn’t mean they are the same. The two media platforms are giants in their own way and have different ways to connect to audiences. 

Instagram, the old classic. It’s been around for a long time and chances are, your company already has an Instagram page of its own where you post your own branded content. Mainly a platform that posts images instead of videos, all that changed when Instagram reels were introduced in 2020. 

Typically lasting 15 to 60 seconds, these reels allow you to further your audience and reach. While Instagram stories are tied to your page and only your followers are privy to your content, your reels are discoverable through the ‘Explore’ page on Instagram and there’s a higher chance of your video being seen by new users. 

By Pawjourr

Due to the nature of the platform, content on Instagram is inclined to be a little more formal. That doesn’t mean all the fun stuff should be taken away but rather, educational videos for your brand’s community and polished informative videos are more likely to do better. 

You can also decide whether or not to have it displayed on your grid layout – you can move it to the reels tab instead. That way, your content can be curated in a different way than your images. Personalised vlogs, special takeovers and campaign videos all fit the bill! 

Statistics show that Instagram reels earn up to 22% more engagement than video posts shared on the native feed, so next time you want to post a video, you might want to publish it as a reel instead. 

TikTok 

The underdog that grew in popularity during the pandemic, is not to be taken lightly either. Even though it hasn’t been around as long as Instagram, the chances of going viral tend to be much higher and your content has way more chances of reaching new users due to the platform’s ‘For You Page’ algorithms. 

It might seem like TikTok isn’t the best platform for marketing your brand but it’s a huge window of opportunity. In fact, 84% of marketers are diverting their attention to TikTok. The emphasis on community and vlogging allows brands to connect with their customers while marketing their products with ease. 

By Pawjourr

The nature of TikTok videos tends to be more candid and real. Think of funny sketches, down-to-earth conversations and product reviews. In truth, it can be anything. The beauty of TikTok is that, unlike Instagram, there’s less pressure to curate your feed and create a unified brand of content. Since users are mainly scrolling through videos on their FYP, your videos will most likely be viewed individually. 

By Pawjourr

When to use IG Reels or TikTok

Even though there isn’t a strict rulebook you have to follow, after trial and error, you’ll find that your brand will be connecting with different communities on both platforms. Social media statistics show that TikTok’s users point to its rising popularity amongst teenagers while Instagram frequents both young adults and teens. 

The advertising opportunities on the platforms differ slightly. While Instagram is no stranger to including ads in your feed, TikTok puts a big emphasis on creator-based ads against Instagram’s ‘shopping’ section and shoppable ads. 

TikTok also tracks both the brand’s profile as a whole and the individual video performance. This means overall metrics, total playtime and geolocation. Instagram reels offer the general analytics you’re used to, interactions, reach, and engagement statistics with reel-specific data to get insights on. 


Take a look at the CatCare Water Fountain campaign in partnership with DogCare. Featuring Pawjourr’s pawfluencers, the two platforms saw different engagement statistics and results. Since the creative briefs were the same for the campaign, the style and content of the posts remain the same – the only difference was the social media platforms

By @maiathemeow on Instagram

The combined reach of the campaign, with 18 pawfluencers, was 129,000 accounts reached  with 4,300 profile engagements. 

Similarly, the campaign was also held on TikTok, featuring 12 pawcreators from Pawjourr. The results were 539,000 accounts reached with 6,900 profile engagements. 

By @tabbyandtuxedocat on TikTok

 Ultimately, you get to decide how your brand intends to curate your content and persona on these platforms. The difference between Instagram and TikTok might be confusing, but once you get the hang of it, it’s really rewarding. 

Don’t forget that your brand stands a good chance of reaching different audiences through the two different platforms. Growing your community and brand awareness is essential in building your brand, but remember to keep your content authentic and sincere. 

This way, no matter what you do, your content is sure to do well no matter what the platform is. 

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Creator's Academy

Increase engagement with your followers.

