How to Upload a TikTok Video: A Beginner's Guide

Posted on 23rd Sep, 2024.

If you're a complete novice on TikTok, you'll need to start with the basics before you can even think about going viral. So, let's dive into the most simple aspect of the video-sharing platform - uploading a video. Once you've got the essentials down, you'll be able to start your journey to TikTok stardom.

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Why Upload Content to TikTok?

Whether you're an individual looking to become a content creator or a business hoping to use TikTok as a marketing platform, the good news is it benefits both. If you want to make money as an influencer, it can be easy to go viral once you get the hang of making content and using trends to your advantage. For businesses, TikTok offers a cheap and effective way to connect with your target audience without having to spend money on the traditional methods of marketing.

In short, whether you want to build an audience just to boost your brand or make money from TikTok's Creator Fund, well-planned content creation is the place to start. Let's get into it.

How to Upload a Video to TikTok

How to Upload a Video Using the TikTok App

Open the TikTok app, log in, and tap the Add Post + button at the bottom of the screen.
Select the maximum length for your video. If you're uploading an externally-recorded video, tap Upload and skip to step 4.
Tap Record and when you've finished filming, tap the Continue button at the bottom.
Add filters, sounds, text, and more as you wish. Use the advanced editing tools, if you prefer.
Tap Your Story if you want to post to your Stories. Otherwise, press Next to add additional details, like hashtags and a description.
Tap Post to publish your video. To save it, tap Drafts.

How to Upload a Video on the Web Browser

Log into your TikTok profile and click Upload at the top of the page.
Click Select video to upload or Select file.
Choose the video you want to upload.
The whole video will be uploaded. If you want to change the length of it, upload in the TikTok app instead.

How to Post an Image on TikTok

TikTok isn't just for videos, you know! You can post images in a carousel, too, which can be especially useful for storytelling. Here's how.

Open the TikTok app and log in, then tap the Add Post + button.
Tap Photo then Upload to select photos from your device. You can add up to 35 photos to your carousel.
Tap Next. Swipe to switch between photos and make edits. At this point, you can also add filters, sounds, text, stickers, and more.
Tap Your Story to post to your Stories or alternatively press Next to make more edits, such as adding a description, hashtags, or tagging people.
Tap Post to publish your post or Drafts to save it. You can return to Drafts and post them at a later date.

How Do I Know What Video to Make?

Starting off in content creation can be tricky, but there are a few ways to come up with the right content. Start by deciding on your niche (e.g. beauty, cooking, travel, etc) and research the content that other followers in this niche are creating. Brainstorm ways you could take their content to the next level and differentiate yours with just a few key changes. Popular type of content include tutorials, get ready with me videos, vlogs, and product reviews.

You don't have to build on others' content ideas, though - if you've got a creative urge that feels right for your audience, go for it. TikTok users love uniqueness and originality, so they'll always enjoy seeing something they haven't seen before. If you run out of content ideas, we've got a handy blog post to help, filled to the brim with inspiration so you never have another creative slump.

How Long Can TikTok Videos Be?

If you create your video in the TikTok app, it can be up to 10 minutes long. if you upload a video that's been made externally, it can be up to 60 minutes long.

While you technically can upload an hour-long video to TikTok, we wouldn't recommend doing so. Users flock to TikTok for short-form content and are unlikely to sit and watch long-form content on this fast-paced platform. If you want to upload a mix of shorter and longer videos, use YouTube as the platform to upload your long-form content such as video essays and product reviews.

According to research, the optimum length for a TikTok video is between 20 and 35 seconds long. Explore this detail in greater detail in our blog post.

What Next? You Need Engagement!

Once you've uploaded your first few videos, it's time to start thinking about how you can maximise engagement. The best place to start? With more likes, views, and followers.

We know this is easier said than done, which is why we've made it easier than ever for you to boost engagement and go viral with the option to buy likes, views, and followers. This increased engagement with boost your video up TikTok's algorithm, allowing it to be seen by more people and increasing your follower count going forward. It's a win-win!

With Tokmax, you can buy high-quality, real followers with instant delivery, meaning they'll immediately appear on your profile. Take your TikTok identity to the next level with trusted followers, likes, and views from Tokmax, your new secret weapon to real engagement.