How to Stitch a video on TikTok in 8 simple steps

Some of TikTok’s top content are collaborations between creators who’ve never so much as met, let alone sat in the same room.

People who live a world apart can riff on each other’s content using the app’s “Duet” and “Stitch” features. The results are often hilarious, clever or insightful. A professional might hop on your cover to harmonize, or Hank Green could answer your science question – the possibilities are endless.

TikTok’s collaborative features open up creative avenues, propel trends and allow creators to support one another’s work — and you should hop on the trend. Not sure where to get started? Read on to learn how to Stitch TikTok videos and level up your content.

What is the Stitch feature on TikTok?

There are two collaborative tools on TikTok: Duets and Stitches. During a Duet, the screen splits in two, showing two videos simultaneously. This format is perfect for a comedian to provide a running commentary on another clip or an amateur dancer to mirror a popular dance trend.

Stitching, on the other hand, allows you to splice new content into others’ clips. You can grab up to five seconds of another TikToker’s video and add on original content. The effect is a kind of jump-cut – one clip ends, and another begins.

Stitchers often use another TikToker’s clip as a lead-in to their video. For example, you could pull a five-second clip of someone else saying something you find outrageous, witty, or exciting, and weigh in with your reaction afterward. Or, you could clip another creator doing something exceptionally well – like making a complicated pastry or belting a power ballad – and show your attempt after the jump.

Only users with public TikTok accounts can use the Stitch feature, and individual creators can filter who can apply this function to their videos. The app’s settings allow you to limit Stiches to followers or open them up to anyone – it depends on your preference and comfort. You can modify these settings on individual videos, which gives you significant control over how others use your content.

How to Stitch a video on TikTok

The Stitch feature is simple to use, even if you’re new to TikTok. Here’s a step-by-step tutorial:

1. Open the TikTok app and locate the video you wish to Stitch.
2. Tap the “Share” icon (arrow) at the right of the screen.
3. Tap the “Stitch” button from the pop-up menu and wait for the video to process.
4. Clip the five seconds of the video you wish to Stitch using the red bars to adjust the length of the clip, then tap “Next” to save the selection.
5. Choose from the filming options in the side menu, then record your portion of the video. To save your changes, tap the checkmark icon.
6. Add effects, voiceovers, or stickers (if you choose). Tap “Next” to save your work.
7. Write a caption and choose whether other users can Stitch your video.
8. Hit “Post” to share the video on your profile.

How to change your Stitch privacy settings

TikTok understands that everyone’s social media privacy preferences are different. You can disable Stiches on all of your videos, limit the function to followers only or adjust the settings on individual uploads. Here’s how.

All videos

1. Open the TikTok mobile app.
2. Tap “Profile” at the bottom of the screen.
3. Tap on the three horizontal lines in the top right corner.
4. Select “Settings and privacy” from the pop-up menu.
5. Tap “Privacy.”
6. Select “Stitch.”
7. Adjust the settings under the “Who can Stitch with your videos” header to your preference.

Individual videos

Before you post:

1. Film your video.
2. Before posting, use the “Allow Stitch” setting to enable or disable the feature.

After you post:

1. Navigate to your profile and locate the video you’d like to adjust.
2. Tap “More options” in the menu on the side of the screen.
3. Tap “Privacy settings” at the bottom of the screen.
4. Enable or disable the “Allow Stitch” feature.

3 tips for Stitching TikTok videos

Once you’ve mastered the Stitch function, it’s time to get creative and wow your audience. Here are three ways to use the Stitch feature to create quality content:

1. Hop on viral trends: If a video is trending because it’s funny, educational, or particularly satisfying, you can add your own spin to take advantage of the popularity of the original clip. Fans of the original post will likely enjoy your content if it builds on the original in a clever or meaningful way – that means more likes, comments, and shares and a better ranking with TikTok’s algorithm.
2. Tell an engaging story with scenes. Movies have jump cuts. TikTok videos have Stitches. Use the feature to add different scenes to your video to generate visual interest and a more compelling narrative – you could even spread out the story over the course of several iterations of Stitches.
3. Highlight your strengths. Use the Stitch feature to highlight whatever you’re great at creatively, whether that’s comedy, cooking, or makeup application. For example, if someone’s video is a stellar review of a particular eyeliner, Stitch with them and create a fabulous look to show off your skills. It might just grab the attention of the original creator and inspire a Duet on their profile.

FAQs about TikTok Stitches

Content creators who ask the right questions and learn from the answers grow and perfect their craft. Here are the answers to common queries about TikTok’s Stitch feature:

Can you Stitch your own videos?

Yes. If your video is public and you’ve allowed Stitching on that clip, you can splice your content with a new recording.

Can you Stitch on TikTok with a saved video?

Users wondering how to add a pre-recorded video to TikTok Stitch won’t find an easy answer. TikTokers cannot use recorded videos from their phones’ content libraries in Stitched content. So, if you wish to splice together saved clips, you’ll have to do so with video editing software.

Where do Stitched videos appear?

Stitched content appears on the profile of the TikToker who made the spliced video. The video will not appear on the original creator’s page.

What happens if I change Stitch permissions after someone’s used my video?

If another creator has already Stitched your video, it’s up to that person to delete the post. Changing your settings to remove this functionality after the fact does not remove the Stitched clip from the app.

How do you find Stitches on TikTok?

To watch popular Stitches, look under the feature’s hashtag (#stitch) in the app’s search function.

Become a TikTok pro with Linktree

Linktree’s blog is an excellent resource for social media newbies and aspiring influencers. We can teach you the best times to post on TikTok, how to edit your videos, and what it means to “ratio” in the comment section. Plus, our TikTok Profile Kit allows creators to access their TikTok accounts via Linktree, highlight their profile, and display up to six videos.

And don’t forget about your TikTok bio. It’s a great space to link out to the rest of your digital presence and broaden your reach. Add a Linktree to your profile and direct followers to other platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and a personal website, all in one place.