Have you ever tried uploading a video to TikTok only to get the dreaded “video resolution not supported at this time” or “current resolution is not supported” error message? This frustrating error prevents you from sharing your awesome videos with the world.
Not to worry – in most cases, it’s an easy fix. In this detailed guide, I’ll walk you through the top reasons why you may be getting this error along with actionable solutions to resolve it.
Why You’re Getting the “Video Resolution Not Supported” Message
Before jumping into the fixes, it’s helpful to understand why TikTok sometimes blocks videos with certain resolutions.
TikTok has strict specifications for video uploads to ensure consistency across the platform. Specifically, TikTok supports:
- Resolutions between 640×360 pixels (4:3 aspect ratio) and 1080×1920 pixels (9:16 aspect ratio).
- Video formats like MP4, MOV, and AVI.
- Frame rates between 24fps and 60fps.
- Bitrates up to 15Mbps.
If your video falls outside those specs in any way, TikTok will block it and show the “resolution not supported” message.
The good news? In most cases, it’s easy to modify your video to meet TikTok’s requirements.
Now let’s get into the fixes! Try these solutions in order until you resolve the issue:
How to Fix “Video Resolution Not Supported” Error on TikTok
1. Check and Adjust Your Video’s Resolution
The most common reason for this error is that your video’s resolution isn’t compatible with TikTok.
To start, check the current resolution of your video by right-clicking it, selecting “Properties”, and looking at the “Details” tab.
If the resolution falls outside the supported resolutions listed above, use video editing software like FlexClip to modify it to 1080p or lower. Then try uploading again.
Some users have run into a frustrating situation where their video stops working on TikTok even after they change the resolution to meet the requirements.
For example, one user made a 4K video and changed the resolution down to 1080p, 720p, and even 360p, but still got the error message.
If you run into this, don’t panic – there are a few more things to check.
First, double-check the resolution using the method in the first section. Just because you changed the setting in your video editor doesn’t always mean it actually stuck. Verify the true output resolution.
Next, check your video file for corruption issues using the online tools mentioned previously. Changing resolution requires re-encoding your video, which can occasionally cause file damage if something goes wrong. Scan your file and re-encode if needed.
Also, try uploading converted versions of your video file as a last resort. We mentioned MP4 as an ideal format earlier.
Convert your footage to MP4 at 1080p in Handbrake before uploading to TikTok. This fresh file may fix whatever issue is occurring during resolution changes.
2. Crop Your Video Slightly
If your video resolution seems supported but you’re still getting the error, try cropping your video slightly to fix it.
Cropping removes a few pixels around the edges. Just a tiny crop of 50 pixels or so can sometimes do the trick without noticeably changing your video quality.
3. Convert Your Video File to a Supported Format
TikTok only allows certain video formats like .MP4, .MOV, and .AVI. So if your video uses an unsupported format, the resolution error can pop up.
Use a free online video converter to convert your video to an MP4. Or use video software like Adobe Express or Handbrake to convert formats.
Once your video uses a supported format, give TikTok another try!
4. Uninstall and Reinstall the TikTok App
A buggy app install can also cause frustrating video errors like this. Fortunately, uninstalling and reinstalling the app typically clears out any glitches.
To do this:
- On Android: Go to Settings > Manage Apps > TikTok > Uninstall
- On iOS: Hold down on the TikTok icon until it jiggles, then tap the X icon to uninstall.
After uninstalling, download a fresh version of the TikTok app from the app store and try again. This often resolves app issues that prevent video uploads.
5. Clear Your TikTok App Cache and Data
Over time, cached data and old files on apps can cause performance issues. Clearing out this data can get your TikTok app back up to speed.
Here’s how to clear TikTok cache:
1. Open the TikTok app.
2. Go to your profile.
- On iPhone: Tap the “Profile” icon in the bottom right corner of the screen.
- On Android: Tap the three-line menu icon in the top right corner of the screen.
3. Tap “Settings and privacy.”
4. Scroll down to the “Cache & Cellular” section.
5. Tap “Free up space.”
6. Tap the “Clear” button next to “Cache.”
7. Confirm that you want to clear the cache by tapping “Clear” again.
Then reopen TikTok and try your upload again. Clearing this data fixes all kinds of pesky app problems.
6. Update Your TikTok App
Outdated app versions can cause compatibility issues leading to upload errors.
Updating to the latest TikTok app ensures compatibility with the TikTok server and video formats.
On both iOS and Android, open your device’s App Store, search for TikTok, and install any available updates. Then relaunch the app and retry the upload.
7. Restart Your Phone
Before getting stuck troubleshooting for hours, try the old faithful reboot. A simple restart often clears up app glitches that cause error messages like this.