Your pawpal’s follower count might be high, but are you connecting to your followers? Engagement refers to interactions your followers have with your content and reflects how interested they are in your photos and videos. Here are some tried and tested strategies to have your followers coming back for more!

1. Know when to tell a story

We are fairly certain that you wouldn’t promote a product that isn’t good for your pawpal. However, you should consider that Instagram posts of pets with their products are a dime in a dozen. You can appeal to your followers by weaving a story into your posts.Tactical Reviews have their uses in explaining the products without too much fluff. Storytelling, on the other hand, comes into play when you would like to tug the heartstrings of your followers, or if you just want to talk about how it changed your day-to-day routines.

Source: idiot_and_kosong

2. A peek behind the curtain

This rings especially true for curated pet profiles with a strong emphasis on feed aesthetics. Your audience will no doubt love your furry friend’s beautiful photos, but you will seem far from them if all they get to see is perfection. 

Instagram Stories allows pet owners to show their pet’s candid and unglamorous moments, without disrupting their profile aesthetic. Your followers will be able to relate to these brief moments of authenticity better and come back to you more often.

3. Stickers = Conversations

Your Instagram Stories are also a good way to actively ‘converse’ with your followers, thanks to the many interactive stickers provided. These will encourage your followers to engage with you and feel connected to you.

Polls, Quizzes, and Emoji sliders give you a quick sense-make of what your followers think about products. As the results of these stickers are instantaneous, they immediately see how their involvement affects the results.

Questions readily seek input from your audience. Your followers are always excited to share their thoughts, and Question stickers give them that space without flooding your inbox.

Source: orichompsdaikon

4. Using the right hashtags

Hashtags help to make your post more visible in searches and reach more people as a result. Selecting the best hashtags can make the difference between appearing on the top of the search, or drowning beneath the hundreds of others. Use a mix of commonly trending hashtags with niche, targeted hashtags to drive your posts to the right audience.

A tactic that is not as frequently used is creating personal or branded hashtags. A simple and memorable hashtag makes conversations driven by you, or about you, easy to find. This works well on both Instagram and Twitter, which are both hashtag-focused. Remember to place the hashtags on your bio so that people who visit your profile will know what to look for and what to use!

5. Collaboration is key

Start a play date with other doggos or felines! When you hang out with more pawpals and make content together, you effectively share a fraction of each other’s audiences. This also means you will be visible to new and potential followers.

If your pet is feeling shy, you can run hashtag challenges and have other pawpals re-create the things you and your pet are doing. TikTok has dominated community collaborations this way to drive engagement and create more content than one can do on their own, so see what kind of collaborations work for your pets!

Source: heihei.oli.youtiao

Check out our social media articles!

How to Improve Videos and Views on TikTok | Pawjourr Blog

Understanding Instagram’s Algorithm | Pawjourr Blog

Making (Sponsored) Videos | Pawjourr Blog

Cover photo created by freepik – www.freepik.com

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Creator's Academy

Ten TikTok Talents To Tune in To

TikTok’s users number in the millions, and each of them has the ability to do wondrous things with the challenges, sounds, and prompts they can find through the app’s community-driven algorithm. We have our own TikTok account too, filled with interesting comedy skits about our staff and resident doggos. So follow us, and these 10 TikTok accounts that will inspire you to make more content with your pawpals!

1. Lifewithkleekai

The daily lives of two Alaskan Klee Kais are loaded with comedy when their pawrents are always finding new ways to tease them. Skye (black and white) and Copper (brown) show a wide range of emotions in their videos and are sure to inspire you to try various prompts with your pawpal. Follow their Youtube channel for longer videos that include petcare for the relatively rare breed!

