How To Delete a TikTok Video: A Complete Step-By-Step Guide

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Carolyn Howell

Last Updated: May 21, 2024

TikTok 101
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Lights, Camera, and Delete! Are you ready to be among the top TikTok influencers? If you aspire to be a TikTok influencer knowing how to delete a TikTok video is as important as creating one!  Deleting a video goes beyond just wiping pixels from a screen. It is about defining your digital identity, perfecting your message, and shaping the stories you want to convey. 

Understanding how to delete a TikTok video is crucial if you want to stand out in the competitive TikTok space. This article is a complete guide on how to delete TikTok videos on different devices. It’s time to learn how to delete TikTok videos and realize your full potential as a powerful presence on TikTok. Without further ado, let’s get started.

The TikTok icon.

How To Delete a Video on TikTok

As a TikTok influencer, maintaining a carefully curated feed is vital to showcase your style and capture your audience’s attention. However, you may need to know how to delete a video on TikTok to match current trends. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to delete a TikTok video to edit your profile and boost your influence:

  • Step 1:  Open the TikTok app on your device and login into your account.
  • Step 2: Tap the “Me” tab in the lower right corner of the screen. This will direct you to your profile, the hub of your TikTok presence, where you reveal your creativity and content.
  • Step 3: Browse your video library to find the video you want to delete. When you find it, tap it to bring it into full view. Check the video to ensure it’s the one you want to delete.
  • Step 4: Select the 3-dot icon in the screen’s lower-right corner to view the video options menu.
  • Step 5: Choose “Delete” from the options. TikTok will ask you for confirmation, asking whether you are sure you wish to delete the video. Tap “Delete” again to confirm your action.

Congratulations! You now know how to delete a TikTok video. It will no longer appear to your followers or on your feed. However, do these steps apply to both Android and iPhone? Though the steps are general to both devices, the location of some key features may differ. Keep reading to learn how to delete a TikTok video on Android and iPhone devices. 

A smartphone displaying a user’s TikTok profile.

How To Delete a TikTok Video on Android

Are you ready to take your TikTok game to the next level? Deleting videos is an essential skill for any TikTok influencer. Take control of your TikTok journey and boost your influence by polishing your brand and aligning your content strategy. If you use an Android device, here are five steps on how to delete a Tiktok video on Android. 

  • Step 1: Switch on your Android device and open the TikTok app. Enter your login details to access your account.
  • Step 2: Press the “Profile” icon at the bottom right corner of the screen. 
  • Step 3: Scroll through your video library to choose the video you want to delete. Click the video to open it in full-screen mode when you find it.
  • Step 4: Click the 3-dot icon to open the video options menu to view various options. It is usually at the upper-right corner of the screen. 
  • Step 5: Select “Delete” from the options. A confirmation message will display, asking you to confirm deleting the video. Tap “Delete” to confirm.

That’s it! TikTok will delete the video immediately from your profile on your Android device. Note that there may be minor differences in the user interface (UI) and icons depending on your Android device’s brand. The difference in the UI and icons may also be due to the TikTok app’s version. Hold on. There’s more! It is equally important for iOS users to learn how to delete a TikTok video on their devices.

How To Delete a TikTok Video on iPhone

Learning how to delete a TikTok video on iPhones is as simple as deleting a TikTok video on Android devices. Here are the steps to follow: 

  • Step 1: Open  the TikTok app on your iPhone and log in to your account 
  • Step 2: Tap the “Profile” icon in the lower right corner of the screen. This will take you to your profile page to view all the videos you uploaded.
  • Step 3: Scroll through your video collection to find the video you want to delete. The thumbnail or the description will help you recognize it.
  • Step 4: Once you see the video, tap it to view it in full-screen mode. Then, at the bottom right corner of the screen, hit the three dots icon to access the video’s settings.
  • Step 5: There are several options in the video settings menu. Choose the “Delete” button.
  • Step 6: You will see a confirmation message asking if you wish to delete the video. Select “Delete” once more to confirm your choice.
  • Step 7: Tiktok will delete the video permanently from your account and make it unavailable to other viewers.

That’s it! You now know how to delete a TikTok video on your iPhone. Note that deleting a TikTok video just removes it from your profile. If others have shared or downloaded the video, it may still be on their devices or accounts. 

The TikTok icon in the middle of a ring light.

Why Should You Learn How To Delete a TikTok Video?

Wait a minute! We have been discussing how to delete a TikTok video. As an influencer, you may wonder, “What’s the point?” In the revolving world of TikTok, deleting some videos is crucial to maintaining a relevant and engaging profile. These are four reasons why you should learn how to delete a TikTok video:

  1. To Curate Your Content 

As an influencer or aspiring influencer, your profile reflects your brand. Thus, deleting TikTok videos that don’t align with your image ensures an accurate representation of your profile. It also helps you capture the attention of your target audience.

  1. It Helps You Stay on Current Trends

Learning how to delete a TikTok video can help you stay on top of current trends and avoid outdated content. TikTok is known for its ever-evolving landscape, with new daily challenges, dances, and memes popping up. By deleting videos that have become irrelevant, you can keep your profile up-to-date. This ensures a consistent delivery of content that resonates with your viewers.

  1. It Helps Protect Your Online Reputation and Establishes Trust and Credibility

What do you do when you post a video that sparks a controversial issue? You delete it! This is why mastering how to delete TikTok videos is vital.  Deleting such videos can protect your reputation and ensure a positive internet presence. Ultimately, this establishes trust and credibility.

