Start with links and lesson notes
Make a document or spreadsheet per unit and paste in the link to each TikTok you might use. Add the topic, the key moment in seconds and two or three questions for students.
Watch each video fully before class, including the comments if they appear on screen. A video that looked perfect on your phone may include language or links you would not want to show.
Check school and platform rules
Some schools restrict social media on classroom devices or need parental consent for certain platforms. Ask your school's IT or leadership team what is allowed before you plan a lesson around it.
Copyright and educational use rules vary by country. If you are unsure whether you can show or keep a video, ask your school or a professional rather than guessing.
Ask before keeping offline copies
If you need a video to play without internet, send the creator a short, polite message explaining the class and how you will use it. Many creators are happy to help educators, and a written yes protects you.
Videos you make yourself are the easiest to keep offline. Recording a short explainer in the same style can be a great alternative, and it can be tailored to your students.
Plan for weak Wi-Fi
Have a backup for each lesson: a screenshot sequence of the key moment, a written summary or your own short clip. Then the lesson still works if the network drops.
Keep all lesson materials in one folder per term with the date, so you can reuse what worked next year and quickly remove videos that have been taken down.
Frequently asked questions
Can I show a TikTok in class without asking the creator?
Playing a public video through the platform is common, but rules depend on your school and country. Keeping or redistributing a copy is different, so ask the creator and check your school's policy.
What if a video I planned to use is deleted?
That is why your lesson notes should include a summary and questions. You can still teach the idea, or swap in a similar video or your own clip.