TikTok has become one of the most popular social media platforms, allowing users to create and share short videos. One of the app’s key features is the ability to duet with other videos, which allows you to react to, collaborate with, or build upon someone else’s content.
If you want to duet with another TikTok video but don’t want to show your face on camera, there are a few different options available. In this guide, we’ll walk through how to duet on TikTok without actually appearing on camera yourself.
Why You Might Want to Duet Without Showing Your Face
There are a few key reasons why someone might want to duet without having their face visible:
Maintaining Privacy
If you want to keep your identity private on TikTok, dueting without showing your face is a good option. This allows you to engage with content and be part of trends without revealing what you look like.
Avoiding Camera Shyness
Some people simply feel uncomfortable being on camera. Dueting gives you a way to participate in TikTok trends without having to appear on video yourself.
Creating Unique Content
Dueting without your face on camera opens up creative opportunities. You can use props, effects, green screens, and more to make unique duets that focus on something besides your facial reactions.
Commenting Without Your Face
Dueting gives you a way to comment on or react to someone else’s video without having your facial reactions be the focal point. The content of the original video remains the primary visual.
Steps to Duet on TikTok Without Showing Your Face
If you’ve decided you want to duet without having your face visible in the video, here are some tips for making it happen:
1. Choose a Video to Duet With
- Browse TikTok for a video that you want to react to or build upon with your duet. Make sure it’s the type of content that will make sense as a duet even without seeing your facial reactions.
- Tap on the share button and choose “Duet.”

2. Cover Your Camera
- There are a few different ways to cover your front-facing camera so it doesn’t show you:
- Use tape to fully cover the camera lens. Washi tape or masking tape works well.
- Buy a camera cover that sticks onto your phone over the lens. You can find inexpensive ones online.
- Cut out a small square from a sticky note and stick it over the camera lens.

3. Position the Original Video
- When you begin the duet, you can pinch and drag the original video to reposition it anywhere on the screen.
- Move it slightly off to the side if you want to add visuals to the rest of the frame. Or keep it centered if you just want to use audio or text to react.
4. Record Your Duet
- With the original video positioned where you want it, record your side of the duet. You have several options for what to include instead of your face:
- Record audio only, like a voiceover reacting to the original video.
- Insert a photo, graphic, or other visual (like a prop or green screen backdrop) to accompany your audio.
- Use text boxes, stickers, animations, and other visual effects to respond.
- Film objects or visuals using the rear camera instead of your selfie camera.
5. Edit and Finish Your Duet
- After recording, you can edit your duet to get the timing and visuals just right. Trim the beginning or end, adjust audio levels, and add any effects.
- When you’re happy with the result, post it! Duets don’t require approval like stitches. Just share it to your profile.
Troubleshooting Tips
If you’re having trouble recording a duet without showing your face, here are some tips:
- Make sure your front camera is completely covered by tape, a sticker, etc. Check that no part of your face is visible.
- If you see your face while recording, double check that you’ve initiated a duet and not a regular selfie video. Duets start with the original video on screen.
- Adjust the original video’s positioning if needed so your visuals or props can be seen around it.
- Enable “Voice effects off” in TikTok’s settings if you want your raw voice instead of a dubbed effect.
- Use good lighting and proper camera angles when filming objects or backgrounds for your duet.
- Practice makes perfect! It may take a few tries to get comfortable dueting without being on camera.
Why Dueting Without Your Face Can Go Viral
Dueting without showing your face has become a popular trend because it allows for extremely creative results. Some examples of viral duets made without the creator’s face include:
- Using green screen effects to place yourself into the original video
- Costume changes via editing to impersonate the original creator
- Filming hands or props instead of faces to make unique visual duets
- Voiceovers that remix, parody, or humorously react to the original
- Visual effects like animations and text boxes that interact with the original

The possibilities are endless when you aren’t limited to facial reactions. Taking the time to make engaging, high-quality duets without your face on camera can help them gain traction and views. The more creative, the better!
Other Tips for Eye-Catching Duets
Aside from not showing your face, here are some other tips for duets that can capture viewer attention:
- Choose trending audios and songs that are likely to be searched. Using the same popular sounds as others increase discoverability.
- React to recent viral videos and trends for timeliness. Capitalize on what’s hot right now.
- Use attention-grabbing captions. Clever, funny, or intriguing text helps get clicks.
- Leverage hashtags strategically by including both high-traffic and niche tags.
- Employ seamless editing and transitions for a professional, polished look.
- Show off talent or skills like dancing, singing, drawing, or comedy in your duet.
- Quickly engage the viewer in the first 5 seconds before they skip past your video.
- Use stickers, text, and Bitmoji to make your side of the duet visually engaging.
The Power of TikTok Duets
Duets remain one of TikTok’s most special features. They allow regular users to collaborate with creators, engage with trends, and participate in viral moments. Even without showing your actual face, you can use duets to express yourself creatively on TikTok.
Next time you want to react to a video but don’t want to be on camera yourself, try using the strategies in this guide. With some preparation and practice, you can duet on TikTok without anyone ever seeing your face!