To delete a TikTok video, you need to open the video from your profile, tap the More options (...) button on the side of the video, then tap Delete and confirm. This is the core action for how to delete a TikTok video after it has been posted, and it removes it from your profile immediately.
Before you delete a TikTok video
Once you confirm the deletion, the video is removed from your profile. To keep a copy for yourself, save the video to your device before deleting it. Open the video from your profile, tap the three-dot icon, and select the Save option. This backup is your only permanent copy, as the video will not remain on your profile.
How to delete a TikTok video after posting
You can delete a video that is already published on your profile. TikTok now offers a 30-day recovery window through the Recently Deleted folder, so you can undo a deletion if you act quickly. Account deletion is the only way to delete all posted TikTok videos in one go. There is currently no way to delete all posted videos at once without deleting the entire account.
- Go to your Profile and open the video you want to delete.
- Tap More options (the ... button) on the side of the video.
- Tap Delete and confirm the action.
The video is moved to Recently deleted, where it remains for 30 days. To restore it within that window, go to Profile > Menu > Settings and privacy > Activity center > Recently deleted, select the post, and tap Restore.
How to discard a video on TikTok
If you change your mind while recording, editing, or just before posting, you can discard the video without it ever appearing on your profile. This prevents unfinished or unwanted content from being saved as a draft or published.
While recording
- On the recording screen, tap the checkmark in the lower-right corner.
- Tap the back arrow icon in the upper-left corner.
- Tap the X icon in the same corner.
- Choose Start over to return to the recording screen or Discard to go back to the For You page.
While editing
- On the editing screen, tap the back arrow icon in the top-left corner.
- Select Continue.
- Tap the X icon in the top-left corner.
- Pick either Start over or Discard.
Right before posting
- Press the back arrow key once more.
- Tap the X icon.
- Pick either Start over or Discard.
How to delete a saved draft video on TikTok
Drafts that you no longer intend to post can be removed individually or in bulk from the Drafts folder. This cleans up your workspace and prevents accidental posting later. Uninstalling and reinstalling the app automatically deletes all saved drafts.
Delete a single draft
- Go to your Profile and tap the Drafts box.
- Long press on the unposted video you want to delete.
- Select Delete.
- On the pop-up message, tap Delete draft to confirm.
Delete multiple drafts at once
- Tap the Select option in the top-right corner.
- Tick the video drafts you want to erase.
- Select the Delete option at the bottom.
- On the pop-up message, press Delete.
How to delete a reposted video on TikTok
Reposting a video promotes it to your followers' For You pages, but it does not add it to your profile. If you accidentally reposted a video, you can undo it in two taps.
- On the TikTok video you accidentally reposted, tap the Share icon.
- Tap Remove repost.
Make your TikTok videos private instead
If you are unsure about permanent deletion, you can hide a video from your public profile by changing its privacy setting. This keeps the video on your account without showing it to others. To do this, open the video from your profile, tap the three-dot icon, swipe left on the bottom menu, tap Privacy settings, then tap Who can watch this video and select Only me. The video moves to the Private Videos tab, where you can later make it public again by changing the setting back to Everyone, Followers, or Friends. For more useful adjustments, explore the full range of TikTok tips and settings in the TikTok Tips and Settings Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does deleting a TikTok account also delete your videos?
Yes, deleting your TikTok account permanently removes all your videos. If you think you might need any of them later, download them to your device before proceeding with account deletion. Note that if someone else has saved your video before you deleted your account, that copy remains accessible to them. If someone saved your video before you deleted your account, you must contact that person directly to delete those copies.
Can you recover deleted TikTok videos?
After 30 days, the video is permanently removed and cannot be restored.
Why can't I delete a TikTok video?
A slow or unstable internet connection can prevent the delete option from appearing. Also, you can only delete videos that you posted yourself; you will not find a Delete option on another user's video in your feed.
