TikTok is one of the most popular social media platforms for sharing short videos. However, many users run into issues where their videos get cut off or don’t fully upload when posting.
There are a few potential reasons why TikTok may not be uploading your entire videos and several troubleshooting steps you can take to try and resolve the problem.
Why Your TikTok Videos May Not Be Uploading Fully
There are a few common reasons why your TikTok videos may not be uploading in their entirety.
Video File Size is Too Large
One of the most common reasons TikTok will cut off or fail to fully upload your video is if the file size is too large. TikTok has a maximum file size limit of 200MB per video. If your video exceeds that file size, TikTok will either fail to upload it entirely or start trimming it down by cutting off the end.
To check your video’s file size, view the video’s properties on your computer before uploading. If the file size is greater than 200MB, you’ll need to reduce the size.
Poor Internet Connection
Uploading videos requires a stable, high-speed internet connection. If your internet is slow or cutting in and out while uploading, it can cause the upload to fail or only partially complete.
Always upload TikTok videos when connected to a strong WiFi network. Using a weak cellular connection often results in upload issues.
App Issues or Bugs
Like any app, TikTok can sometimes have software bugs or glitches that affect uploading. App crashes, freezes or other technical issues can prevent successful video uploads or result in truncated videos.
Updating the TikTok app and your device’s OS to the latest versions can help resolve app-related upload problems.
Account Restrictions
In some cases, there may be restrictions on your TikTok account that prevent uploading longer videos. This could happen if you have faced prior temporary upload bans or if your account is still new.
If you have no upload restrictions, TikTok’s support team may be able to remove any blocks if your account is still facing length limits.
How to Fix TikTok Not Uploading Full Video
If your TikTok videos are getting cut off, here are some troubleshooting steps to try and resolve the problem:
1. Compress Videos to Reduce File Size
The first step is to check your video file size and compress the video if needed to get it under TikTok’s 200MB limit.
You can use video compressor apps and software like Handbrake or Adobe Premiere Pro to reduce resolution, bitrate and other settings to shrink the file size down.
Online video compressors such as vid.io are also effective in reducing the size of your videos without losing the quality.
You may need to try several exports, adjusting the resolution and quality each time until you reach your target file size.
Aim for a final video file around 50-100MB for the best chance of successful uploading. The lower the file size, the less likely TikTok will need to trim your video length. Double check the file size before attempting to upload.
2. Use Optimal Video Settings
In addition to compression, make sure your video resolution, aspect ratio and frame rate are optimized for TikTok:
- Resolution: 1080×1920 pixels (9:16 aspect ratio)
- Frame Rate: 23-25 FPS
- Bitrate: 5,000-10,000 kbps
Setting your video to these recommended specs when exporting will help reduce file size while maintaining quality. Be sure to set the resolution and aspect ratio in your video editor before exporting.
For frame rate, use a rate that matches or is divisible into the original frame rate of your video. The bitrate can be adjusted in the export settings.
3. Check and Improve Your Internet Connection
Verify your internet connectivity when you attempt to upload the video again.
Run a speed test and switch to a stronger WiFi network or use a wired ethernet connection if available.
Disabling other devices on your network can also help. Stop any large downloads or streams during your upload.
If using cellular data, move closer to a window or outdoors to improve signal strength. Upload over WiFi whenever possible for faster speeds. If your connection is still slow, contact your internet provider to troubleshoot.
4. Update the TikTok App and Your Device
Go into your device’s app store and ensure you have updated to the latest version of TikTok. Also update your device’s operating system if an update is available.
Restart your device after updating to clear any glitches. Keeping your device and apps updated can prevent bugs that interfere with uploading. Be sure to install updates as soon as they become available.
5. Try Uploading from a Different Device
If you continue having upload issues after optimizing your video and connection, try uploading from another device like a computer or tablet.
Sometimes mobile app problems are device-specific. Uploading from an alternate device can rule out any issues with your main uploading device’s hardware or OS. Test uploading on a friend’s device as well.
6. Clear the TikTok App Cache and Data
From your device settings menu, find and clear the cache and data for the TikTok app. This resets the app and can clear up corrupt files or data that may be impacting upload capabilities.
Be sure to clear both the cache and app data entirely to fully reset the app. Test uploading again after doing this to see if it had any effect.
7. Try Uploading Over a VPN
Using a VPN connection routes your internet traffic through remote servers which can sometimes resolve network-related upload problems. Enable a VPN app and connect to a server in a different geographic area, then attempt uploading again to see if it fixes any connection issues.
If uploading works with the VPN active, it indicates your regular network has routing problems interfering with uploads. Consider using a VPN regularly to bypass these issues.
8. Contact TikTok Support
If you still can’t successfully upload full-length videos after trying these fixes, reach out to TikTok’s support team via in-app support ticket or their help site.
Provide specifics on the nature of the uploading failure and what troubleshooting you’ve tried. Include your device model, OS version, and app version. They may be able to provide additional solutions or lift restrictions on your account if needed.
Preventing TikTok Upload Fails in the Future
Once you get your full videos uploading successfully, here are some tips to avoid further upload fails down the road:
- Check file size before uploading – Always examine the video file properties from your camera roll first to ensure it falls under the 200MB limit. Compress in advance if needed.
- Use the optimal settings – Stick with 1080×1920 resolution, MP4 format, 23-25 FPS frame rate and 5000-10000 bitrate for best results.
- Upload over WiFi – Avoid uploading over cellular connections as much as possible to prevent network issues. Only use LTE/5G in areas with strong signal.
- Update the app and device regularly – Don’t ignore TikTok or iOS/Android updates as keeping apps and OS current can prevent technical glitches. Install updates immediately.
- Clean out the app cache frequently – Clear the TikTok app cache and data every few weeks to wipe out any corrupted files that may build up. Do this from your device settings.
- Try alternate uploading devices – Keep another phone or tablet on hand you can upload from if one device starts having issues.Rotate between devices.
Following these best practices when preparing and uploading videos to TikTok can help ensure your videos always make it to your followers in their full form without frustrating truncation.
