5 Video Transitions for Instagram Reels, TikToks, & Shorts

If you want to dominate on social media these days, short-form video is absolutely essential to include in your strategy. Namely, you want to post eye-catching video content consistently on Instagram Reels, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts. Video transitions are a great way to add visual interest and flow to your videos. They can also help to create a sense of movement and energy. 

But what types of video transitions should you use for Instagram Reels, TikToks, and Shorts? We’re here to highlight a few easy transition ideas, as well as some tips for choosing the right transition for your video.

5 Video Transitions for Instagram Reels, TikToks, & Shorts

Let’s start by breaking down a few simple video transition ideas that you can easily use in your next Instagram Reel, TikTok, or YouTube Short. 

1. Screen tap

This video transition is fun to use, especially when you have something to reveal in your next clip. Just bring your hand towards the camera until you’ve fully covered the frame and give the screen a little tap. In the next clip, start with your hand over the camera and then bring it away to reveal what’s changed from the previous clip.

2. Phone twirl

The phone twirl video transition is used to create a spinning motion that helps you shift seamlessly between clips. This attention-grabbing transition involves rotating your phone a full 360 degrees and is best used for videos with fast action or big reveals.

3. Hand swipe

This video transition is another fun, eye-catching trick that lets you disappear and then reappear. Just like the screen tap transition, you’ll accomplish this by swiping your hand across the camera to the point where your face is completely covered by your hand. You’ll then stop recording, change whatever needs to be changed, and then start filming again with your hand in that same position, finally completing the hand swipe. 

4. Hand twist

This one is very similar to the hand swipe. The main difference is that it requires two hands, which makes it the first video transition on this list that will require you to have your camera set up somewhere (or being held by someone else). Aside from that difference, you’ll film this video transition almost exactly the same way you would film the hand swipe or screen tap transition. Simply place your wrists together, palms facing towards the camera, and spin your hands directly in front of the camera.

5. Shirt change

This video transition is perfect for try-on videos, get ready with me videos, etc. Basically any video that would require you to change clothes at some point. You can accomplish this transition by holding up whatever you’re going to be changing into and then doing a little jump. Stop filming and change into the new outfit. Then start filming again, doing another little jump. Then all you have to do is edit those clips together so the jumps blend seamlessly together. 

Tips for choosing the best video transitions

Now that you know how to film a few easy video transitions, let’s talk about how to decide which of those transitions you should actually pick. Here are a few tips… 

• Consider the style of your video. If your video is a montage of different clips, you might want to use a transition that creates a sense of continuity. If your video is a more traditional narrative, you might want to use a transition that creates a sense of change or movement.
• Think about the mood of your video. If your video is meant to be light-hearted and fun, you might want to use a transition that is playful and upbeat. If your video is meant to be more serious or dramatic, you might want to use a transition that is more subdued and elegant.
• Experiment with different transitions to see what works best for your videos. There are no hard and fast rules, so feel free to get creative and try different things.
• Whatever transition you choose, be sure to use them sparingly. Too many transitions can be distracting and make your video difficult to watch. Only use transitions when they add value to your video.
• Practice makes perfect. The more you practice using video transitions, the better you will become at creating them. So don't be afraid to experiment and have fun with it!

Which of these video transitions are you using for Instagram Reels, TikToks, and Shorts? Tell us in the comments or on Instagram! 

And don’t forget to use Zubtitle to optimize all of your video content with automated captioning, eye-catching titles, full branding with custom colors/logos, and more. You can also use our AI tools to automatically generate video headlines, social media posts, video summaries, hashtags, and video timelines. 

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And if you want to see examples of these easy video transitions, check out this video: