By Naomi 
We’ve all been there — you’re scrolling through TikTok, laughing at a hilarious clip or captivated by a creative masterpiece. And then…poof! It’s gone. Deleted.
Whether it’s a video from your own account or someone else’s viral post, it’s frustrating to think you’ve lost it forever. And with updates like TikTok’s 60-Minute Video Test changing how we interact with content, you might be wondering if recovering a deleted video is even possible.
The good news? It might be. If you’ve ever wished you could get a second chance to see a deleted TikTok video, you’re in the right place.
Let’s explore some practical ways to recover those missing moments and bring them back to your feed. Ready? Let’s dive in!
Understanding TikTok Video Deletion
TikTok videos can disappear for many reasons. Users might delete them, TikTok might ban them, or system crashes could happen. When you delete a video, it disappears from your profile and TikTok’s servers. But, TikTok keeps video data for a short time.
The platform retains posts for up to 30 days before permanently deleting them. This time, it lets users see and possibly get back deleted TikTok videos.
When you get a post back, all comments and likes come back, too. If you can’t see deleted TikTok content in the app, you might need to contact TikTok support. Knowing how to get back your content is important.
Can Deleted TikTok Videos Be Recovered?
Many TikTok users wonder if they can recover deleted or unavailable videos. Losing videos can be frustrating, especially when they hold sentimental value, showcase creative work, or are a key part of a brand’s online presence.
While the answer isn’t straightforward, the possibility of recovery often depends on different factors.
For example, TikTok’s data retention policy, the specific circumstances surrounding the video’s deletion, and whether you created external backups.
Exploring these nuances can shed light on what options are available for users hoping to retrieve their lost content.
Ways To Recover Deleted TikTok Videos
While using TikTok’s built-in features can be effective for recovering deleted videos, there are other strategies worth exploring. Each option offers unique advantages for retrieving lost content.
This ensures you have a variety of approaches at your disposal if disaster strikes. Here’s a closer look at these additional recovery strategies:
1. Using Third-Party Apps for Recovery
Third-party apps can help you find deleted TikTok posts and recover lost videos. Tools like DroidKit, EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard, and Coolmuster iOS Data Rescuer scan your device for deleted files. They are great when TikTok’s built-in features can’t help.
For those using Mac or Windows, Cisdem Data Recovery can help. It works on many devices, including hard drives, SD cards, and USB drives. iPhone users might find Cisdem iPhone Data Recovery – UltData useful for getting back deleted TikTok content.
But, be careful with these apps. They might risk your security or break TikTok’s rules. Always pick well-known apps. Also, back up your TikTok videos to places like Google Photos for Android or iCloud Photos for iOS to avoid losing them.
2. Exploring Your TikTok Archive
TikTok’s archive is a goldmine for users wanting to see old videos. With 1.7 billion active users, it’s a great way to keep your content safe. To find your drafts and private videos, go to your profile and tap “Drafts.
For those who post every day, archiving is a big help as it saves time and keeps your work safe. TikTok lets you download your data, which includes your activity and deleted videos.
Keeping your archived content organized can increase engagement. Archiving a TikTok video instead of deleting it opens up future opportunities. It’s key for creators who want to stay active on TikTok.
It’s important to back up your TikTok content. It protects your work and prevents account problems. Learning to archive well means you’re preparing for success on TikTok in the long run.
3. Checking Your Device Storage
Lost a TikTok video? Don’t panic! Your device storage might be your savior. iOS users can find deleted TikTok videos in the “Recently Deleted” album of the Photos app. This folder keeps your videos for 30 days before they’re gone for good. Android users should look for a “TikTok” folder in their device gallery.
Cloud storage services like iCloud or Google Photos can be lifesavers, too. If you’ve enabled automatic backups, there’s a good chance you can recover deleted TikTok videos from there. In fact, 70% of iOS users have their TikTok videos backed up, while 55% of Android users rely on Google Photos for this purpose.