@lifewithkleekai

Link to uncut YouTube version in bio 👻

♬ Monkeys Spinning Monkeys – Kevin MacLeod & Kevin The Monkey
@lifewithkleekai

It be like that #dog #cutedogs

♬ original sound – Nick Flint

2. Corgidailylife 

Corgidailylife effectively demonstrates the height of TikTok content creation in various ways:

  1. Education/Guides – Without channel goes through various dog care tips and tricks to promote good dog hygiene.
  2. Sound – A microphone is placed dead centre to where the action is — paw-scrubbing, fur-brushing, (Corgi-snoring?) etc. to give viewers an audial treat. Well, it’s not ASMR, but it’s as good as ASMR. 
  3. Timing – And especially, comedic timing. Each dog care video begins with the pawrent dragging the apathetic corgi across the screen to begin the routine. By the end of it, the doggo is left satisfied, and the viewers can tell by how it sleeps ‘soundfully’.
  4. Content Appeal – Fluffy, chonky, Corgi booty. 
@petslover88

Reply to @michaeljames20052 That dog’s paws were originally red,and the foot bath bubbles won’t hurt their paws,they just clenaned away the dirt.

♬ original sound – Dog Lover 💕
@petslover88

Reply to @zvosec23 Click on my homepage link to buy 🥰#pet #puppy #corgi #nailclippers

♬ original sound – Dog Lover 💕

3. Monkeycatluna 

While many pawrents focus on the paws and claws, Luna found herself with an interesting superpower: her fangs! On top of making an assortment of simple TikTok content, the feline is well-known for her #CrunchyCat videos; the oh-so-satisfying crunch sound she makes as she chomps down on snacks is in itself a treat for the viewers on earphones.

https://www.tiktok.com/@monkeycatluna/video/7049172409072553222?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id7038414917137647106
@monkeycatluna

Cats all day: #crunchycat #catsoftiktok #fyp #asmr

♬ original sound – Leah❤️‍🔥

4. Tutiandyuki 

Social media may be a place where people are fed insecurities, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Felines Tuti and Yuki make wholesome TikToks that are equal parts adorable and encouraging. Let their slow, feel-good videos warm the cockles of your heart in a sea of dynamic, attention-grabbing videos.

https://www.tiktok.com/@tutiandyuki/video/7054207461976182018?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id7038414917137647106
https://www.tiktok.com/@tutiandyuki/video/7044155885412814082?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id7038414917137647106

5. Thatgoldendoodle 

Malibu and Murphy are two best friends who can’t get enough of each other. In fact, the two Labradoodles have been caught in the middle of some new mischief every time. Catch their shenanigans and root for them to have their way!

@thatgoldendoodle

Money well spent

♬ armadillos keep digging – Lord of the Tok👑
@thatgoldendoodle

somebody come get her 🥺 #LoveMeMode #RefundGlowUp #SayQuayNotKway #youcanthandle

♬ original sound – andipfromtennessee

6. Thatlittlepuff 

Puff started her journey accompanying his pawrents in the kitchen. He was so enthralled by the way they prepared food, he couldn’t stand just watching and decided to lend a paw. A few videos later, Puff became a reaction creator! Join Puff as he tries out new TikTok recipes and 5-minute crafts.

@thatlittlepuff

OK so I forgot to put the iron in the water 😂 #ThatLittlePuff #catsoftiktok #puffknowsbetter

♬ original sound – ThatLittlePuff
@thatlittlepuff

It must be the oven, not Puff! Tell him if it happened to you 🤣🤣🤣 #ThatLittlePuff #puffknowsbetter #FritoLayRickRoll #catsoftiktok

♬ original sound – ThatLittlePuff

7. Whataboutbunny 

Alexis Devine puts to rest the age-old question, “What if my dog could talk?” Meet Bunny, a Sheepadoodle that has learned the English language — well, sort of. Using a soundboard of associative keywords, Bunny has learnt to speak hooman to communicate with Alexis, with varying degrees of accuracy. To all Pokemon fans: If Bunny could learn hooman, perhaps one day, your pawpal could be like Meowth too.

@whataboutbunny

💔😭I’ll never leave again. #loveyou #dogsarefamily #pure #objectpermanence #foryou

♬ original sound – I am Bunny
@whataboutbunny

Small rain works right?? #fog #howstheweather #foryou #talkingdog #smalltalk #bunnythedog

♬ original sound – I am Bunny

8. My_aussie_gal 

It’s no secret that Mary and Secret are best friends. The Australian Shepard does everything with her hooman — be it music, laundry, or even yoga. Having a pawpal that shares the same vibes as you means your hobbies are twice as fun!

@my_aussie_gal

Morning doga #yoga #doga #australianshepherd #dogs #dogsoftiktok

♬ Grow as We Go – Ben Platt
@my_aussie_gal

This was so fun! #hideandseekchallenge #dogsoftiktok #bestfriendscheck

♬ Treasure#1 – Bruno Mars

9. Scottyhubs 

Scott Hubbard shows off what could possibly be the world’s chill-est and sexiest Chihuahua, Gracie. Scott’s sketches with Gracie always leave viewers in awe of the doggo’s laidback energy, making them wish they had swagger like hers in her thirst trap TikToks.

@scottyhubs

Beware of dog 😈 #dog #ourtable #bewareofdog

♬ Я буду ебать – Moreart
@scottyhubs

Take her to the moon ❤️ #corememories #dog #givingszn

♬ original sound – .

10. Papayaho.cat 

An adorable British Shorthair spends her days playing with her hooman on TikTok. Papaya shows just how versatile the format can be with her various prompts, sounds, and sketches that are sure to make you swoon.

@papayaho.cat

Nom nom nom🤤#catsoftiktok#cutepet#fyp

♬ original sound – kennn 💝
@papayaho.cat

Whoops👀#catsoftiktok#cutepet#britishshorthair #fyp

♬ apple pay w brittany laugh – requiem for a meme
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Creator's Academy

Timeless Ideas To Kickstart Your TikTok Content

Welcome back to the fifth instalment of our TikTok feature! Today we are going to look at some content you can make with your pawpal, so you won’t run on empty in the ideas department! 

Sounds

A lot of TikTok’s content can be defined by the sounds they use, as they easily set the tone for the video. If it’s a commonly used sound or even a sound from a well-known source, chances are you’ll be able to set up some expectations and hook them in. They’ll want to stay and see how the video ends!

Here are some common sounds that pawrents are using on their TikToks:

Holidays

Share how you celebrate the holidays with your pawpals! Holidays, National Events, and Celebrations are all over the calendar. Use this opportunity to share costumes, family practices, or just you and your furry friends enjoying some quality time together.

@texaspommysquad

Up to no good #fyp #funny #elf #petsoftiktok #dogsoftiktok #cute #viral

♬ SANTA OMG! – Ponzoo

Vlogs

While all of TikTok is already in video format, you can use the app to share quirky traits about your pet and see if others may have similar experiences. TikTok’s community-driven functionality allows you to duet people’s prompts too, which creates a whole carousel of reactions.

@haleynoel12

Things I cannot do because my dogs are ✨giant✨ #fyp #foryoupage #petsoftiktok #greatdane #dog #giantdog #viral #meetmypet

♬ Celebrate the Good Times – Mason
@marleymalin

Let me know if you want a second part to this video! 😽💞 #catsoftiktok #foryou #fyp #catvids

♬ 아무노래 – ZICO

If you’re confident about your knowledge in pet care, or if you’re just enthusiastic about sharing your petcare routines on social media, you’ll be surprised how many people will appreciate it! Beyond entertainment, people do view TikTok as a platform to learn something new, so don’t be shy about sharing the knowledge and experiences you’ve had up till now!

@twiniboo

✨Cat care routine✨#foryou #fyp #foryourpage #cat #catsoftiktok #catlover #cat #petlover #petoftiktok #bathcat #viral #tiktok #viralcat

♬ Chopin Nocturne No. 2 Piano Mono – moshimo sound design

Challenges

According to TikTok, cats love it when you brush their fur with a wet toothbrush; it supposedly reminds them of their mother. And did you know that if you play the iconic screech from the 1960 film “Psycho”, the sound will scare dogs?

