What Does POV Mean? Learn All About TikTok's Viral First-Person Video Trend

What Is POV?

POV stands for "point of view." On social media platforms like TikTok, POVs refer to short video skits that show a situation from a specific perspective. POV videos allow viewers to put themselves directly into the scene and experience it as if they were one of the characters.

The Growth of POV Videos

POV-style videos have become massively popular on TikTok over the last couple of years. The hashtag #POV has over 128 billion views on TikTok as of January 2023, showing just how common this format has become.

POVs really took off in late 2020 when TikTok was growing rapidly. Creators realized that POV videos were an extremely effective way to connect with viewers. By putting the viewer directly into a hypothetical situation, POV videos allow the audience to imagine themselves in that scenario.

Why Are POV Videos So Popular?

There are a few key reasons why POV-style videos work so well, especially on TikTok:

• They build connection - By making the viewer the main character, POVs help the audience feel immersed and involved.
• They are easy to relate to - POV videos show experiences that users can imagine themselves in.
• They are fun and light-hearted - Most POV trends don't take themselves too seriously.
• Short length suits TikTok - POVs condense an experience into 15-60 entertaining seconds.

POV Video Ideas

The great thing about POV videos is that the possibilities are endless! Here are some popular styles of POV content:

• Reaction POVs - These show the viewer's reaction in an everyday situation. For example, POVs about relatable situations like "POV: you wake up late for work."
• Roleplay POVs - These place the viewer into a fictional setting and character. POV: "you're the new kid at wizard school" is an example of a creative roleplaying POV.
• Instructional POVs: These teach the viewer how to do something step-by-step from a first-person perspective. "POV: I teach you how to bake cookies" is an instructional format.

How to Make a Good POV TikTok Video

If you want to make POV videos that connect with viewers and stand out in the crowded TikTok space, keep these tips in mind:

Pick Relatable Situations

The POV format works best when viewers can envision themselves realistically in that scenario. Even if you're doing a more creative fictional POV, make sure the situation is relatable on some level.

Hook Viewers in The First 5 Seconds

Open your POV video with an interesting hook that immediately sets up the storyline and perspective. This builds intrigue rapidly and makes viewers want to watch the whole 15-60 seconds.

Use Visual Cues

Show viewers what's happening from the first-person POV using visual cues:

• Hold objects out toward the camera
• Film first-person body parts like hands on a steering wheel
• Move the camera in a way that matches the POV

Add Relatable Sounds and Effects

Immerse viewers further by incorporating sounds they would hear in that real-life situation. For example, add coffee shop background noise for a "POV: I'm a new barista" scenario.

End With A Twist or Cliffhanger

Leave viewers wanting more and incentivize shares/comments with an unexpected ending. For example, a plot twist or cutting off right before the climax.

Best Practices For POV Videos

When filming POVs, keep these tips in mind:

Choose The Right Camera Perspective

Majority of POVs should be filmed from your own eye-level perspective. But mixing in some alternate angles can also work well:

• Low perspective looking up to reveal something surprising
• Over-the-shoulder to show facial reactions
• Flipping the camera to show a first-person view

Use Front-Facing Camera

Front-facing generally works best so viewers feel like they're looking directly out of the camera perspective. This sells the first-person point of view most effectively.

Mind Your Lighting

Proper exposure is key for an immersive POV. Make sure you have ample lighting on your face or filmed objects to avoid a dark, confusing perspective.

Steady Your Shots

Shaky camerawork takes viewers out of the POV mindset. Consider stabilizing with a tripod, gimbal, or stabilizing mobile app.

Trending POV Video Ideas

Stand out on TikTok by recreating or putting a unique spin on these popular POV trends:

"POV: You're The Main Character"

These imaginative videos place viewers into their favorite movies or TV shows as the protagonist. Popular examples include POV you're Eleven in Stranger Things or the newest student at Hogwarts.

"POV: Life With My Girlfriend/Boyfriend"

These adorable relationship POVs act out sweet coupley scenarios like grossing out your girlfriend when she steals your hoodie or bringing your anxious boyfriend tea to calm down.

"Quirky Morning Routine POVs"

Morning POVs with a silly cartoonish twist are TikTok gold right now. These showcase starting your day with an animated spring in your step — literally bouncing out of bed, floating through getting ready, etc.

"I Tried Following A Bob Ross Tutorial POV"

Hop aboard this popular TikTok challenge by filming yourself (badly) trying to recreate a Bob Ross painting tutorial from the first-person viewer perspective.

"Toddler's POV Of..."

These cute videos offer a tiny tot's perspective of daily activities and household spaces, like touring their playroom kingdom or experiencing bathtime as a slippery adventure.

Engage With POV Trends to Grow Your Following

In summary, POV is shorthand for Point of View on TikTok. POV videos place viewers directly into entertaining hypothetical situations and characters. They are hugely popular because they build connection, are easy to relate to, and suit the short-form TikTok style.

You can come up with endless POV ideas by tapping into relatable experiences. When filming, use visual and auditory cues to sell the first-person perspective. Mind lighting and camerawork so shots don't seem disconnected. Studying trending POVs for inspiration can also help you come up with content that catches on.

Most importantly, have fun brainstorming and filming POVs! This playful format thrives on laughter and light-hearted moments viewers enjoy immersing themselves in.

FAQs

What is a POV video?

A POV video shows a situation or experience from a "point of view" perspective. POVs put the viewer directly into the scene as if they are one of the participants.

Why are POV videos so popular on TikTok?

The immersed first-person perspective helps viewers relate and connect emotionally. POVs are also entertaining, easy to make, and suit the short TikTok format.

What should I avoid when filming POV TikToks?

Don't use shaky camerawork that ruins the first-person feel. Avoid dark lighting that makes it hard for viewers to see. And don't show your face or add distracting angles that break POV immersion.

What POV ideas are trending right now?

Top trends include morning routine POVs with cartoonish twists, sweet girlfriend/boyfriend relationship POVs, and imaginative "you're the main character" movie/TV POVs.

How do I make money from POV videos?

Engaging POV content can gain you lots of TikTok followers. You can then seek sponsorships, affiliate/brand deals, launch products, or add links to make money from high-traffic viral videos.