How to Upload TikTok Videos: Desktop & Mobile Guide

8 min read

TikTok has become the dominant platform for short-form video content with over 1 billion monthly active users. Whether you're uploading from your phone or computer, this comprehensive guide will show you how to upload TikTok videos the right way, maintain quality, and avoid common upload errors.

TikTok Video Upload Requirements

Before uploading, ensure your video meets TikTok's specifications:

  • Aspect Ratio: 9:16 (vertical) recommended, also supports 1:1 and 16:9
  • Resolution: 1080x1920 (Full HD vertical) recommended
  • Duration: 15 seconds to 10 minutes (3 minutes for new accounts)
  • Format: MP4 or MOV (desktop also supports WebM)
  • File Size: Maximum 287.6 MB (mobile), 4GB (desktop)
  • Frame Rate: 30fps minimum, 60fps recommended

How to Upload TikTok Videos from Mobile

The TikTok mobile app is the most popular way to upload videos:

Step-by-Step Mobile Upload Process

  1. Open the TikTok app and tap the '+' button at the bottom center
  2. Tap 'Upload' in the bottom right (or record new video)
  3. Select your video from your phone's gallery
  4. Trim the video if needed using the scissors icon
  5. Add sounds, effects, text, or stickers (optional)
  6. Tap 'Next' when finished editing
  7. Write a caption with relevant hashtags (e.g., #TikTok #Viral)
  8. Select a cover image from your video
  9. Choose who can view: Public, Friends, or Private
  10. Toggle settings for Comments, Duet, Stitch
  11. Tap 'Post' to publish immediately

Pro Tip: Preserve Video Quality on Mobile

Upload using WiFi instead of mobile data to prevent additional compression. Also, avoid uploading videos that are already compressed from other platforms.

How to Upload TikTok Videos from Desktop

TikTok's desktop uploader offers more control and the ability to schedule posts:

Step-by-Step Desktop Upload Process

  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 'Select file'
  4. Wait for the video to upload and process (this may take a few minutes)
  5. Add a caption with hashtags (2200 characters max)
  6. Choose or upload a custom cover image
  7. Configure privacy settings: who can view, comment, duet, stitch
  8. Enable/disable content disclosure (branded content, AI-generated, etc.)
  9. Choose to 'Post' now or 'Schedule' (1000+ followers required)
  10. If scheduling, select date and time up to 10 days in advance

Tired of Uploading the Same Video to Every Platform?

Stop wasting time uploading to TikTok, YouTube Shorts, Instagram Reels, and Facebook manually. With ShortSync, upload once and publish to all 5 platforms automatically—with custom captions and thumbnails for each.

Try ShortSync Free

Why Your TikTok Video Quality Drops (And How to Fix It)

One of the most common complaints is TikTok reducing video quality after upload. Here's why it happens and how to minimize it:

Why TikTok Compresses Videos

  • TikTok automatically compresses all uploads to reduce file size and improve streaming performance
  • Low-quality source files get compressed even more
  • Videos uploaded via mobile data may receive extra compression
  • Re-uploading already compressed videos (from other platforms) degrades quality further

How to Maintain Maximum Quality on TikTok

  • Export at 1080x1920 resolution with high bitrate (10-12 Mbps)
  • Use H.264 codec (not H.265/HEVC)
  • Maintain 30fps minimum, 60fps for smoother motion
  • Upload using WiFi, not mobile data
  • Avoid uploading videos already downloaded from Instagram, YouTube, etc.
  • Use MP4 format for best compatibility

How to Schedule TikTok Uploads

TikTok offers native scheduling on desktop, but with limitations:

TikTok Native Scheduling (Desktop Only)

  • Requires 1000+ followers to access scheduling feature
  • Can schedule up to 10 days in advance
  • Only available on desktop browser, not mobile app
  • Limited to scheduling one video at a time

For advanced scheduling without follower requirements, check out our guide on how to schedule TikTok videos using third-party tools.

Schedule TikTok + All Platforms Without Follower Requirements

ShortSync lets you schedule TikTok videos (no 1000 follower requirement), plus YouTube Shorts, Instagram Reels, Facebook Reels, and Snapchat—all from one dashboard. Plan your entire content calendar in advance.

Get Started Free

Common TikTok Upload Errors (And Solutions)

Error: "Upload Failed" or Stuck at 0%

Solutions: Check internet connection, try a different browser, clear cache and cookies, reduce file size (compress video), convert to MP4 format, or try uploading from a different device.

Error: "File Format Not Supported"

Solution: Convert your video to MP4 or MOV format using a video converter tool. Ensure it's encoded with H.264 codec.

Error: Video Stuck on "Processing"

Solutions: Wait 10-15 minutes (large files take longer), refresh the page, check if video exceeds duration limit, verify file size is under 4GB (desktop) or 287MB (mobile), or try re-uploading.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I upload TikTok videos from desktop?

Yes! Go to tiktok.com, click Upload, select your video (MP4/WebM/MOV), add caption and settings, then post. Desktop also allows scheduling if you have 1000+ followers.

Why does my TikTok video quality drop after upload?

TikTok compresses all videos to optimize streaming. To minimize quality loss: export at 1080x1920, use high bitrate (10-12 Mbps), H.264 codec, 30fps minimum, upload via WiFi, and avoid re-uploading already compressed videos.

What is the best video format for TikTok?

MP4 with H.264 codec is the best format. Use 1080x1920 resolution, 9:16 aspect ratio, 30-60fps, and 10-12 Mbps bitrate for optimal quality and compatibility.

Can I schedule TikTok uploads?

Yes, but only on desktop and only with 1000+ followers. You can schedule up to 10 days in advance. For more flexibility, use third-party scheduling tools like ShortSync.

Start Uploading to TikTok Like a Pro

Now you know exactly how to upload TikTok videos from both mobile and desktop, maintain maximum quality, and troubleshoot common errors. Remember to optimize your export settings, use WiFi for uploads, and leverage scheduling to maintain consistency. If you're posting across multiple platforms, check out our guide on cross-posting to multiple platforms to save even more time.

Upload to TikTok + 4 Other Platforms in One Click

ShortSync automatically uploads your videos to TikTok, YouTube Shorts, Instagram Reels, Facebook Reels, and Snapchat Spotlight. Schedule posts, customize captions per platform, and save hours every week.

Try ShortSync Free