# TikTok Storytime — Format

> Personal narrative on TikTok. 30-90s. Native voice. "POV" or first-person.

## Format basics

- Length: 30-90 seconds
- Aspect: 9:16 vertical
- Personal narrative
- Native TikTok voice (casual, conversational)
- Selfie or POV camera angle

## Structure

```
0-3s    HOOK
        "POV: ..." or shocking statement

3-10s   SETUP
        Context for the story

10-30s  ESCALATION
        Story builds, twist hinted

30-50s  CLIMAX
        The big moment

50-60s  PUNCHLINE / CLIFFHANGER
        Resolution or part 2 hook
```

## Sample 60s TikTok storytime

```
"POV: You crash your ex's wedding by accident"

0-3s: HOOK
Selfie angle. Direct to camera. Whisper-urgent.
"Okay so this happened to me last weekend and I'm STILL not okay."

3-10s: SETUP
Walking outside a hotel.
Voiceover: "I was in town for my friend Sarah's wedding. Different
friend. Different venue. So I thought."

10-25s: ESCALATION
Inside hotel, finding the wedding signs.
"I show up, walk in, sit at table 7 like the invitation said."
Reaction shot.

25-40s: TWIST
Quick cuts: bride entering, then the groom turns toward camera.
"And then I see..."
Dramatic pause.
"HIM."
Photo of ex (face blurred).

40-55s: REVEAL
"At the altar. With someone who was DEFINITELY not me."
Reaction shot at her face.
"I checked my phone. Wrong venue. Same hotel. Different floor."

55-60s: CLIFFHANGER
"Reader, the bride saw me. And invited me to stay.
Follow for part 2 because she had QUESTIONS."

End on subscribe button overlay.
```

## Key principles

### Native voice
Talk like you talk to friends. Don't perform.

### Vulnerability
Real emotions, even ridiculous.

### "POV" framing
Audience identifies, becomes the character.

### Dramatic pauses
Use silence for impact.

### Cliffhanger ending
Drives part 2 follow.

## Common storytime templates

- "POV: you ___"
- "Storytime about the time I ___"
- "The audacity of ___"
- "Things that happened to me at ___"
- "I'm not okay after ___"

## When to use

- Personal narrative
- Drama / juicy story
- Comedy from real life
- Series / serialized stories
- Building creator personal brand
- High engagement potential

## Common mistakes

- Performing instead of being yourself
- Slow opening (3s rule)
- Boring middle
- Resolution too clean (cliffhanger drives follow)
- Generic story (specifics make it shareable)
