TikTok API Guide

How to Save TikTok Videos as Draft via API

Schedule TikTok videos to be saved as drafts instead of publishing immediately. Perfect for content review workflows and batch uploads.

Last updated: January 2025
Streamline your TikTok content workflow with draft modeGet API Key

The TikTok draft feature allows you to upload videos to your TikTok account without publishing them immediately. Using the tiktokIsDraft parameter in the PostFast API, you can automate content uploads while keeping full control over when videos go live.

This is particularly useful for content review workflows (upload videos for team approval before publishing), batch uploads (prepare a week's worth of content in one session), A/B testing (upload multiple versions and choose the best one later), and scheduling flexibility (upload now, publish manually when timing is perfect).

API Parameters

ParameterTypeDescription
tiktokIsDraftbooleanSave video as draft instead of publishing immediately
tiktokPrivacystringControls who can view the video
PUBLICMUTUAL_FRIENDSONLY_ME

Code Example

const response = await fetch('https://api.postfa.st/social-posts', {
  method: 'POST',
  headers: {
    'pf-api-key': 'YOUR_API_KEY',
    'Content-Type': 'application/json'
  },
  body: JSON.stringify({
        "posts": [
            {
                "content": "Draft video for later! #content #draft",
                "mediaItems": [
                    {
                        "key": "video/e0f1a2b3-c4d5-6789-0123-def456789012.mp4",
                        "type": "VIDEO",
                        "sortOrder": 0,
                        "coverTimestamp": "4"
                    }
                ],
                "scheduledAt": "2025-01-31T10:00:00.000Z",
                "socialMediaId": "550e8400-e29b-41d4-a716-446655440001"
            }
        ],
        "controls": {
            "tiktokIsDraft": true,
            "tiktokPrivacy": "PUBLIC"
        }
    })
});

const data = await response.json();

Did You Know?

Draft Location
TikTok app only
Drafts appear in your TikTok app under Profile > Drafts. They cannot be viewed on desktop.
Caption Preserved
Yes
Your caption, hashtags, and settings are saved with the draft
Expiration
None
Drafts do not expire - they stay in your drafts folder until you publish or delete them

Tips

Combine tiktokIsDraft with tiktokPrivacy to pre-set the privacy level for when you publish

Use drafts for content batching - upload 10 videos in one API session, then publish them throughout the week

Draft mode is perfect for agencies who need client approval before posting

The scheduledAt time still determines when the draft is created, not when it publishes

Perfect for teams that need content approval workflows

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Common Pitfalls

Confusing Draft with Private

tiktokIsDraft: true saves the video as a draft (not published). tiktokPrivacy: "ONLY_ME" publishes the video but makes it private. They're different!

Expecting auto-publish

Setting tiktokIsDraft: true means the video will NEVER auto-publish. You must manually publish from the TikTok app.

Desktop access

You cannot access or publish drafts from TikTok's web interface. You must use the mobile app.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do I find my drafts after uploading via API?

Open the TikTok app, go to your Profile, and tap the "Drafts" section (next to your posted videos). Your API-uploaded drafts will appear there.

Can I edit the draft before publishing?

Yes! When you open a draft in the TikTok app, you can edit the caption, add effects, change the cover image, and modify any settings before publishing.

What happens to the scheduledAt time when using draft mode?

The scheduledAt time determines when PostFast sends the video to TikTok as a draft. It does NOT auto-publish at that time. You must manually publish the draft.

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