TikTok is a popular short-form video app where users can create and share 15-60 second videos. When a TikTok video is first uploaded, it goes through a processing stage before it is published and visible to viewers.
The processing stage involves TikTok analyzing and preparing the video for delivery through its platforms. This includes encoding the video for optimized playback, generating thumbnails, adding captions, etc. Processing ensures videos meet TikTok’s technical requirements before distribution.
Normally, processing completes within minutes or hours. However, sometimes videos can take longer to process fully. If your TikTok video says “processing”, this guide examines the meaning behind it and what to do if your video is delayed.
What Does “Processing” Mean?
When you upload a video to TikTok, it goes through several processing stages before it is ready to be posted and viewed by others. Here are the main processing steps:
Uploading – This is when your video file is transferred from your device to TikTok’s servers. The upload progress bar shows the status of this stage.
Transcoding – TikTok will then convert your original video file into formats optimized for different devices and connection speeds. This involves compressing the file while retaining quality.
Review – Uploaded videos go through automated checks to detect any inappropriate content or copyrighted material. TikTok also scans for spam, misleading info, dangerous acts, etc.
Thumbnail selection – TikTok will analyze your video and select an auto-generated thumbnail. You can override this with a custom thumbnail.
Adding metadata – Video information like captions, hashtags, sounds, effects, etc. are added during processing.
Once these steps are complete, your video will change from “processing” to “posted” status and be publicly viewable to your followers and on hashtags. The processing time varies depending on factors like video length, format, and image quality.
Normal Processing Times
On average, it takes around 30 minutes to an hour for a TikTok video to finish processing, according to users on Reddit (source). However, TikTok notes that it can take up to 48 hours in some cases for a video to complete processing and be published (source).
The process involves TikTok reviewing and analyzing the video file to ensure it meets platform guidelines. Simple videos with no effects or edits may process faster, while videos with visual effects, filters, or compilation/stitching can take longer. The length of the video can also impact processing time, with shorter videos often processing more quickly.
Overall, expect a video to take somewhere between 30 minutes and 2 hours to show up on your profile and in hashtags. But occasional outliers may remain stuck in processing for up to 48 hours. If your video is still pending after 48 hours, there may be a technical issue.
Factors That Delay Processing
There are a few main reasons why a TikTok video may take longer than usual to process:
Large file size – Videos that are longer than 3 minutes or larger than 100MB may experience delays as they take longer to upload and process (Source). TikTok recommends keeping videos under 60 seconds.
Poor internet connection – Uploading on a slow or unstable internet connection can lead to errors and processing issues. Use a stable WiFi or LTE connection when uploading.
Server issues – If TikTok’s servers are down or overloaded, this can slow down processing times across the platform. Checking TikTok’s server status can confirm if there are widespread issues.
App issues – Outdated app versions, corrupt cache, or software bugs may also delay processing. Try updating the app or restarting your device.
Blocked hashtags – Using banned hashtags will cause videos to enter review, taking more time to process.
Copyright issues – TikTok will review videos for copyrighted material, which adds processing time.
Fixing Processing Issues
There are several tips you can try to resolve a video stuck on processing in TikTok and avoid delays in the future:
- Restart the TikTok app or your phone – This can clear any temporary bugs stopping your video from processing properly. Simply close the app and restart your phone, then reopen TikTok (Source).
- Re-upload the video – Delete the stalled video and upload it again. Sometimes there are issues with the specific file that re-uploading can fix (Source).
- Update the TikTok app – An outdated version of the app could be causing processing problems. Check your app store for any available updates and install the latest version (Source).
- Check your internet connection – Videos may fail to process if you have a poor internet connection. Make sure you are connected to a stable, high-speed network when uploading (Source).
Following these tips can help avoid common processing delays and get your TikTok videos up faster.
Checking Processing Status
TikTok offers a feature that allows you to check the processing status of your videos. To view the processing status:
- Open the TikTok app and tap on your profile icon in the bottom right.
