What Does ‘POV’ Mean On TikTok?

TikTok is the place to be for aspiring creators who want to get their short, viral video content out to millions quickly. Being a mobile-based application, the only necessary ingredient to success is a great idea—and a friendly nudge from the site’s algorithm.

With over one billion users worldwide, one viral TikTok can bring any creator life-changing success. Viral challenges and trends give users the opportunity to create breakout hits across fan-favorite formats, be they viral dances or memetic sounds. Creators simply have to check out what is performing well and see if they can capitalize on the initial success. 

One of the most common video styles on TikTok is the “POV” video. This style of TikTok video has been a popular choice for many years now and continues to be used today. It’s unlikely that you can scroll on your TikTok feed for long before seeing those three big letters show up on the screen.

So what does “POV” mean, and how do you shoot a POV TikTok clip? Here’s what you need to know.

What is a ‘POV’ TikTok video?

POV stands for “Point of View.” These videos treat the audience as if they are watching a clip directly play out from their own perspective, rather than as a third-person observer.

TikTokers use this style to react to jokes, play out scenarios, or to engage in a conversation with the audience. Usually, the premise for the video is stated in the caption so viewers know what they’re stepping into.

One popular POV clip shows a female gamer dealing with unsolicited attention from teenage boys while playing a video game. The TikTok has the caption “POV: She’s in a lobby with ALL guys,” and the video is performed as if the viewer is watching the scenario unfold in person.

Another popular POV clip makes fun of married couples doing household chores. In this one, the TikToker pretends to be the viewer’s wife, who asks the “husband” (the viewer) to fix things around the house. From this POV, the viewer is directly inserted into the scenario, making it far more intimate.

This content is both extremely simple to create and perfect for the Duet feature on the app. Duets can even be used to add a second POV scenario to the first, building off an already-popular TikTok.

More so than for creators, POV content is extremely popular among viewers as it gives them a feeling of being close to their favorite stars from the app. If you’re a would-be creator looking for simple content ideas that anyone can do, the POV style might be the perfect fit for you. It’s not just a great way to build an audience, it leads to clever premises that let the viewer feel like they’re right in the middle of the fun.