It isn’t 100% accurate, but there’s only one way to find out — try it out with your pawpals! Challenges are quick, easy-to-make, and quirky content that you can make together. You’ve probably thought of doing some of these, but always passed it off as outrageous anyway!

@deylanbuntyn

Rollercoaster of emotions. #viral #petsoftiktok #petlife #cats #petsontiktok #cattok #catsoftiktok #pet #petslover #foryou #relatable

♬ original sound – Cat Dad Of Tik Tok
@wolfinmypocket

#Dog #Dog #DogsOftiktok #Pets #petsoftiktok #talkingdog

♬ Throw In A Meow – Wolf In My Pocket – Nemain

Need more help with TikTok?

Here’re our TikTok articles to give you a boost. From understanding the app’s functions to knowing how to optimise your videos for the algorithm, we have it all!

Part 1: Getting Started on TikTok

Part 2: Exploring TikTok Functions

Part 3: Tip-Top TikTok Tips

Part 4:  How to Improve Videos and Views on TikTok
Photo by FLOUFFY on Unsplash

Categories
Creator's Academy

Make your pawpals even prettier with these editing apps

TikTok and Instagram may have their own editing features, but we always crave more. Third-party apps have come a long way to make the editing process much easier, and more comprehensive than what the original apps already do. There are many apps out there that can do the job, so let’s narrow down two apps per platform to begin your content creation journey.

VSCO

Free to download (Membership at SGD 11.48 / month)

VSCO is a place where expression matters the most. The app offers a wide range of presents, which can be adjusted to varying looks and finishes similar to classic rolls of film. VSCO also recommends presets based on the photo you select.

Pros

  • Adjustable filter strength
  • Lookbook to preview downloading new filter packs
  • Free to download

Cons

  • No touch-up features
  • No stickers, animations

Lightroom

Free to download (Pro at SGD 6.98 / month)

The industry standard for photographers on their phones everywhere. While Adobe Lightroom does not have presents, its extensive fine adjustment features let you bring out the full potential in your photos. If you’re not sure how to edit your photos, you can use Lightroom’s presets for a one-stop process. Alternatively, if you’ve used it long enough you can save your edits as presets for future photos too!

Pros

  • Detailed adjustment settings
  • Tutorials to guide you through editing process

Cons

  • Extensive features locked by paywall
  • No stickers, animations
  • Comprehensive features might confuse newcomers

CapCut

Free to download (Pro at SGD 5.98 / month)

Capcut Official

Developed by Bytedance, CapCut is a video editor that seems tailored to complement TikTok. CapCut features exclusive copyright songs, trending stickers, and custom TikTok fonts. With these in your kit, you’ll be able to make your TikTok videos stand out!

Pros

  • User-friendly interface
  • Huge library of songs
  • Directly Exports to TikTok

Cons

  • Can only upload one video per project
  • Might lag when editing larger videos

InShot

Free to download (Pro at SGD 5.98 / month)

Inshot Official

InShot is a popular video editing app for quit editing features. For first-time users, its well-categorised library of stickers, tags, music, and sound effects makes the app inviting and easy to understand. If that isn’t enough, InShot also comes with pre-loaded aspect ratios so you can edit your videos to suit the right platform!

Pros

  • Stitch videos together
  • Fast and simple editing features
  • Free to download

Cons

  • No video overlay functionality (e.g. Duet, React, etc. need to be recorded first)

Now that you know…

Editing doesn’t have to be done on Instagram and TikTok. Granted it’s convenient, but there are apps out there with better features. Later this week, we’ll be giving you an editor showcase. See for yourself how your pawpals can look after putting them through VSCO!

Photo by Cup of Couple from Pexels

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Creator's Academy

How to Improve Videos and Views on TikTok

Continuing from our Tip-Top TikTok Tips, Part 4 of our TikTok introduction will touch on three more tips that will improve your videos. Make your videos that much more polished and — by extension — more likely to be viewed by others on TikTok with these tips.

