How to Make Aesthetic TikTok Videos

When was the last time you scrolled through TikTok without being mesmerized by a video with calming pastel colors, ethereal music, or soothing visual effects? These types of videos, often referred to as “aesthetic,” have taken over the platform, transforming ordinary moments into dreamy, cinematic masterpieces. But how exactly do you create one? Let’s dive into the essential techniques, tools, and strategies to create eye-catching, aesthetic TikTok videos that will resonate with the community and potentially go viral.

The Key to an Aesthetic TikTok Video is Simplicity

Unlike the fast-paced, energetic edits often seen on the app, aesthetic videos focus on simplicity, calmness, and a specific vibe. This simplicity is their strength. Think of a peaceful morning routine, a perfectly styled outfit in a pastel room, or a sunset walk with lo-fi music playing in the background. These videos offer a break from the chaos and instead, create a mood or feeling. To achieve this, minimalism is your best friend.

Use Soft, Muted Colors

One of the hallmarks of aesthetic TikTok videos is their color palette. Instead of bold, bright colors, creators tend to favor soft, muted tones that evoke a sense of calm. Pastel pinks, soft beiges, light blues, and gentle greens are commonly used to create an inviting atmosphere. To achieve this effect, ensure that the objects and backgrounds in your videos are color-coordinated. If you don’t have access to such a location or items, don’t worry – TikTok’s filters can help you get the look. Filters like “Vibe” or “Soft” can subtly change the mood of your video by toning down harsh colors and adding warmth or softness.

Craft a Story Without Words

Aesthetic TikTok videos rarely rely on narration or heavy dialogue. Instead, they tell a story through visuals and music. For example, a video showing someone making a cup of tea, slowly pouring the water, watching the steam rise, and sitting by a window as the sun streams in, tells a story of relaxation and mindfulness without ever saying a word.

Choose Your Music Carefully

Music is a critical component of aesthetic TikToks. The right track can elevate a video from “nice” to unforgettable. Generally, lo-fi beats, soft piano instrumentals, and chill, relaxing music work best. Many TikTok creators also use nostalgic or retro-style tracks to add an extra layer of emotion to their videos. The key is to make sure the music fits the mood you’re trying to create. TikTok’s vast music library makes this easy – simply search for a song that fits your theme, whether it’s peaceful, nostalgic, or romantic.

Slow it Down

Fast cuts and quick transitions can feel jarring in aesthetic videos. Instead, try slowing things down. TikTok has a built-in feature to slow down your clips, allowing for more time to appreciate each moment. Focus on long, smooth shots and gentle transitions between scenes. A slow-motion clip of leaves falling, the sun setting, or even just the flicker of a candle can create a mesmerizing effect that draws viewers in.

The Importance of Lighting

Lighting plays a huge role in achieving that dreamy, aesthetic vibe. Natural light is your best friend – think of the golden hour, when the sun is low and casts a soft, warm glow. If you’re filming indoors, position yourself near a window to take advantage of the natural light. Avoid harsh, overhead lights, which can create shadows and ruin the soft, soothing atmosphere. For evening or indoor shots, use soft, warm lights to replicate the effect of natural lighting. Fairy lights, candles, or a desk lamp with a warm bulb can work wonders in creating an inviting glow.

Add Texture

While most people focus on visuals, texture is an underrated aspect of aesthetic videos. Incorporating texture into your shots can elevate your content. Think about the rough surface of a wooden table, the soft folds of a blanket, or the smooth, shiny surface of a coffee cup. These small details make your video more tactile and immersive, inviting viewers to not just see your video, but to almost feel it too.

Editing: Less is More

TikTok’s in-app editing tools make it easy to add effects and transitions, but when it comes to aesthetic videos, less is more. Avoid overloading your video with flashy effects. Instead, focus on subtle edits that enhance the overall mood. Slow-motion, gentle fades, and cross dissolves can help you achieve that ethereal, calming vibe. Similarly, when using text, keep it minimal and elegant. Choose simple fonts and avoid bright, bold colors. Subtlety is key.

Incorporate Nature and Minimalism

Nature is often a significant element in aesthetic videos. Shots of the sky, trees, flowers, or water create a sense of tranquility and connection to the world. Try filming in outdoor spaces like parks, beaches, or even your backyard to capture this natural beauty. Minimalism also plays a major role. A cluttered background can distract from the aesthetic you’re trying to achieve. Keep your shots clean and simple, focusing on one or two main elements in each frame.

Find Your Niche Aesthetic

While “aesthetic” TikToks share some common characteristics, there are countless sub-genres and styles within the aesthetic niche. Some people focus on “cottagecore” (a pastoral, rural aesthetic), while others might lean towards “dark academia” (a moody, intellectual vibe), or “vaporwave” (a retro-futuristic aesthetic). Find the aesthetic that resonates with you and your audience and build your content around that theme. By sticking to a specific aesthetic, your page will have a more cohesive look and feel, which can help attract more followers who are interested in that style.

Pay Attention to Trends

Aesthetic TikToks often align with larger cultural or social trends. Whether it’s the rise of “self-care” content, the popularity of certain music genres, or seasonal aesthetics like “autumn vibes” or “summer mornings,” tapping into these trends can help your videos gain traction. Keep an eye on what’s trending in the aesthetic community and find ways to incorporate those elements into your content while staying true to your unique style.

Consistency is Key

Creating aesthetic TikToks isn’t just about making one video and going viral; it’s about creating a consistent experience for your viewers. The more regularly you post, the more you’ll refine your style and attract viewers who appreciate your aesthetic. Consistency in color palette, music, and overall mood will help you build a recognizable brand on TikTok.

TikTok Editing Tools and External Apps

While TikTok’s in-app editing tools are robust, many creators use external apps to give their videos a more polished, professional feel. Apps like VSCO, InShot, and CapCut are popular for editing and adding aesthetic filters to videos. These apps offer more advanced features like color grading, frame-by-frame editing, and higher-quality exports, which can elevate the overall look of your content.

Engagement and Community Building

Once you've mastered the art of creating aesthetic TikToks, building engagement is the next step. Engaging with the aesthetic TikTok community can help you grow your following. Use relevant hashtags like #Aesthetic, #Cottagecore, #Vibes, or #Soft to make your content discoverable. Commenting on other creators’ videos, collaborating with like-minded TikTokers, and participating in aesthetic trends can also help you build a community around your content.

In summary, creating aesthetic TikTok videos is all about simplicity, mood, and consistency. By focusing on soft colors, slow-paced editing, and thoughtful storytelling, you can craft videos that not only captivate your audience but also provide them with a moment of calm and beauty in their day.