Reels and TikTok transitions might look magic, but they can be simple to execute. Use this cheat sheet to learn (and master) our favorite beginner-friendly transitions.

#1 Jump Transition

Step 1: The Before Shot

Position your camera so that your full body is in view, head to toe. Press film and take a big jump. Exaggerate your jump slightly so that it is big and noticeable.

Step 2: The After Shot

Get your full body in the frame again, ideally in the same position and spot as you were before. The closer you and your camera are to the first position, the more seamless your transition will appear. Pro tip– put a little piece of tape on the ground where you were standing in the first shot. Transparent tape won’t be visible on camera, but you’ll be able to see it (or feel it with your toes). Do another big, noticeable jump.

Step 3: The Edit

The goal here is to cut the clip just as you come down from the first jump. Aim to cut your clip when the movement is blurriest. This will give you the best results. By the time the viewers’ eyes refocus, they’ll be staring at your after-shot. Cut your second clip right as you come down from the jump. Again, use the motion blur to create a seamless, magical transition.

Application Ideas

This transition is commonly used by brands for outfit transitions, new product releases, location swaps, or even showing a room/table full of orders before and after you pack them up to be shipped.

#2 Snap Transition

Step 1: Before Shot

Snap your fingers, holding your hand still for an extra second right before they make the “snap” noise.

Step 2: After Shot

Start your second clip in the same snap position (where you paused before). Follow through with your snap, making it big and obvious.

Step 3: The Edit

End the first clip in the pause before the snap happens. Begin the second clip in the same position, then play it through.

Application Ideas

This transition can be used for pretty much any reveal. Brands use it to show off outfit changes, to debut new products and locations, or even to reveal a big idea/solution to a common problem written in text on the screen.

#3 Freaky Friday Transition

Step 1: Before Shot

Start with a clip of you opening the door, groaning, then closing the door.

Step 2: After Shot

In the second clip, open the door, smile, and mouth “What? I’m ready.”

Step 3: The Edit

Cut the first clip as the door closes, when the motion is blurriest. Cut the second clip as the door opens, at about the same spot you cut the first clip.

Application Ideas

This transition can be used to show off outfits for sale, for a special event, or even just an OOTD. It can also be used to debut new products, show the before and after for how your brand solves a common problem, or a POV that is relatable to your audience.

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#4 Prop Pass Transition

Step 1: Before Shot

In your first clip, grab a prop and pass it across the frame. Make sure the prop takes up most of the frame. You should probably be pretty close to the camera for this transition.

Step 2: After Shot

For your second clip, do the same motion in the same direction. Make sure the prop flows across the frame and takes up as much space as it did in the first clip.

Step 3: The Edit

End your first clip when the prop covers most of the screen.  Then, begin your second clip when the prop covers most of the screen. It’s that simple!

Application Ideas

Because this transition is typically more zoomed in than the others, it’s perfect for showing off a makeup look, jewelry, outfit change, or any service that yields a visible change.

#5 Headbutt Pass Transition

Step 1: Before Shot

This one takes a bit more maneuvering than the rest. Grip your phone from the bottom, flip it upside down, then bring it over your head.

Step 2: After Shot

Starting from where you stopped behind your head in the first clip, hold your phone from the bottom and bring it back over your head. The motion will be the same one you did before, this time in reverse.

Step 3: The Edit

This transition relies heavily on the motion blur. When your phone goes behind your head and is at its blurriest, end the first clip. Aim to start the second clip in that same spot. Your phone will be behind your head and the motion will be blurry.

Application Ideas

This is another closeup transition that can be used for visible changes to your appearance. While all the previously mentioned use cases apply, this transition can also be used to show a vibe shift. Use your outfit, makeup, and general expressions to show a significant change from one clip to the next. Use text to indicate the cause and effect you want viewers to associate with your visuals.

Wrapping Up

Transitions are a great way to keep your audience engaged long enough to consume the meat of your video. They are visually appealing and fast-moving, making them an ideal way to stop the scroll, hook viewers, and keep them interested till the end.

For more short-form video inspo, check out PLANOLY’s Trending Content Ideas feature. Generating a winning content idea is one of the toughest social media marketing tasks. Considering TikTok trends move faster than a Taco Bell burrito making its way through the digestive system, keeping up is a full-time job.

Luckily, we’ve released a new Trending Content Ideas feature that compiles all the week’s trending audios, transitions, and content ideas into one easy-to-access location. Give it a try and let us know what you think!

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