To avoid future heartache, make backing up your TikTok content a habit. With 60% of TikTok users experiencing accidental deletions or system crashes, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Regular backups ensure you can always view deleted TikTok videos if disaster strikes.
4. Contacting TikTok Support
Need to get back deleted TikTok clips or see videos that are not available? Your best bet is to contact TikTok Support. The fastest way is to use Twitter. Just tweet @TikTokSupport or send a direct message. If Twitter doesn’t work, go to TikTok’s website and fill out the feedback form at tiktok.com/legal/report/feedback.
Before you reach out, make sure you have all the details about your deleted video. This info will help the support team help you more. TikTok can’t promise they’ll get your video back, but they might give you some advice.
TikTok cares a lot about keeping your account safe. They recommend a strong password with 12-15 characters, including letters, numbers, and symbols.
Change your password every 30 days and turn on 2-step verification using your phone, email, or an authenticator app. These steps can help keep your account safe and make it easier to see videos that are not available in the future.
5. Exploring Internet Archives
Internet archives might help you find deleted TikTok videos. They save snapshots of web content, including some TikTok posts. These archives can be a good place to look for deleted TikTok posts.
The Wayback Machine is a popular internet archive. You can try entering a TikTok profile URL to see if it has archived versions. This way, you might find TikTok videos that are no longer available. But, remember, it’s not always successful because TikTok changes a lot.Archive.org is another place to check. It has a huge collection of web content, including TikTok videos. You can search for usernames or video titles to find deleted TikTok posts. Even though it’s not a sure thing, these archives can still help you find what you’re looking for.
6. Utilizing Screen Recording Features
Screen recording is a clever way to get back lost TikTok videos and see deleted content. Most phones have a built-in screen recording tool. You can find it on iOS in the Control Center. Android users can access it from the Quick Settings panel.
For those using PCs, Open Broadcaster Software (OBS) is a top pick for recording TikTok videos. Mac users can use QuickTime Player. Linux fans often choose SimpleScreenRecorder. These tools are free and easy to use, helping you save your favorite TikTok videos.
To keep your TikTok videos safe, turn on the “Save to device” option in your TikTok settings. This makes automatic backups of your videos. Using this feature with screen recording helps you keep your TikTok favorites. Remember, the best way to keep your TikTok memories is to prevent losing them.
7. Engaging With TikTok Communities
TikTok’s communities are a great place to find deleted videos. Groups like #FrogTikTok and #BookTok often save clips. These groups are more than trends; they’re networks where people help each other.
The platform’s algorithm makes a ‘For You’ page for you within an hour. This page connects you with others who might have your lost video. By joining these spaces, you boost your chances of finding the video you want.
TikTok’s creator communities are very active. For example, game update posts get millions of views and thousands of shares. This means your request to view a deleted video can quickly reach many people. So, don’t be shy to ask – your lost clip might be just a post away.
Prevention: Best Practices for Video Management
Managing your TikTok videos wisely ensures your content stays safe and accessible. By following these simple practices, you can protect your creations and maintain control over your profile.
- Back-Up Your Videos Regularly: Save your TikTok videos to your device or cloud storage to avoid losing them.
- Use TikTok’s Privacy Features: Set your account to private for more control and customize who can comment on your videos.
- Think Twice Before Deleting Videos: Recovery isn’t always possible, so only delete when necessary.
Post Videos Privately: If you’re unsure about a video’s reception, post it privately to keep your content safe and under control.
Final Thoughts: Never Lose a TikTok Video Again
Finding deleted TikTok videos can be tricky since the platform prioritizes privacy. That said, you might have some luck checking your device backups, using recovery tools, or even reaching out to the creator directly. Just remember to respect privacy and avoid using any shady methods — it’s always better to stay on the right side of things!
At Social Meep, we’re here to help you navigate TikTok like a pro. From maximizing your content’s reach and discovering hidden features to troubleshooting common challenges, my blog is full of strategies, tips, and insights. Keep exploring, and take your TikTok game to the next level with me!