How to Do a Voiceover on TikTok to Narrate Videos

TikTok's voiceover feature improves visual story-telling by equipping creators with tools to narrate videos. In this step-by-step tutorial, I'm sharing how to do a voiceover on TikTok.

How many times have you recorded a TikTok video, and the audio was underwhelming? With voiceovers, you can create the tone, energy, and style needed to support the story.

More creators are tapping into the voiceover feature for off-screen dialogue that adds depth to a video. Comedians add funny voiceovers to develop and tell jokes, and lifestyle creators narrate hauls, so products are front and center. Some creators are known more for their distinct tone and story-telling abilities than their face.

In this article, I'll explain how to do a voiceover on TikTok for videos better suited for narration or when you need a break from the camera.

How to Do a Voiceover on TikTok

TikTok's voiceover feature makes story-telling simple. Prior to this feature, creators would use video editing software like iMovie to get the job done.

On your iPhone or Android device, open TikTok and tap the "+" sign icon.
Press record or tap upload to add a video from your phone. You can make a TikTok video that's up to 60 seconds long or as short as three seconds.
Tap next or a red checkmark when you're finished recording. Next, tap voiceover located above the microphone symbol.

I recommend writing down what you want to say before pressing record. You can't record over the audio, and you want to pace your narration to be no longer than the video.

Try these modern TikTok tools:

Long press the record button to begin narrating, then release it when you're finished. You can leave in the original audio by checking " keep original sound" or uncheck the circle to remove the original audio.

Tap save to go to the next screen. From here, you can add text, filters, stickers, and effects to customize the appearance of your video. Tap next and fill out the last screen before posting the video.

You're all set to make more TikTok videos with a voiceover!

This feature presents new opportunities for creators to experiment with content. You can make parody videos featuring viral clips, then use the voiceover feature as a dubbing device. Add voiceovers to tutorials so viewers get an in-depth look at what you're making. I follow several lifestyle creators that make product review videos with voiceovers. You get a realistic view of how something works before making a purchase.

Here are a few TikTok videos with voiceovers to brainstorm ideas.

@carrieberkk
how to text an ANIMATED OCEAN to ur bff! #howto #bff #hacks #lifehacks
♬ original sound - Carrie Berk

@katiefeeneyy
what dessert should we make next?? #couplethings #foodie #tiktokdiy
♬ Monkeys Spinning Monkeys - Kevin MacLeod

@blondesigns
I had to try it... ##tiktokdiy ##diy ##trashtocash ##homedecor ##interiordesign ##thriftflip
♬ pastel skies - Rook1e

How to Make a Siri Voiceover on TikTok

The text-to-speech feature improved TikTok's accessibility, and creators have expanded its function. Siri narrated the viral group chat trend where creators revealed funny conversations between friends and family. If you're shy or cringe at the sound of your voice like me, let Siri do the talking.

Open Tiktok on your Android or iPhone and tap the "+" sign.
Tap record to film a video within the app or tap upload to add a video from your device.
Tap the red checkmark or next, then tap the text tool to type your narration.

Long press the text and tap text-to-speech. Once it's finished processing, Siri will read the text out loud. If you edit the text, reapply the text-to-speech feature to update Siri. When you're finished, tap next to fill out the last screen with a description and hashtags, then post your video.

The examples below show the range of the text-to-speech feature. Siri introduces a funny mishap and pets are given the ability to engage in a group chat.

@lilloafygirl
PLS I CANNOT #ZodiacSign #2021Affirmations #SkinCare101 #bestfriend #hiking #canada #canadian #hahaha #fyp #foryou #foryoupage #texttospeech
♬ Elevator Music - Bohoman

@thehenrypack
#GroupChat #funnydogs #texttospeech
♬ Dog group chat - The Henry Pack

How to Record a Voiceover in Kapwing

While TikTok's voiceover feature is easy to use, the editing capabilities are limited. The right external editor can loop audio and adjust the volume to balance sounds. In this section, I'll show you how to record and edit a voiceover in Kapwing for a clear listening experience.

Open Kapwing and upload video
Record Audio
Export and download

Step One: Open Kapwing and Upload Video

Open Kapwing Studio and set the background size to 9:16 for TikTok. You can use Kapwing on any device with a browser. I recommend using your iPhone or Android to quickly navigate from Kapwing to TikTok.

Click upload to add a video into studio or paste a URL. You can paste a link to someone else's TikTok video to record a reaction.

Step Two: Record Audio

Try to find a quiet, distraction free space where you can confidently narrate your video. Click audio at the top of the studio, then click record. When you're ready, press the blue play button then the red record button to begin narrating. Your video will play in real-time so the audio is in sync with events as they occur.

You can change the volume or loop the audio when you're done recording. Use the second set of sliders to adjust when the audio starts for a timely introduction. This is great for removing moments of silence that occur right after pressing record.

Step 3: Export and Download

When you're confident with the final product, click done then export video. The dropdown menu allows you to choose different formats. I recommend choosing MP4 for TikTok.

I hope this article explained how to do a voiceover on TikTok while providing ideas for your next piece of content. Explore our other content by subscribing to Kapwing App on YouTube, and stay in the loop by following us on Twitter @KapwingApp. Feel free to reach out with ideas, feedback, and projects you've made in Kapwing by tagging us on social media.

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