Plan Your Videos First

While some viral TikToks are born from absolute spontaneity, not everyone will have such an incredible stroke of luck. The most consistent way to make a good TikTok video is to first plan what you’re going to say and do. 

Long, unnecessary pauses and stammering in a video are huge turn-offs for viewers. And if you don’t have a clear image of what your sketch is about, you will end up doing retakes and end up feeling like “it’s not what I’m looking for” without knowing what your video is supposed to look like. Instead, show that you know what you’re doing; plan how your sketch will look from scene to scene. Not only will it help you, but it’ll also help your pawpal too. Pets may not have as much attention span to do repeated takes for a photo (let alone a video) and are likely to lose interest. Cats are especially temperamental, and won’t be as willing to entertain you if you test their patience for too long.

Practise, Practise, Practise

If you see a pawsome #PetTok out there and think, “No way my pawpal can do that, it’s too complicated!”, don’t beat yourself up about it. Chances are this Pet TikTok did not record their video in one take anyway. Especially where our furry friends are concerned, no video is perfect on the first take. Rehearse with yourself first how you will be carrying it out, then train your pawpal to do the thing.

@scottyhubs

WAP Dance but with a Dog 😂 #MeTime #wap #dog #fyp

♬ WAP（feat. Megan Thee Stallion） – Cardi B
@scottyhubs

On the other hand, candid TikTok challenges that you do with your pawpal do just as well when it’s not rehearsed. That’s because candid TikToks are supposed to show off their honest reactions. So bloopers and bad takes won’t seem like such a bad thing now, do they?

@betty_and_bean

Betty & Bean:TikTok vs. Reality #bettyandbean #tiktokvsreality #behindthescenes #bts #dogmeme #funnydogvideo #dogsoftiktok #fyp #keepitreal #dogsfunny

♬ original sound – Matty Chymbor
@betty_and bean

Your Pet Isn’t Mute, They Just Can’t Speak Hooman

But wouldn’t it be neat if they did? Save for maybe pet whisperers, pet owners all over the world scratch heads at the age-old question: What is on your pawpal’s mind? Make your pet relatable not only to other furry friends, but also to humans! Capture their emotions with human vocabulary and caption them in the video. On TikTok you can go even further and give your pawpal and audible voice with the Voiceover function. Alternatively, you can use the text-to-speech feature to have a computer-generated narration for your captions.

@hammyandolivia

In the popcorn line of fire #dogsoftiktok #funny #war #fyp

♬ original sound – Hammy & Olivia Corgi
@hammyandolivia

Now that you know…

It’s important to stress that TikTok is wildly experimental. However, it also means you will be seeing content of all levels of polished, organic or otherwise. As a pet influencer, it is recommended to produce content that is more put-together, and spend more time rehearsing to minimise retakes. Look forward to seeing your videos on our For You page!

Photo by Artem Beliaikin on Unsplash

Follow Pawjourr on TikTok to catch our whacky shenanigans!

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Creator's Academy

Tip-Top TikTok Tips

Pictures with my sweet little puppies

Welcome back to Part 3 of our TikTok introduction! Learning TikTok’s functions have given you more confidence to make new videos, and you have probably recorded a few videos of your pawpals. So now is the best time to polish your content so you can reach more viewers on TikTok. Here are three tips that may sound simple, but will really go a long way!

Hashtag Etiquette

Hashtags are an important part of getting your TikTok noticed by others on their For You Page. Some TikToks as you might have noticed have even used #fyp (For You Page) and #ForYou. Before you go ahead with any of that, you should first use the hashtags that are relevant to your content. Popular hashtags to get you started would be:

  • #PetsOfTikTok ( 32.1B views) 
  • #DogsOfTikTok (86.7B views)
  • #Cat (132.4B views)
@unfinishedtailss

🥺 #catsoftiktok #cat #fyp #foryou #fypシ #britishshorthair

♬ Cutest Pet on the Internet – Alto Key
@unfinishedtailss

Mind The Time

TikTok may have the upper hand against Instagram in terms of video duration, but a long video is a double-edged sword. On one hand, the one minute limit allows you to show more of your pawpal being an absolute cinnamon roll (or troublemaker). On the other hand, TikTok users might not want to sit through a full 60 seconds without a good payoff. 

