For many TikTok creators, uploading a new video is supposed to be quick and seamless. But there’s nothing more frustrating than crafting the perfect edit only to have it stuck forever on one dreaded screen: “Processing.” This issue isn’t uncommon, and hundreds of users report the same glitch—TikTok uploads freezing indefinitely during the final stage before they go live. After days of trial and error, a surprisingly effective solution has emerged that combines re-encoding the video file and reinstalling the app. This article explores those steps in depth and explains why they work when all else fails.
TL;DR
If your TikTok uploads are getting stuck at “Processing” forever, try re-encoding the video file using a video editor or converter and then reinstalling the TikTok app to clear any app-related cache bugs. These two steps together have resolved the problem for many users when basic troubleshooting failed. Ensure the video format and settings match TikTok’s accepted upload criteria. While TikTok hasn’t officially acknowledged a universal fix, this method has pushed stuck content live for countless creators.
Understanding the TikTok “Processing” Glitch
Any seasoned TikTok user knows there’s always a level of unpredictability with uploads. The “Processing” stage is the final step before the video goes live. However, when videos are permanently frozen here, either something in the file or the app itself is causing TikTok’s servers to choke.
Several potential triggers include:
- Unsupported or unstable video codecs.
- Corrupted cached data within the app.
- Network interruptions at upload time.
- Server-side verification issues.
While the causes are varied, fixing the issue often comes down to two reliable actions.
Step 1: Re-encode the Video File
Before uploading to TikTok again, try re-encoding your video using a simple video editor or free tool like HandBrake, VLC, or Kapwing. The goal is to convert the video into a format that TikTok ‘likes’—one that is clean, standard and free from any subtle corruption or non-standard encoding flags.
Key parameters to aim for:
- File format: MP4 (MPEG-4 Part 14)
- Video codec: H.264
- Audio codec: AAC
- Frame rate: 30fps recommended
- Resolution: 1080×1920 for portrait content
- Bitrate: Average bitrate between 5 Mbps to 15 Mbps
Re-encoding forces the video file into compliance with these parameters. Sometimes a smartphone recording may not meet these requirements 100%, or may contain odd metadata that causes TikTok to hang during processing.
How to Re-encode Your Video
Using HandBrake, here’s how to do it:
- Download and install HandBrake for free.
- Open your stuck video file in HandBrake.
- Set format to MP4, use H.264 as the video codec, and AAC for audio.
- Adjust video resolution and frame rate if necessary.
- Click “Start Encode” to create a new file.
Once the new file is rendered, attempt to upload it again to TikTok—you’ll likely notice the difference immediately.
Step 2: Reinstall the TikTok App
Corrupted cache or app memory has become a frequent suspect in persistent upload/stuck issues. It’s particularly prevalent if you use the app heavily or haven’t refreshed it in a while.
Here’s what to do:
- Uninstall TikTok completely from your device.
- Restart your phone to clear any ghost data traces.
- Reinstall TikTok from the App Store or Google Play Store.
- Log back into your account.
Reinstalling effectively resets the environment—in essence, giving TikTok a clean slate to work with. Be sure to save your edited videos before uninstalling in case local drafts are wiped.
Why This Combo Works
It’s likely the problem isn’t just with the file, nor only with the app—but a combination of both. A glitchy file coupled with stale cache or saved app states can collide and cause uploads to fail quietly.
By removing questionable encodings from the video and clearing any corrupted app data through reinstallation, you’re drastically increasing the chance your content flows properly through under-the-hood TikTok pipelines and checks.
Alternative Troubleshooting Tips
If re-encoding and reinstalling don’t work, try these additional remedies:
- Try uploading via mobile data instead of Wi-Fi (or vice versa).
- Switch to a different account temporarily to see if the issue persists.
- Shorten your video to ensure file size isn’t triggering a failed upload (TikTok caps uploads at 10 minutes or 2 GB).
- Check TikTok server status via DownDetector or Twitter in case of outages.
Prevention for the Future
To avoid getting stuck again in the future, follow these best practices:
- Always export your videos in TikTok-friendly formats.
- Keep your TikTok app updated to receive bug and stability patches.
- Routinely clear the TikTok cache through in-app settings for maintenance.
- Avoid editing with unstable third-party apps that may introduce non-compliant metadata.
Conclusion
Being stuck in TikTok’s eternal “Processing” limbo can be incredibly discouraging, but thankfully, a targeted approach involving re-encoding the video and reinstalling the app has proven successful for many users. It resolves both file integrity and app-related glitches in one smart move. Try this combination next time your upload stalls—you might finally see that content go live.
FAQ
Q: Why does TikTok get stuck at “Processing”?
A: This can occur due to corrupted video formats, unstable internet, app cache issues, or internal server processing delays. TikTok hasn’t provided an official explanation, but these are commonly suspected causes.
Q: What tool is best for re-encoding TikTok videos?
A: Free tools like HandBrake or VLC are reliable for this. They allow you to control format settings and re-export the video in TikTok-compliant codecs and resolution.
Q: Will reinstalling TikTok delete my videos?
A: Reinstalling the app might delete locally stored drafts. Videos already published to your account will remain intact. Be sure to back up drafts before uninstalling.
Q: Can large file sizes cause upload problems?
A: Yes. While the maximum file size is typically 2 GB, trying to upload a large or overly complex video may increase chances of failure—especially if you’re on unstable Wi-Fi or mobile data.
Q: Do I need to re-encode every video?
A: Not usually. Only re-encode if you’re experiencing processing or playback issues. Once you find export settings that work, save them as a preset for convenience.
Q: Does this issue affect both iOS and Android?
A: Yes. Both platforms have reported similar issues, and the re-encode + reinstall strategy has been effective for users on both types of devices.