- Go to the “Content” tab at the top of your profile.
- Tap on the video that is still processing. This will open the video page.
- In the bottom left corner, tap on the three dots next to the heart icon.
- A menu will appear – tap on “Report”.
- This will open a window where you can see the processing status of your video such as “Processing” or “Processed.”
If the status still shows as “Processing” after waiting some time, try some of the other troubleshooting tips mentioned in this article such as restarting your app, reuploading the video, or checking your internet connection.
You can periodically check back on this status page to see if your video finishes processing. Once it shows as “Processed”, it should be visible to all users.
What to Do If Still Delayed
If your TikTok video continues to display “video is being processed” for an extended period, here are some troubleshooting tips:
First, try restarting both the TikTok app and your phone. This simple reboot can help clear any glitches that may be preventing your video from processing properly. If restarting doesn’t work, uninstall and reinstall the latest version of the TikTok app. This will clear your app cache and refresh the app.
Next, check your internet connection and try uploading on a different network like cellular data or public Wi-Fi. Slow internet speeds can delay processing. You can also try compressing your video file size before uploading, as very large files take longer.
Check Downdetector to see if TikTok is experiencing server issues in your area. Global outages can cause processing delays across the platform. If servers seem overloaded, wait and try reposting later.
As a last resort, you can contact TikTok support through the app. Explain your video has been stuck processing for an extended time and provide details like when you posted and the video’s file size. They may be able to diagnose and resolve the issue.
Contacting TikTok Support
If your TikTok video continues to display the “video is being processed” message for an extended period of time despite trying other troubleshooting methods, it’s recommended to reach out directly to TikTok Support.
According to TikTok’s support page, you should contact them if your video has been processing for over 24 hours. This indicates there is likely an issue on TikTok’s end that requires their intervention.
To contact TikTok Support, open the TikTok app and tap the “Me” icon in the bottom right. Then go to Settings > Report a Problem. Here you can select the issue type as “Video” and provide details on your processing issue. You can also attach screenshots.
Alternatively, you can visit TikTok’s feedback page and fill out the online form, making sure to select “Video” for the issue type. Provide your username, links to the affected videos, and any other relevant details.
By reaching out, the TikTok support team can investigate why your video is stuck processing and resolve the issue. This direct contact is recommended if you’ve already tried the other troubleshooting tips without success.
Preventing Future Delays
There are a few best practices you can follow to help avoid processing delays when posting TikTok videos:
Check your internet connection speed. Uploading from a slow or unstable connection can lead to processing issues. Use wifi or connect to the strongest cellular network available. [1]
Avoid uploading videos longer than 60 seconds. The longer the video, the longer the processing time. Stick to shorter videos for a smoother posting experience. [2]
Use a current, updated version of the TikTok app. Outdated versions are more prone to processing errors. Keep your app updated to benefit from the latest optimizations. [1]
Clear the TikTok app cache regularly. A full cache can interfere with uploading and processing. Go to your phone settings to clear the cache every few weeks. [2]
Avoid peak usage times if possible. Uploading late at night or early in the morning often leads to faster processing when server loads are lighter.
If issues persist, contact TikTok support. They can investigate further and troubleshoot any account-specific processing problems.
Conclusion
So in summary, videos on TikTok with a “processing” status are still uploading and converting the video file. This usually takes just a few minutes, but can be delayed by things like a slow internet connection, very long or high-resolution videos, or server issues on TikTok’s end. While waiting, you can check the processing status in the app, but there’s usually no need to worry unless it’s been over 24 hours.
To avoid processing delays in the future, try uploading shorter videos, using a strong Wifi connection, and waiting a bit if TikTok is having server problems. With patience, nearly all videos will finish processing within a day. If a video is still having issues, you can contact TikTok support for help troubleshooting.
Overall, the “processing” status is a normal part of uploading videos to TikTok. In most cases, your video will be processed within an hour or two at most. Being patient and checking back periodically is usually all you need to do until your video is live and ready for viewers.
