TikTok has exploded in popularity, becoming a go-to platform for sharing short, creative videos. Whether you’re dancing, lip-syncing, or showing off a DIY project, TikTok makes it easy to connect with others.
But not everyone wants their videos out there for the world to see—and that’s where TikTok video privacy settings come into play.
These settings give you the power to decide who gets to watch your content, keeping your privacy in check.

In this article, we’ll break down the different privacy settings available for TikTok videos. We will explain how to use them, and share some extra tips to keep your TikTok account secure.
Overview of TikTok Video Privacy Settings
When it comes to TikTok video privacy settings, the platform offers flexibility to suit your comfort level.
You can choose who sees your videos Before publish. There is everyone, just your friends, or only yourself.

By default, TikTok sets new accounts for the public, meaning anyone can view your videos. But don’t worry—you can tweak this to fit your needs, either for your whole account or on a video-by-video basis.
Let’s dive into the TikTok video privacy options and see what’s available.
Understanding Each TikTok Video Privacy Setting Option
TikTok provides three core TikTok video privacy settings to control who can watch your videos.
Here’s what each one means:

- Public: This setting lets anyone on TikTok see your video, even if they don’t follow you. It’s the default option for new accounts and perfect if you’re aiming to reach a wide audience.
- Friends: Want to keep things more exclusive? This option restricts your video to just your TikTok friends—people you follow who also follow you back. It’s a simple way to set TikTok videos to friends only.
- Private: For maximum control, go private. With this setting, only you can view the video. It’s like storing it in a personal vault, ideal if you’re wondering how to make TikTok videos private. If you want to re-publish your private videos on tiktok after you have easily done this task.
Beyond these basics, you can also fine-tune who can comment, duet, or stitch your videos (for public or friends-only posts).
These extra controls add another layer to your TikTok video privacy settings, letting you manage how others engage with your content.
How to Change Privacy Settings for Individual TikTok Videos?
One of the best things about TikTok is that you can customize the privacy setting for each TikTok video you post. Whether you’re uploading something new or tweaking an old post.
Here’s how to do it:

- Open the TikTok app and hit the “+” button to record a new video, or head to your profile to edit an existing one.
- Once your video is ready, move to the posting screen.
- Find the “Who can watch this video” option—this is where you’ll adjust your TikTok video visibility settings.
- Tap it and pick from “Everyone” (public), “Friends,” or “Private.”
- Want more control? You can also set limits on comments, duets, and stitches right here.
- Hit “Post” to share your video with the audience you’ve chosen.
Already posted a video and want to change its audience? No problem—just go back to the video, tap the three dots, and update the privacy settings for individual TikTok videos as needed.
Setting Default TikTok Video Privacy Settings for Future Videos
If you’d rather not adjust settings every time you post, TikTok lets you set a default TikTok video privacy setting for all future uploads. Here’s how to lock it in:

- From your profile, tap the three dots in the top right corner to open settings.
- Select “Privacy.”
- Scroll to “Safety” and tap “Who can watch my videos.”
- Choose your default: “Everyone,” “Friends,” or “Private.”
Once set, every new video will follow this rule unless you override it manually. It’s a time-saver and a great way to control who sees your TikTok videos from the get-go.
Additional Privacy Tips for TikTok Users
Beyond tweaking TikTok video privacy settings, there are other ways to stay safe on the platform. Here are some quick tips:
- Make your account private: Flip your entire account to private mode, so only approved followers can see your videos, no matter the video’s settings.
- Limit direct messages: Decide who can message you—everyone, friends, or no one.
- Hide your liked videos: Keep your likes private by setting them to “Only me.”
- Watch what you share: Skip sharing personal details in your videos or bio.
- Check your followers: Regularly review and remove anyone you don’t recognize.
These steps pair perfectly with your TikTok video privacy settings to give you full control over your experience.
Conclusion
TikTok’s privacy settings for videos are all about putting you in the driver’s seat. Whether you’re sharing with the world, limiting it to friends, or keeping it private, the platform’s options make it easy to customize your visibility.
By mastering these TikTok video privacy settings, setting defaults, and following a few extra precautions, you can enjoy TikTok on your terms. Privacy matters and TikTok gives you the tools to protect it—so why not take advantage of them today?