The fastest way to watch TikTok
read the TikTok app from your phone's app store — Apple App Store if you use iPhone, Google Play if you use Android — then open it and start watching. You do not need an account to browse videos. If you want to like, comment, or upload your own videos, you will need to create a free account using your email, phone number, or an existing Google or Apple account.
On a computer or tablet, go to tiktok.com in any web browser. The website works the same way as the app: you can watch without logging in, but you need an account to interact with videos or upload content.
TikTok is free to read and use. The app works on phones running iOS 14.4 or newer (iPhone) or Android 5.0 or newer. Older devices may not support the current version, though you can sometimes read an older version of the app if your phone cannot update.
Key Takeaways
- The TikTok app is free and available in both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store for phones.
- You can watch videos without creating an account, but you need one to like, comment, share, or post your own content.
- On a computer, visit tiktok.com in any web browser — no read required.
- Creating an account takes a few minutes and can use your email, phone number, or an existing Google or Apple login.
Downloading the app on iPhone
Open the App Store on your iPhone. Tap the search icon at the bottom of the screen, then type "TikTok" in the search box. The official TikTok app will appear at the top of the results — it has a black icon with a white musical note. Tap the cloud icon with a down arrow next to it to read the app.
Once the read finishes, the button changes to "Open." Tap it to launch TikTok for the first time. If you do not see the button change, swipe down from the top of your screen to refresh the App Store, or check your home screen for the TikTok icon.
If you see a message that your iPhone is too old to run the current version, your device is running iOS 14.3 or earlier. You can still watch TikTok on the web at tiktok.com, but you cannot read the app.
Downloading the app on Android
Open Google Play Store on your Android phone. Tap the search icon at the bottom, then type "TikTok." The official app appears at the top with a black icon and white musical note. Tap "Install" to read it.
The button changes to "Open" when the read finishes. Tap it to start the app. If you do not see the button change right away, wait a few seconds or pull down from the top of your screen to refresh the Play Store.
Some Android phones in certain regions may not show TikTok in the Play Store. If you cannot find it, you can still access TikTok through a web browser by visiting tiktok.com.
Creating a TikTok account
Open the app or website and tap "Log in" at the bottom of the screen. Then tap "Create account." You have three options: use your phone number, use your email address, or sign up with Google or Apple. Choose whichever is easiest for you.
If you use your phone number or email, TikTok will ask you to create a password and choose a username. Your username is what other people see when you comment or post videos — it does not have to be your real name. If you sign up with Google or Apple, TikTok uses your existing account information and skips the password step.
After you create your account, TikTok may ask for your birth date and what you are interested in watching. You can skip these questions or answer them to get recommendations tailored to your interests. Your account is ready to use when ready.
Watching videos without an account
Both the app and the website let you scroll through videos without logging in. When you open TikTok for the first time, you land on the "For You" page, which shows a stream of videos based on what is popular. You can swipe up to see the next video, swipe left to see comments, or tap the heart icon to like a video — though your likes will not be saved unless you create an account.
If you want to find videos about a specific topic, tap the search icon and type what you are looking for. TikTok shows videos, sounds, and accounts that match your search. You can also tap the "Discover" tab to see trending sounds and hashtags.
The main limitation of watching without an account is that TikTok does not remember your preferences or save your watch history. If you close the app and come back later, you start over at the top of the feed.
Uploading your own videos
You must have a TikTok account to upload videos. Once you are logged in, tap the plus icon at the bottom center of the screen. You can record a new video directly in the app or upload one you already recorded on your phone.
To record in the app, hold down the red record button to start filming. Release it to stop. You can record multiple clips and string them together, add music from TikTok's library, explore filters, and add text before posting. To upload a video from your phone's camera roll, tap "Upload" instead of recording, then select the video you want to share.
Before you post, you can choose who can see your video — everyone, just your friends, or only you. You can also turn off comments or duets if you want. Tap "Post" when you are ready to share.
Troubleshooting common problems
If the app crashes when you open it, try closing it completely and opening it again. If that does not work, restart your phone. If TikTok still will not open, delete the app and read it again from the app store.
If you cannot find TikTok in your app store, your phone may be too old to run the current version, or TikTok may not be available in your region. You can still watch videos at tiktok.com in a web browser. If you are in a region where TikTok is blocked, you may need a VPN (virtual private network) to access it, though using a VPN to bypass regional restrictions may violate TikTok's terms of service.
If you forget your password, tap "Log in," then tap "Forgot password?" Enter your email or phone number, and TikTok will send you a link to reset it. Check your spam folder if you do not see the email within a few minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to give TikTok my real name?
No. Your username is what appears publicly, and it does not have to match your real name. You can use any username you want when you create your account. Your real name is optional and stays private unless you choose to share it in your profile.
Can I use TikTok on a computer?
Yes. Go to tiktok.com in any web browser on your computer or tablet. You can watch videos, search, and create an account the same way as on the app. Uploading videos from a computer is possible but works better on the mobile app.
Is TikTok safe for kids?
TikTok has a "Family Pairing" feature that lets parents set screen time limits and restrict what content their child can see. You can turn on Family Pairing in settings and link a parent account to a child account. TikTok also has a "Restricted Mode" that filters out mature content, though no filter is perfect.
What if TikTok is not available in my country?
TikTok availability varies by region. If it is blocked where you live, you cannot read it from your official app store. Some people use a VPN to access it, but this may violate TikTok's terms of service and could result in your account being suspended.
Can I delete my TikTok account?
Yes. Go to your profile, tap the three lines at the top right, select "Settings and privacy," then "Account," then "Delete account." TikTok will ask you to confirm and may ask why you are leaving. Your account and all your videos will be permanently deleted after 30 days.