5 Helpful Tips and Tricks Every TikTok User Should Know

Hi, my name is Lilli, and I'm obsessed with TikTok.

OK, maybe not obsessed, but it's definitely the reason why I've been going to bed at 1 a.m. instead of my usual 11 p.m. lately. It's so easy to get sucked into the never-ending "For You" page, especially when you know you're supposed to be sleeping, studying, or getting back to work. Time melts away, and you suddenly realize it's been THREE HOURS since you logged on. Or, is that just me?

Whether you're a beginner or an experienced TikTok fiend, these five tips and tricks will help you navigate the app with ease. And yes, I will be watching this fantastic TikTok of Terry Crews singing Kylie Jenner's "Rise and Shine" to Howie Mandel on repeat, because that's what life is now, I guess.

01
You Can't Tell What Time It Is

You Can't Tell What Time It Is

Turns out, there's actually a reason why it's so easy to get lost in the world of lip syncs, song covers, and cool hacks: TikTok hides the time/battery bar on the top of iPhones whenever you're watching a video so you can't tell how long you've been on the app unless you exit out, which is much easier said than done. This is pretty unique to TikTok (at least in comparison to other social media apps), as the time is clearly visible on Instagram, SnapChat, Twitter, and Facebook.

02
There Are Always New Trends and Challenges to Take Part In

There Are Always New Trends and Challenges to Take Part In

Remember the #InMyFeelingsChallenge last year? While it may have started on Instagram, it definitely didn't stop there. With over 121 million views on the hashtag on TikTok, the challenge had no problem making its way over and dominating the app. Now, if you take a look at TikTok's "Discover" page, you'll find plenty of constantly updated challenges and trends to join in on.

03
You Can Lip Sync Another User's Sound

You Can Lip Sync Another User's Sound

Hear the perfect sound as you're scrolling on the "For You" page and want to use it yourself? All you have to do is click the rotating icon in the lower right corner of the TikTok you want to recreate and click "Use this sound" to record your lip sync masterpiece.

04
You Can Download TikToks as Videos . . .

You Can Download TikToks as Videos . . .

Ever browsing through TikTok and want to send your friend a video, but they don't have the app? Problem solved: simply click the "Share To" button, and you'll find "Save video" as the second choice. This is also a great option if you want to view your favorite TikToks offline!

05
. . . and Turn TikToks Into Gifs
TikTok via Giphy

. . . and Turn TikToks Into Gifs

If you've found your favorite video and want to turn it into a GIF, TikTok makes it easy to do so. Similarly to saving a video, click the "Share To" button, scroll all the way to the right, and click "Share as GIF" to send it to a friend, share it on Twitter, or save it to your camera roll.