Blab TikTok Guidelines
Our handle: @babiesandlanguage
Our goal is to do science outreach, so we should strive to create Tiktoks that are accurate and informative but also entertaining. Like the blog, we should be able to back up our content with sources, if relevant.
The easiest way to find ideas for videos is to create a short-and-sweet version of an already existing blog post, and think about how we can represent it visually.
We would also like to interact and connect to communities on TikTok, like parent tips, the Deaf and ASL communities, language-learning, and so on!
It's also fine to create funny/lighthearted/videos on a trend, if we can make them relevant to babies and language. Stay away from sounds/trends with swearing, derogatory language, and NSFW content.
If you see another video that has to do with a language or development related topic, we can use Tiktok's "stitch" or "duet" functions to create a video replying, explaining, or adding to theirs!
Likewise, if we get comments on previous videos, TikTok allows us to reply to the comment with another public-facing video, that isn't just sublimated into the comments section. This is good for clearing up misconceptions that often come up in comments.
If you do not wish to appear in the tiktok (either voice or image), send your idea (e.g. a general script and simple shot ideas, and what audio to use if you have one in mind) to the lab manager(or another interested volunteer) and they will create it! You’re under no obligation to appear on the platform, but we will tap you as the producer :)
Do not use actual footage or names of participants (of course!). The AV release form does not specify TikTok as a platform that parents can consent to the use of their image on, and it’s better to stay on the safe side. Even if we reconsider this in the future, we will need to get advance permission from the parent, just like we would for using pictures on the website. If you need to have someone represent a baby in a video, act or ask another labber to film themselves!
Make the Video
You have four options for creating a Tiktok:
Log in using blab credentials. Click the “+” in the middle of the menu bar at the bottom, and play around with the camera and effects. Shoot using the in-app camera (or upload pre-shot video clips), and edit your video. Save it to the drafts. However, drafts are saved locally to the Tiktok app files of one device, so people logging in with another device can’t review them. It’s also not possible to download videos before posting them. Show the video to the lab manager and Dr. B from your device, and make any changes they suggest before you get the go ahead to post yourself! This option makes it easier to make edits before posting. DO NOT film it on your personal account or post it yet!
You can also shoot and edit the video using TikTok, and then post it as a private/”only me” video (including the caption and tags when you post), and someone will review it and then either ask you to make changes and post again or change the privacy settings to make the video public. This allows us to asynchronously review the video, but requires more effort for making changes (and risks an un-reviewed video being posted publicly).
If you have the ability to shoot and edit using another app/device that will let you download the edited video, do that and send it to the lab manager using a Google Drive or Box link, and they will upload it to TikTok. Video should be shot in upright (phone) format.
You can shoot the raw clips you will need using any phone camera, send them unedited to the lab manager, and they will splice them together in the Tikok app and post.
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