Did you post an embarrassing video? Are you planning to take your TikTok account in a new direction? You might want to delete one of your videos, or even all of them.
TikTok makes deleting videos super easy. If you just want to hide videos from your followers, you can also make them private. This guide shows you how to do both.
How to Delete a TikTok Video Permanently
Are you absolutely sure you want to delete one of your TikTok videos forever? You can remove a video from the platform in a few simple steps:
Step 1: Launch the TikTok App and Go to Your Profile
Open the app and log in. Click on the “Profile” icon in the bottom right corner to open your profile.
You can see all the videos you’ve posted to TikTok there.
Step 2: Tap the Video You Want to Delete
The video will start playing in full-screen mode.
Step 3: Select the ‘Three Dots’ Menu
Tap the three dots icon at the bottom of the menu on the right side of your screen. This step gives you a list of available options.
Step 4: Choose ‘Delete’
Tap the “Delete” button in the bottom right corner. The icon looks like a trash can.
Step 5: Confirm Your Choice
TikTok will ask you if you are sure you want to delete your video when you tap the trash can icon.
Tap “Delete” to confirm or “Cancel” to keep the video.
If you delete the video, it’ll be gone forever unless you or someone else backed it up. There’s no way to recover the video.
How to Make a TikTok Video Private
Deleting a video from TikTok isn’t your only option if you want to hide it from other people. You can also decide to make a video private.
You have two options if you want to go this route. You can allow your friends to see the video while hiding it from anyone else, or you can keep the video all to yourself.
Here’s how:
Step 1: Find the Video You Want to Hide
Launch the TikTok app and log in. Look for the video you want to make private.
Tap it.
Step 2: Tap ‘Privacy Settings’
Open the “Privacy Settings” menu by tapping the lock icon at the bottom of your screen. It’s the fifth option from the right.
Step 3: Select ‘Who Can Watch This Video’
You can decide who’s allowed to watch the video by clicking on the “Who can watch this video” menu. It’s the first option in “Privacy Settings.”
Step 4: Decide Who Can Watch Your Video
Everyone can watch the video until you change your privacy settings.
Tap “Friends” (followers you follow back) if you want to give your friends access to the video.
Choose “Only me” if you want to keep the video to yourself.
Making the video private gives you time to decide what to do with it. You can download it or delete it later.
How to Download Your TikTok Videos Before Deleting Them
Do you want to delete some of your TikTok videos from the platform? Unless you’ve already stored your videos, you might want to download them first.
That’s easy:
Step 1: Go to the Video
Find the TikTok video you want to download through the “Profile” icon.
Tap it.
Step 2: Tap the ‘Three Dots’ Icon
This action opens the “Share to” menu.
Tap the gray “Save video” button in the bottom left corner of the menu.
The video will begin downloading. When the download is ready, you’ll be able to find it in your gallery.
Step 3: Delete the TikTok Video
You can now delete the TikTok video from the platform without losing it forever.
How to Save TikTok Videos Without Posting Them
If you’ve made a TikTok video you’re not sure you want to post, you can save the video without posting it.
Launch your TikTok app and follow along:
Step 1: Tap ‘New Video’
The “New video” icon looks like a big plus. Tap it.
Step 2: Record Your Video
Hit the pink “Record” button at the bottom of your screen to make your video.
Step 3: Select ‘Next’
Choose “Next” when your video is ready.
Step 4: Make Your Video Private
TikTok will ask you who can see the video. Choose “Only me.”
This option saves your video. It’ll also give you time to decide whether you want to share it with your audience.
Step 5: Post Your Video
Hitting “Post” adds the video to your TikTok account. Only you can view it until you decide to share it with “Everyone.”
How to Delete All Your TikTok Videos
You could choose to delete each of your videos one by one. You can also make all your TikTok videos private.
You might also have a better option. Deleting your entire TikTok account is the easiest way to remove all of your videos:
Step 1: Tap Your Profile
Launch the TikTok app and log in. Go to your profile by tapping the “Profile” button in the bottom right.
Step 2: Select the Hamburger Menu
The hamburger menu looks like three horizontal lines. You’ll find it in the top right.
Step 3: Hit ‘Settings and Privacy’
Choose “Account” and head over to “Deactivate or delete account.”
Follow the Instructions TikTok gives you.
Deleting your TikTok account will automatically delete all your videos.
How to Delete a TikTok Video: A Final Word
Deleting a TikTok video is almost too easy.
Go to your profile, tap the “three dots” icon, and hit “Delete.” Confirm your choice. That’s it! The video will be gone forever. If you aren’t sure whether you want to delete a TikTok video, make it private instead. Go to the app’s privacy menu and choose “Only me” in the “Who can watch this video” menu.
