If you want to know how to make a TikTok post, the main flow is simple: open the post creator, choose whether you are making a video, photo, or text post, make your edits, then publish or save a draft. This guide covers the standard posting workflow for iPhone, Android, and web browser users, using TikTok’s official posting guidance as the source for the core steps.
The article stays focused on one task: creating and publishing a post. It does not cover account recovery, full privacy setup, watch history, or data export workflows.
What TikTok lets you post
TikTok documents three main post types in its posting flow: video posts, photo posts, and text posts. In the app, you start from the same Add post + entry point, then choose the format you want to create.
| Post type | Best for | Important note |
|---|---|---|
| Video post | Recorded clips, uploaded videos, edited short videos, and standard TikTok content. | You can edit before posting, then add caption, tags, and settings. |
| Photo post | Image-based posts, carousels, and visual updates. | TikTok says photo posts allow up to 35 photos. |
| Text post | Written updates, short statements, and posts that do not start with a video or photo. | You still publish it through the post creation flow. |
For the official reference, TikTok explains the supported formats and the main publishing flow on TikTok’s making a post help page.
How to make a TikTok post in the app
The iPhone and Android app flow follows the same basic sequence. Some screens may look slightly different depending on your app version or account, but the official workflow starts with the same posting action.
- Open TikTok. Sign in to the account you want to post from.
- Tap Add post +. This opens the creation flow.
- Choose video, photo, or text. Pick the format that matches the post you want to make.
- Create or select your content. Record or add the content you want to include in the post.
- Add basic edits. Before publishing, use the available editing options you need for the post. Keep this step focused on preparing the post rather than starting over with a separate editing project.
- Add your caption, tags, and settings. On the posting screen, add the details you want to appear with the post and review the available publish-time settings.
- Tap Post to publish. Once you publish, the post is no longer just a draft.
- Or tap Drafts to save it for later. If you are not ready to publish, save it as a draft instead.
That is the core posting workflow: Add post +, choose a format, edit, add post details, then publish or save as a draft.
Posting videos, photos, and text
Video posts
A TikTok video post is the standard format most users think of first. Start from Add post +, choose the video option, create or add your video, then continue through editing and post details before tapping Post.
If you are uploading from a web browser, TikTok’s official guidance notes that web uploads use the full video. The exact browser interface can vary by account or region, so treat the web flow as similar in purpose but not necessarily identical to the iPhone or Android app screens.
Photo posts
A TikTok photo post is for image-based content. TikTok states that photo posts allow up to 35 photos. After choosing photos, continue through the editing and posting steps, then add the caption, tags, and settings you want before publishing.
If your post uses multiple photos, review the selection before tapping Post. This is the best point to confirm that you chose the right images and order.
Text posts
A TikTok text post lets you publish a post built around written content instead of starting with a recorded or uploaded video. Use the same creation entry point, choose text, prepare the post, then continue to the posting screen to publish or save it.
Text posts are still TikTok posts, so the final decision is the same: publish with Post or keep it private to you by saving it as a draft.
Drafts, edits, and publish-time choices
Before you publish, TikTok lets you prepare the post with edits and posting details. The exact tools available can depend on the post type. TikTok’s editing documentation covers video and photo editing options separately, so use TikTok’s editing help page if you need a deeper explanation of editing tools.
For a basic post, focus on these publish-time checks:
- Content: Make sure you selected the right video, photos, or text.
- Edits: Review any edits before posting.
- Caption and tags: Add the words and tags you want attached to the post.
- Settings: Review the available post settings shown before publishing.
- Publish or draft: Tap Post to publish, or Drafts to save it.
TikTok states that drafts are visible only to you. That makes drafts useful when you are not ready to publish but do not want to lose your work. A draft is not public until you complete the publishing step.
Important: Saving a TikTok as a draft is different from publishing it. Drafts are visible only to you, while tapping Post publishes the post according to the settings you choose.
Making a post from a web browser
TikTok also provides guidance for uploading from the web. Use this option when you prefer working from a desktop or laptop browser, especially if your video is already on that device.
The web experience is not always identical to the mobile app. TikTok’s documented note is that web uploads use the full video, but the exact interface may vary by account, region, or current TikTok web layout. If the browser screen does not match the app flow exactly, look for the upload or post creation area and follow the on-screen posting fields rather than expecting every mobile editing option to appear in the same place.
Quick checklist before you tap Post
Use this short checklist when you are ready to publish:
- Did you choose the correct post type: video, photo, or text?
- If it is a photo post, are you within TikTok’s limit of up to 35 photos?
- Did you review the edits before moving to the posting screen?
- Did you add the caption, tags, and settings you want?
- Are you ready to publish now, or should you save it as a draft?
If you are mainly concerned about who can see your future posts, use our related guide to make a TikTok account private. If you want a copy of account information later, you can also learn how to download your TikTok data. Those are separate account workflows, so they are not expanded here.
When to use TikTok’s editing help
This guide covers the basic creation and publishing flow. If your question is about a specific editing tool, a post-management action, or deleting a post after it has already been published, use TikTok’s official creation resources instead of guessing from outdated screenshots.
TikTok’s editing, posting and deleting help page is the best official starting point for adjacent tasks beyond simply making and publishing a post.
FAQs
Can I make a TikTok post from the web?
Yes. TikTok provides web upload guidance, and its official note says web uploads use the full video. The exact browser interface may vary by account or region, so follow the current on-screen upload fields if they do not match the mobile app.
How many photos can I add to a TikTok photo post?
TikTok says photo posts allow up to 35 photos. If you are making a photo post, review the selected images before publishing.
Are TikTok drafts public?
No. TikTok states that drafts are visible only to you. A draft is not published until you complete the posting flow and tap Post.