An influencer about to click the TikTok app on her smartphone.

How To Delete a TikTok Video and Understanding How To Recover a Deleted TikTok Video on Your Devices

You know how to delete a TikTok video, but what if you delete the wrong video? Don’t fret. You can get it back. It is noteworthy that recovering a deleted TikTok video can be difficult. This is because the platform does not have an official feature for recovering deleted content. However, let’s walk you through other alternatives on how to recover a deleted TikTok video from your phone.

How To Recover Deleted TikTok Videos on Android and iPhone

Suppose you have an Android phone and have enabled the backup feature in Google Photos. In that case, you can recover the Tiktok videos you’ve deleted. Here are the ways to see if you’ve enabled the Google Photos Backup feature:

  • Step 1: Open the Google Photos app on your phone.
  • Step 2: Click the profile icon. It is at the top-right of the screen.
  • Step 3: Click “Settings.”
  • Step 4: Check the status of the Back up & sync option. 

Then, follow these steps to recover the TikTok videos you deleted from Google Photos:

  • Step 5: On the Google Photos app, click “Library” and select “Trash.”
  • Step 6: Choose the video you want to recover, and tap the “Recover” icon.

That’s it. You now know how to delete a TikTok video and recover it via Google Photos on Android. For iPhone users, you can recover the TikTok videos you deleted from iCloud. To begin, follow these steps to know if you have enabled iCloud backup:

  • Step 1: Go to your phone’s Settings.
  • Step 2: Click your username.
  • Step 3: Select “iCloud,” then “iCloud Backup,” and switch it on.

To recover TikTok videos from your iOS device, follow these steps:

  • Step 4: Sign in to iCloud using your account.
  • Step 5: Locate and select the “Settings” option.
  • Step 6: From the Advanced menu, choose “Recover Files.”
  • Step 7:  Select the files you wish to recover and click “Restore.”

And that’s it! With these steps, you now know how to delete a Tiktok video and retrieve it from iCloud.

How To Recover Deleted Videos From TikTok Support After Following The Steps on How To Delete a TikTok Video

Alternatively, you can contact TikTok support if you cannot retrieve your videos from Google Photos and iCloud. Follow these two steps to recover deleted videos from TikTok support.

  • Step 1: Log in to your account and visit the TikTok support website or “Help Center.” Search for a “Contact Us” or “Submit a Request” option to communicate with TikTok support.
  • Step 2: Explain your situation and include pertinent information regarding the video you deleted. This includes the date and time you deleted it, its description, and other important facts. This will help TikTok understand your situation better.

It is vital to note that TikTok support receives many inquiries. Thus, responses may take some time. TikTok responds via the email address linked with your TikTok account. If TikTok support wants further information or provides specific instructions, make sure you carefully follow them. This could include providing more information or performing specific activities to aid retrieval.

You now know how to delete a TikTok video and retrieve it from TikTok’s support. However, while the support may help in some circumstances, it is advisable to back up vital data to avoid irreparable loss.

A TikToker sitting on a chair and making a video of herself via her smartphone.

Understanding How To Delete a TikTok Video and 7 Tips To Becoming a Successful TikTok Influencer

Of course, knowing how to delete a TikTok video is key to becoming a successful TikTok influencer. However, there’s more to it. Are you ready to become a famous TikTok influencer and gain audiences worldwide? Here are additional tips that can help you achieve this feat.

  1. Choose Your Niche: Choose a specific niche for your content. Can I dance, cook, mimic, or make a comedy? Ask yourself these questions and choose what you are best at. This will help you stand out and attract a target audience that shares your interests.
  2. Be Consistent: Consistency is the mother of success. Know the best time to post on Tiktok and post regularly to retain engagement and visibility. Understanding your target audience’s behavior and engagement patterns allows you to time your content to reach a larger audience strategically. 
  3. Participate With Your Audience: Respond to comments, engage with followers, and join trends and challenges. Developing a good rapport with your audience increases loyalty and motivates them to share your material with others. Without any doubt, this increases your chances of success as an influencer.
  4. Use Trending Topics and Challenges: Keep up with the newest TikTok trends, challenges, and hashtags. Learn how to do challenges on TikTok or how to create a TikTok challenge to increase discoverability and appeal.
  5. Collaborate With Other TikTokers: Collaborate with other TikTokers to expand your reach and gain more audiences. Collaborative videos help you gain attention and new followers.
  6. Make Strategic Use of Popular Songs and Hashtags: Investigate what hashtags to use on TikTok and use popular TikTok songs unique to your niche. Hashtags and songs boost the likelihood of your videos appearing in trending feeds.

The TikTok app icon and other app icons on a phone’s screen.

Learn How To Delete a TikTok Video and Start Growing Your Following and Engagement With High Social Today

Look at that! Indeed, knowing how to delete a TikTok video is a necessary skill for efficiently managing your TikTok profile. We’ve looked at ways to delete and recover deleted videos and provided tips on becoming a successful TikTok influencer. 

Furthermore, building your followership and engagement levels is crucial to thriving as an influencer. Interestingly, social media growth companies like High Social can help you achieve this feat seamlessly. High Social’s expertise in social media development and engagement can help you grow your TikTok following and increase engagement levels. Ultimately, this will help you establish a solid online presence. Via this platform, you’ll unlock new opportunities, stay relevant, and maintain a consistent brand identity. Start growing your following and engagement with High Social today.

TikTok 101