If your video is too long or you want to remove unwanted parts before posting, you may be wondering: how do you trim videos on TikTok? TikTok includes built-in editing tools that allow you to shorten video clips, remove sections, and choose exactly which part of a video you want to use.
Here’s how to trim videos on TikTok using the app.
How to Trim a Video on TikTok
Step 1: Open TikTok
Open the TikTok app and tap the + button at the bottom of the screen.
Step 2: Upload Your Video
Tap Upload and select the video you want to edit from your phone.
You can select one or multiple videos depending on the type of post you’re creating.
Step 3: Open the Editing Tools
After selecting your video, tap Next and look for Edit or the editing option at the bottom of the screen.
TikTok will display your video on a timeline.
Step 4: Select the Video Clip
Tap the video clip you want to trim.
You’ll see handles or controls at the beginning and end of the clip.
Step 5: Trim the Beginning or End
Drag the left handle toward the right to remove the beginning of the video.
Drag the right handle toward the left to remove the end.
Move the handles until you’ve selected the exact section you want to keep.
Step 6: Preview the Video
Play the video to make sure the unwanted sections have been removed.
If necessary, adjust the handles again.
Step 7: Continue Editing
Once you’re happy with the trimmed video, you can add:
- Text
- Sounds
- Effects
- Filters
- Stickers
- Voiceovers
- Captions
Step 8: Post Your Video
Tap Next, add your caption and other settings, then tap Post.
How to Trim Multiple Clips on TikTok
If your TikTok contains several clips, you can trim each clip separately.
- Upload your videos.
- Open Edit.
- Select the first clip.
- Adjust its beginning and end.
- Select the next clip.
- Trim it as needed.
- Preview the complete video.
- Save your edits.
This is useful when combining several recordings into one TikTok.
How to Cut Out a Section From the Middle of a Video
Trimming the beginning or end is straightforward, but removing a section from the middle requires a slightly different approach.
You can use TikTok’s Split tool if it is available in your editing interface.
Here’s How:
- Add your video to TikTok.
- Open Edit.
- Move the timeline to where the unwanted section begins.
- Tap Split.
- Move to where the unwanted section ends.
- Split the video again.
- Select the unwanted section.
- Tap Delete.
The remaining clips will then play together.
How to Trim a TikTok Before Posting
If you’re recording directly inside TikTok, you can also adjust the length of your recording before publishing.
After recording:
- Tap Continue or Edit.
- Open the video timeline.
- Select the clip.
- Drag the beginning or end handles.
- Preview your changes.
- Continue to the posting screen.
Can You Trim a TikTok After Posting?
TikTok’s editing options for videos that have already been published are limited.
You generally can’t freely trim the actual video content of an already-published TikTok.
If you need to remove a section from a published video, the usual solution is to:
- Save the original video if possible.
- Edit or trim the video.
- Upload the new version.
- Publish it as a new TikTok.
Keep in mind that deleting the original post removes its existing likes, comments, and views.
Why Can’t I Trim My TikTok Video?
If you don’t see the trimming tools, try these solutions:
Update TikTok
Make sure you’re using the latest version of the app.
Restart the App
Close TikTok completely and open it again.
Check the Video Format
Some unusual video formats may behave differently in TikTok’s editor.
Select the Clip
The trimming controls may not appear until you tap the specific clip on the timeline.
Tips for Trimming TikTok Videos
Remove Unnecessary Pauses
Cut out long pauses at the beginning or between important moments.
Start With the Interesting Part
Try to get to the main point quickly.
Keep Important Context
Don’t trim so aggressively that viewers don’t understand what’s happening.
Preview Before Posting
Always watch the entire edited video before publishing.
ALSO READ: How to take off a repost on TikTok
