Posting on TikTok takes about a minute once you know where to tap. On your phone, tap +, record or upload a video, add a caption and tap Post. On a computer, upload your file in TikTok Studio at tiktok.com/tiktokstudio.
This guide walks through both methods step by step, shows how to post photos, lists the settings worth checking before you publish, and explains what to do when a video will not upload. Menu names change from time to time, so yours may look slightly different.
How to Post on TikTok From Your Phone
- Open the TikTok app and tap the + button at the bottom of the screen.
- Record a new video, or tap Upload to choose one from your phone’s gallery.
- Trim the video, then add any sounds, text, filters or effects you want, and tap Next.
- Write your caption and add a few relevant hashtags. You can also choose a cover image.
- Choose who can see the video: Everyone, Friends or Only you.
- Switch comments, Duet and Stitch on or off, then tap Post.
Not ready to publish? Save the video as a draft and finish it later from your profile.
How to Post on TikTok From a Computer
You can upload from a browser, which is handy for videos you edited on a computer. This works in the usual browsers, such as Chrome, Edge, Firefox and Safari.
- Go to tiktok.com/tiktokstudio and log in to your account.
- Click Upload and then Select video, or drag your file into the window. MP4 and MOV files are the safest formats.
- Add your caption and hashtags, and choose a cover.
- Check the privacy and comment settings.
- Click Post.
Want to line up posts ahead of time? See our guide to the best TikTok schedulers.
How to Post Photos on TikTok
TikTok also lets you post photos, either as a single image or as a swipeable set. In the app, tap +, choose the photo option or select several photos from Upload, then add a sound, caption and hashtags like you would for a video. For a full walkthrough, read our guide on how to make a slideshow on TikTok.
Settings to Check Before You Post
| Setting | What it does |
|---|---|
| Who can view this video | Controls whether Everyone, only Friends or only you can see the video. |
| Allow comments | Turns comments on or off for this video. |
| Duet and Stitch | Lets other people react to your video. Learn more in our guides on duets and stitches. |
| Cover | The image people see on your profile before they tap the video. |
| High-quality upload | If you see this option under More options, turning it on can keep more detail in your video. Use Wi-Fi for large files. |
Write a Good Caption and Add Hashtags
A strong caption gives viewers a reason to watch or comment. Put the main idea first, keep it short unless you are telling a story, and add a few hashtags that describe the video. You can find ideas in our lists of TikTok captions, TikTok captions for girls and trending TikTok hashtags.
When Should You Post?
The best time depends on when your own followers are online. Your TikTok analytics show this once you have some activity, and our guide to the best time to post on TikTok gives a starting point for testing.
Why Won’t My TikTok Post?
If your video is stuck or fails to upload, try these fixes:
- Check your connection. Switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data, or move closer to your router.
- Update the app. An old version of TikTok can fail to upload.
- Check the file. Use MP4 or MOV, and make sure the video is not longer than your account allows. Limits differ by account and region.
- Free up storage. A full phone can stop an upload from finishing.
- Wait and try again. A video may be under review before it appears, so give it a little time.
- Try another device. If the app keeps failing, upload from a computer through TikTok Studio.
After You Post
- Make it private: open the video, tap the three dots, choose Privacy settings and set Who can view this video to Only you.
- Delete it: see our guide on how to delete a TikTok video.
- Share someone else’s video: use repost instead of uploading a copy.
How to Post on TikTok FAQs
How do I post a video on TikTok?
Tap the + button, record or upload a video, add a caption and hashtags, choose who can view it and tap Post.
Can I post on TikTok from a computer?
Yes. Go to tiktok.com/tiktokstudio, log in, click Upload, select your video, add a caption and click Post.
How long can a TikTok video be?
The maximum length depends on your account, region and whether you record in the app or upload a file. Check the limit shown in your app, since TikTok has been extending limits gradually.
Why is my TikTok video not posting?
Common causes are a weak connection, an outdated app, a large or unsupported file, low storage or the video being reviewed. Try the fixes above or upload from a computer.
Can I post a TikTok without anyone seeing it?
Yes. Set Who can view this video to Only you before posting, or change it to Only you later from the video’s privacy settings.
Can I save a TikTok as a draft?
Yes. Save it as a draft before posting, then finish and publish it later from your profile.