Completely power down your phone or tablet, leave it off for 30 seconds, then power it back on and try TikTok again. This gets your device and apps into clean working order many times.
8. Ensure You Have a Stable Internet Connection
Uploading and encoding video requires a strong, speedy internet connection. If your Wi-Fi or mobile data drops during the upload, that could result in resolution errors too.
Check that you have at least 3-4 bars of service before hitting upload. Connect your device to a strong Wi-Fi network or try moving closer to your router.
This allows your video data to transmit smoothly into TikTok’s servers and finish processing correctly.
You can use Speed Test by Ookla, a website that allows you to test your internet connection speed. It is a simple and reliable way to test your download and upload speeds.
9. Try Uploading From a Different Device
In some cases, a device compatibility issue prevents TikTok from accepting certain video files from just one device.
If you can’t get your upload working on your iPhone for instance, try the same file on an Android device or tablet with freshly installed TikTok app instead.
Devices encode and process videos differently, so switching it up can resolve the issue if it’s isolated to one gadget.
10. Adjust Video Settings Like Framerate and Bitrate
Beside resolution, TikTok also specifies video frame rate and bitrate limits that could cause errors too:
- Frame Rate: 24fps to 60fps
- Bitrate: Up to 15Mbps
Open your video file in a free video editor like DaVinci Resolve to view and edit these settings. Change the FPS or bitrate to meet TikTok’s compatibility levels above, then retry the upload.
Tweaking these technology specs often enables your video to work properly on TikTok’s platform.
11. Remove Special Effects and Filters
Here’s an easy mistake to make when editing videos for TikTok – you apply unique special effects, filters, or transitions.
While they might look awesome to you, they can cause technical issues on TikTok’s system leading to error messages slapping you in the face.
Carefully remove any special effects, graphics, animations, filters etc you added in your video editor. Upload a clean, raw video file without anything extra. You can always add visual flair afterwards!
12. Upload Your Video in Segments
TikTok does allows videos up to 10 minutes long. But even shorter videos can fail to process correctly sometimes.
Try splitting your video into shorter chunks like 30-second or 1-minute clips using video software. Then upload these bite-sized video pieces individually instead.
Shorter segment uploads often bypass resolution issues since they require less processing power from TikTok’s servers.
13. Try a Different Video Editing App
Maybe there’s something about the video editing software you’re using that creates incompatible export files.
Try assembling your video using a different editing program like InShot, CapCut or iMovie instead.
Export your final video file, then attempt uploading that fresh version to TikTok. Changing softwares essentially gives you a clean slate.
14. Scan for File Corruption Issues
In rare cases, your video file itself contains errors that prevent TikTok from processing it correctly. Issues like file corruption can trip things up.
Run your video through online corruption checker tools. They analyze your file for damage and let you try fixing it or request a new working copy to upload.
This eliminates any compatibility issues caused by your file rather than TikTok’s servers.
15. Simply Wait and Retry Later
As annoying as it sounds, one of the easiest solutions is also the most patience-testing.
Sometimes heavy traffic or routine maintenance at TikTok causes temporary glitches that stop uploads from finishing properly. But it’s usually resolved in no more than a few hours.
So take a breather, make a snack, watch TV for a bit. Then come back and try uploading the same unchanged video again later. No other troubleshooting tricks required!
16. Contact TikTok Customer Support
If all else fails, bring in the experts themselves!
Through the app, you can speak to TikTok’s customer support team for troubleshooting help. Explain your exact video specifications and the upload issues you’re getting.
Their technical staff may identify unique incompatibilities with your specific device, video file, app version etc. They can advise tweaks to finally make it work right!
Here are the steps on how to contact TikTok Support from the app:
1. Open your profile:
- Tap the Profile icon at the bottom right corner of the app.
2. Access the settings:
- Tap the three horizontal lines in the top right corner.
3. Find the “Report a problem” option:
- Scroll down and find Support.
- Under Support, tap Report a problem.
4. Choose the topic of your issue:
- Select the topic that best describes your problem.
5. Provide additional details:
- Once you’ve selected a topic, you’ll be given the option to provide additional details about your problem.
- Be as specific as possible and include any relevant information, such as screenshots or error messages.
6. Submit your report:
- Once you’re satisfied with your report, tap the Submit button.
Conclusion
Now you know exactly why that irritating “video resolution not supported” message pops up as well as concrete solutions to help resolve it for good.
Just step through each fix one-by-one until you solve the issue. First make sure your video file meets TikTok’s format, resolution and settings requirements. Then try clearing app data, updating software, removing effects and the other handy tips.
With some careful experimentation, your stellar videos will soon be wowing audiences across TikTok. Just never hesitate to contact their support team if you continue struggling.
Now grab your next viral video idea and start shooting! Those sweet, sweet likes await! Just remember these fixes when upload time comes.
