Emily Bennett
How To Upload TikTok Videos From a Computer in 2025
Maybe you’ve tried messing around with TikTok’s web version and noticed it’s not super straightforward when it comes to uploading videos from a desktop. Or perhaps you prefer editing on a bigger screen with some more flexible software before posting. Whatever the reason, uploading videos directly from your computer isn’t exactly as smooth as clicking a button—at least not out of the box. But it’s doable, and once set up, it can streamline your process quite a bit.
This guide walks through how to get those videos from your computer onto TikTok, whether you want to do a quick batch upload or just avoid the phone app for some tasks. It’s mostly about knowing where to click and which tricks to make the uploads work smoothly, especially if you run into common hiccups like format issues or upload errors.
How to Upload TikTok Videos From Your Computer
Access the TikTok Web Platform and Log In
- Head over to the TikTok website. It’s best to use a recent Chrome, Firefox, or Edge—anything that supports the web uploader well.
- Log into your account. If you don’t have one, you can sign up directly on the site. Sometimes signing in feels a bit clunky, but it’s necessary for uploading.
Pro tip: If your session keeps crashing or you get weird errors, try clearing your browser cache or switching to Incognito mode. On some setups, TikTok’s web uploader can be kinda flaky.
Navigate to the Upload Area (and some tricks)
- Once logged in, look at the top right corner for the Upload button — it’s usually a plus icon or labeled “Upload”.
- If it’s not obvious, sometimes reaching it involves clicking on your profile icon first, then finding the upload option. TikTok loves hiding options in menus.
- For quick access next time, you can even bookmark the direct upload URL: https://www.tiktok.com/upload
Note: On some browsers, clicking the upload button opens a popup window rather than an inline page. Not sure why, but that’s just how it is sometimes.
Uploading the Video Files (here’s where tech gets iffy)
- Drag and drop your
.mp4or.movvideo files into the upload box. You can upload multiple videos (up to 30 at once), which is handy if you’re batching content. - If drag-and-drop isn’t working, try clicking the upload area and selecting files manually through your file explorer. Windows user? Shift + click or Ctrl + click might help select multiple files faster.
Sometimes videos with certain codecs or resolutions can cause problems. If uploads fail, check your file’s format — TikTok loves vertical videos, typically 9:16 aspect ratio, and files shouldn’t be too large.
Adding Details, Metadata, and Titles
- After upload, you’ll get options to add a caption, hashtags, and tags — essential if you want your stuff to get noticed. Think of it as the SEO of TikTok.
- Also, double-check your video’s thumbnail (if you have that option) and make sure it’s grabbing attention.
On some machines, the interface can lag or freeze here. Usually, refreshing the page or trying in a different browser fixes it. TikTok’s web uploader isn’t perfect, but for quick edits and uploading multiple clips, it does the job.
Scheduling and Publishing (or just go live)
- If the feature is available (it’s new and not everywhere yet), you can schedule posts—for up to a week in advance. Look for the Schedule toggle or button.
- Otherwise, hit Publish once everything looks good. Expect a short processing time, especially for larger videos.
Sometimes, videos take a few moments to process and appear in your profile. Patience is key, and if they don’t show up immediately, try refreshing after a minute or so.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
- If uploads consistently fail or error out, double-check your file format, resolution, and internet stability. Sometimes, a quick restart of your router or switching browsers fixes weird issues.
- For batch uploads and management, tools like a local video editor help optimize your clips beforehand, making sure they’re TikTok-ready.
- On some setups, TikTok’s upload window can get stuck or not respond properly—just closing the tab and trying again might do the trick. Also, clearing cache or disabling browser extensions can help.
And yeah, because of course, TikTok’s web version isn’t as seamless as the app, but at least it’s better than nothing if you want to upload from your desktop.
Wrap-up
Getting your videos from your computer onto TikTok isn’t extremely complicated once you know where to click and what to avoid. Sure, it’s got its quirks—sometimes videos not uploading, interface lag, or format errors—but generally, it lets you work on your content with bigger screens and better tools.
Just remember, keep an eye on your file formats and browser compatibility. And if it refuses to cooperate, a quick browser restart or switch might save the day. Trying to make things smoother, but sometimes TikTok’s web interface still feels kinda rough around the edges.
Summary
- Open https://www.tiktok.com in your browser and log in.
- Click the Upload button—usually top right or from your profile menu.
- Drag-and-drop or select your video files, keeping formats in mind (.mp4, .mov).
- Add captions, hashtags, and details for SEO and engagement.
- Choose to publish immediately or schedule for later if that option’s available.
- Watch the progress, and keep an eye out for processing delays.