How to Upload TikTok Videos

TikTok accepts uploads from both mobile and desktop, but each method has different advantages. Mobile is faster for quick posts and gives you access to TikTok's native effects. Desktop provides more control, better file management, and access to scheduling (if you meet the requirements). Here's the complete guide to both methods.

Before You Upload: Quality Settings

TikTok compresses every video you upload, which can significantly hurt quality if you're not starting with the right settings. The compression is aggressive—TikTok prioritizes fast loading over pristine quality. Your job is to give TikTok the best possible starting point.

Optimal export settings

• -Resolution: 1080x1920 pixels (9:16 vertical)
• -Format: MP4 with H.264 codec
• -Bitrate: 10-12 Mbps (higher = better quality, larger file)
• -Frame rate: 30 fps minimum, 60 fps for fast motion
• -Audio: AAC codec, 256 kbps

The most common quality killer is uploading already-compressed video. If you download a video from TikTok and re-upload it, or upload a screen recording, you're starting with degraded quality that will get worse. Always export from your original project file.

Uploading from Mobile (iOS & Android)

Mobile uploading is the most common method and gives you access to TikTok's full suite of in-app effects, sounds, and editing tools.

1. Open TikTok and tap the + button at the bottom center
2. Tap Upload (not Record) to select an existing video from your camera roll
3. Select your video—you can choose multiple clips to combine
4. Trim the video if needed using the timeline at the bottom
5. Add effects, text, stickers, or sounds from TikTok's library
6. Tap Next when finished editing
7. Write your caption (2,200 character limit, but shorter is better)
8. Add hashtags—3-5 is the sweet spot
9. Configure privacy settings (Public, Friends, or Private)
10. Tap Post

Uploading from Desktop

Desktop uploading through tiktok.com offers several advantages: easier file management, no need to transfer videos to your phone, and access to scheduling.

1. Go to tiktok.com and sign in to your account
2. Click the Upload button in the top right corner
3. Drag and drop your video file or click to browse your computer
4. Wait for the video to process (this can take a minute for longer videos)
5. Add your caption and hashtags in the text field
6. Select a cover image by scrubbing through the video
7. Configure visibility: Public, Friends, or Private
8. Toggle interaction settings: Allow Comments, Allow Duet, Allow Stitch
9. Click Post for immediate publishing, or Schedule if you have 1000+ followers

Desktop scheduling requirements

TikTok's native scheduling feature requires at least 1,000 followers to unlock. If you meet this threshold, you can schedule posts up to 10 days in advance. If you don't have 1,000 followers yet, third-party tools that use TikTok's API can schedule without this restriction.

Writing Effective Captions

TikTok captions are limited to 2,200 characters, but shorter almost always performs better. The algorithm prioritizes watch time and engagement—not how much text you write. Your caption should hook attention, not tell a novel.

Caption best practices

• -Keep it under 150 characters. The best-performing TikToks often have very short captions that complement the video.
• -Front-load the hook. Only the first few words show before users tap to expand. Make them count.
• -Use 3-5 hashtags. Mix one or two broad tags (#fyp, #viral) with 2-3 niche tags relevant to your content.
• -Ask questions. Captions that prompt comments can boost engagement signals.

Fixing Quality Issues

If your videos look blurry, pixelated, or washed out after uploading, the problem is usually one of these:

Low export quality

If you exported at lower resolution or bitrate than recommended, TikTok's compression compounds the problem. Re-export at 1080x1920, 10-12 Mbps bitrate, H.264 codec.

Double compression

Uploading video that's already been compressed (downloaded from TikTok, screen recordings, videos from messaging apps) results in severe quality loss. Always use your original export.

Wrong aspect ratio

Non-9:16 videos get letterboxed with black bars or cropped, which looks unprofessional. Edit your video to 9:16 before exporting.

Mobile data upload

TikTok may apply more aggressive compression on slower connections. Use WiFi for uploads when possible.

Cross-Platform Considerations

If you're posting the same video to YouTube Shorts, Instagram Reels, or Facebook Reels, use your clean export file—not a version downloaded from TikTok. The TikTok watermark will tank your reach on other platforms, and the additional compression degrades quality.

For scheduling and managing uploads across multiple platforms, see our guide on scheduling TikTok videos or cross-posting to multiple platforms.