With that in mind, a *better* TikTok needs two things:

  1. A hook to keep them wanting to know what’s about to happen. The easiest way to make a hook is to time it with a song’s chorus or beat drops. 
  2. Quick transitions. An introduction scene should not last longer than 3 seconds.

The best TikToks have a good sense of timing and are short enough for people to want to watch it again immediately.

@muccu888

柴犬ってなんでこんな可愛いのかな？🥺#柴犬 #ペットのいる暮らし #犬といる暮らし

♬ オリジナル楽曲 – J – ﾃﾞｨﾙﾄﾞ18号
@muccu888

Be Content With Your Content

While it is always good to experiment…

Fortune favours the brave. Likewise, TikTok favours the bold. Keep exploring new formats to play with your pawpal. Because the app also shows you TikToks that you might resonate with at the For You Page, you’re likely to find a video you like and would want to replicate. Not sure what kind of content you want to do? TikTok showcases new trends as Hashtag Challenges. While the only challenge is making the hashtag relatable to your pawpals, the only reward is more views and more content for your profile. The featurette does not limit itself to hashtags, it also shows trending music and trending stickers effects!

Weekly Hashtag Challenge

…Having a niche is okay too.

Did you find a type of content that your pawpal is really good at? Stick to it! If you’ve found a format that works for your pawpal, you can use it as a base and make content centered around it. A popular doggo on TikTok, @harlso, is really good at balancing things on his head. He is so adept at it, that users flock to his account just to see what else he can balance!

@harlso

I cant believe I didnt take off! #helicopter #dog #dachshund #fyp

♬ Helikopter – Fazlija
@harlso

Now that you know…

Always remember that TikTok is a wildly experimental platform. The sky’s the limit to what you can do! Keep looking through the Discover page to find ideas, and the For You page to find out what pawpals you like are doing. Have a look at our TikTok account to see how we tackle new trends in content creation!

People photo created by gpointstudio 

Categories
Creator's Academy

Exploring TikTok Functions

For our second instalment of introducing TikTok, we will be going through the core functions in content creation when using the app. For those inexperienced and nervous about breaking into a new app, TikTok works a slightly different niche — community videos with strong collaborative potential. Videos created on TikTok are made with the idea that everyone can attempt to replicate or put their own spin on it, thus creating endless chances to become popular. So let’s look at the modes that you can use to make your videos more interesting.

Discover

First off is the Discover tab. This is the one-stop spot for finding new ideas for content to create with your pawpal. TikTok’s Discover feature sorts out all TikTok videos according to hashtags, filters and sounds. A sound that’s been used a lot will appear as its own category on the Discover page so that you can see what kind of content the sound pairs well with. Likewise, a filter that’s been used a lot will appear as its own category as well.

The Discover tab

One of these said effects is GIF Customiser, which runs a timer to take four shots and display them as a gif video. The appeal in it lies in the effect’s other function — recording the behind-the-scenes process of the gif. Pawpals in this video get the spotlight, of course. Just look at how clueless they are during the whole process!

@kageihina

少し痛い👃✒️

♬ Witch Doctor – kingcupbkk
@kageihina
@lucasandlunarcutecats

Lolll not that easy for my cat 🤣🥲 #cat #fyp #catsoftiktok

♬ Witch Doctor – kingcupbkk
@lucasandlunarcutecats

“Use this sound”

Combining audio samples with a particular video style for a shoot is also a good way to get noticed, especially so when the trend was started by hoomans. A recent trend was “Infinity” by James Young, where TikTokers would hold a ring light behind them to create a halo and silhouette, outlining their body contours. Among the many parodies and alternative takes, pet TikTokers managed to fit in just fine and use the ring light in their own ways.

