Do you know someone who wants to make it big on TikTok?
Folks have used TikTok since its evolution from Musical.ly two years ago, but in the months since the pandemic confined most social interactions to the internet, the app's popularity has skyrocketed. Thanks to its prevalence in online culture, more people are open to creating their own account to produce content on the app. Even though you don't need anything but a phone and the app itself to make TikToks, there are some essentials to give your videos a boost.
Here are 10 must-haves for the aspiring TikTok star in your life — or for anyone who, like most of us in quarantine, just watches a lot of TikToks.
1. A ring light
Decent lighting can make or break a video. Whether you're trying to go viral or trying to look good for your Zoom crush, this ring light can up your on-screen presence. It also comes with a tripod and remote shutter for optimal recording.
Price: $49.99 on Amazon.
2. A color customizable LED strip
It seems like everyone on TikTok has LED strips lining the ceiling of their bedrooms, and for good reason — it can change the mood in an instant. This remote controlled light strip is 24 feet long and can be adjusted via remote.
Price: $59.97 from Home Depot.
3. The viral strawberry dress
This is the dress of the summer. Lirika Matoshi's dreamy, gauzy strawberry dress went viral this year, just as cottagecore went mainstream. And if pink isn't your color, the designer also released a version in black.
Price: $490.00 from Lirika Matoshi.
4. An iPhone lens
Sometimes your phone can't capture an entire scene. This wide angle lens can do that for you, whether you're an aspiring travel vlogger or just trying to get your full outfit in the shot.
Price: $119.95 from Apple.
5. A vine garland
Add some greenery to your space — without the commitment of keeping a real plant alive — with these faux garlands. They make for a great backdrop for filming videos and add a natural vibe to any room.
Price: $14 from Urban Outfitters.
6. A pair of roller skates
Roller skating is back, and it's more popular than ever. These skates from Moonlight Roller are a favorite of skater Ana Coto, whose viral choreography to the song "Jenny from the Block" was so popular, it became a Fortnite dance. Thanks to the sport's resurgence, there's a six week wait time for these skates, which you may want to keep in mind for holiday gifts.
Price: $249 from Moonlight Roller.
7. A mini sewing machine
Thrift flipping is on the rise, especially as younger generations push against fast fashion in hopes of building a more sustainable fashion industry. Finding the perfect size while thrifting is rare, though, which is where this mini sewing machine comes in. It may not be powerful enough for more intense sewing projects, but for small adjustments, this machine should do the trick.
Price: $65.95 from Urban Outfitters.
8. A fun tapestry
Every good video needs a good backdrop. Whether you're filming choreography, venting on camera, or simply recording your 2 a.m. breakdown, a fun tapestry can add some flair to your TikToks. They vary in price depending on size and sales, but Society6 is sure to have one that fits your aspiring star's aesthetic.
Price: $44.99 to $85.99 on Society6.
9. A versatile phone tripod
This tripod can be used as a selfie stick or a tabletop recording mount. It's sturdy enough to adapt to a number of different filming situations, and can be used for more longform YouTube vlogging in addition to shorter TikTok videos.
Price: $79.95 at B&H Photo.
10. Funky hair dye
When quarantine first began, more people were inspired to dye their hair at home since salons were closed. The trend inspired the viral TikTok sound of users apologizing to YouTube hairstylist Brad Mondo, who often posts videos reacting to at-home dye jobs. For those who want less potentially damaging dyes, Overtone's conditioning sets are made for darker hair.
Price: $43 from Overtone.
To get started on TikTok, read more here.
Topics TikTok