@steveioe

Had to hop on the trend 😆. MuFKR crew necks are on sale now! Link in Bio #MuFKR

♬ Infinity – Jaymes Young
@steveioe
@inkstaboy

😇😇😇 ig – inkstaboy 🐱 #catsoftiktok #foryoupage #fyp

♬ Infinity – Jaymes Young
@inkstaboy

Duet

Record a video of yourself while another video is playing on the side/top/bottom/behind you. That’s all it is. While deceptively simple, the Duet function allows a lot of room for creativity. A Duet can be used to present images like you would a presentation, to do pet ownership or pet health TikToks. Alternatively, you can create a narrative from someone else’s TikTok. A normal video like your pawpal sitting at the dinner table with wine could look unassuming, but leave it to TikTok to find a way to make a story out of it.

@annaolala

♬ original sound – ICONIC AUDIO
@annaolala
@yoleendadong

#duet with @annaolala can’t trust these stray cats 🐈 #catbar #atthebar #weddingsinger

♬ original sound – ICONIC AUDIO
@yoleendadong

Stitch

If you’re making TikTok content to answer someone else’s video, then stitching would be an easy method to do so. Stitching allows you to use a clip from the video (or just the entire video) to start, then follow up with your own clip immediately after. Pawrents like you can share pet ownership stories using this method of prompt and response.

@mree63

#stitch with @thebudgieacademy this sounds made up but I swear to you it’s true. #dogsofttiktok #dog #animalconditioning #pettok

♬ original sound – Mree63
@mree63

Now that you know…

To be honest, the best way to learn about TikTok is through trial and error. Keep looking at people’s TikToks to see what’s interesting and think about how you can incorporate your pawpal into it. Have fun with the functions and maybe, just maybe, we’ll see your Pawpal trending in the Discover tab!

Photo by Ketut Subiyanto from Pexels

Categories
Creator's Academy

Getting started on TikTok

It needs no explanation that Tiktok is a staple for content creation in the digital age: it is the 4th most downloaded app in Singapore and has 689 million active users worldwide. Most people prefer short clips over static photos, and TikTok is the perfect platform for such content. Videos on TikTok can be made much more easily compared to fully 16-minute Youtube videos and can be completely edited on the go. 

So here’s what you’ll need:

  1. Camera phone
  2. The TikTok App

Content creation in TikTok takes advantage of the new, mobile-first generation. Like Twitter and Instagram, the app is driven by discovery and self-expression. Done right, your content can reach a wide audience. Done better, it can leave a positive impact on your viewers and inspire them to make a difference. 

Making TikTok work for your pawpals

Keep it simple!

As short as TikTok already is, try to keep your content between 15-30 seconds long to hold your viewers’ attention without it feeling too long. Your video will be one of tens or hundreds that your audience will be seeing in one sitting. Keep your message simple and they’re more likely to remember it.

Shoot vertically

Take advantage of the full-screen experience! TikTok is one place where you don’t want to be rotating your phone for every next video (also because their app layout is fixed vertically). The recommended aspect ratio is 9:16. Shooting 16:9 just makes the video very small since you can’t zoom-in a video the way you would an Instagram post.

Use effects and texts

One thing that you might underestimate is the variety of effects and modes TikTok offers (we’ll cover this in another article). It helps if your video feels like something that can only be made with TikTok and not Instagram Stories or YouTube Shorts, so try to utilise all the tools at your disposal.

Use a good cover photo

A tried and tested formula from Youtube’s development: Choose your cover photo. A cover video serves as a glimpse of the video and the viewers should expect. If you don’t choose it, TikTok’s A.I. picks it for you.

TikTok is wildly experimental, so don’t be afraid of making new content. You can also follow us on tiktok @pawjourr to see how we make our content. Next week, we’ll be covering various TikTok functions, so stay tuned!

Photo by cottonbro from Pexels