TikTok reference
TikTok caption limit: 2,200 characters, and what counts
The TikTok caption limit for videos posted through TikTok's Direct Post API is 2,200 characters ("UTF-16 runes" in TikTok's documentation). Check yours with the free counter below, or let Postdom write your TikTok videos and captions in your brand, ready to approve.
Free TikTok caption limit checker
Paste your caption to count it, including spaces, line breaks, hashtags and emoji. It is free and nothing you paste is posted.
Includes spaces, line breaks, hashtags and mentions. Emoji can use more than one unit.
Against the API figure: Enter a caption to compare. Numeric comparison using Postdom's count, not a tested TikTok count or acceptance result.
This counter uses Postdom's counting method and 4,000-unit input limit. TikTok's video Direct Post API documents 2,200 “UTF-16 runes”; that is a separate rule, not an acceptance test performed here. How emoji and line breaks count.
The counter runs in your browser. It does not upload or save your caption.
What is the TikTok caption limit?
For videos posted through the Direct Post API, TikTok documents a maximum of 2,200 characters. That is the figure tools that post for you work to.
For a video posted in the TikTok app, check the caption editor itself. TikTok has not published a verified app-wide maximum, so don't assume the API figure applies there.
| Posting method | Caption limit | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| TikTok video Direct Post API | 2,200 “UTF-16 runes” | For videos published through this API. TikTok describes the counting unit as “UTF-16 runes.” |
| Video posted in the TikTok app | Check your caption editor | We have not verified a current app-wide video maximum. Do not apply the API number to every in-app post. |
| Postdom caption input | 4,000 UTF-16 code units | Postdom's own input check. Passing it does not mean TikTok will accept the caption. |
TikTok caption length: what counts
Every letter, space, line break, hashtag and mention counts. One emoji on screen can be more than one unit of text, so count with a tool rather than by eye.
- Words and a space
Pack light10 units- Hashtag and mention
#bag @name10 units- Line break
\n1 unit- Emoji
😀2 units- Joined emoji
👩💻5 units- Letter and combining accent
é2 units
TikTok hashtag limit
Hashtags and mentions are part of the caption text, so they count toward the same limit. We have not verified a separate maximum number of hashtags, so we don't quote one.
How to shorten a TikTok caption
Keep the point of your video, then cut what repeats it.
Keep the packing list; cut the ending that repeats it and the unrelated tags. That removes 704 UTF-16 code units.
- Original caption
- 2,565 units
365 above the documented API figure
- Trimmed caption
- 1,861 units
339 below the documented API figure
These are numeric comparisons using Postdom's count, not tested TikTok results. Both versions fit Postdom's input limit. Passing that input check does not mean TikTok will accept a caption.
See the exact text removed
That is everything I pack, the complete list of everything in my bag, and exactly how I fit all of those things into one carry-on for the whole weekend. I wanted to show the entire process from start to finish so you can see every single item and every step of the packing process. If you have ever wondered what I bring on a weekend trip, this is everything I bring on a weekend trip. #travel #traveltips #travelvideo #travelideas #packingideas #packwithme #travelpacking #weekendaway #weekendtravel #citybreak #citytrip #luggage #suitcase #smallbag #travelbag #bagpacking #holidaypacking #holidayideas #vacationpacking #vacationideas #travelinspiration #travelcontent #dailyvideo #videotips #myvideo
Read the full trimmed caption
My carry-on packing list for a Friday-to-Sunday city break, with room left for the trip home. I start with the clothes I will wear on the journey: trainers, trousers, a T-shirt and a light jacket. In the bag go a second T-shirt, one shirt that works for dinner, spare underwear and socks, and something comfortable to sleep in. I choose pieces I can wear together instead of packing a separate outfit for every possible plan. The shoes make the biggest difference to this bag. I wear the bulky pair and only pack a second pair if I already know I will need them. In this example there is no second pair. That leaves space for a small wash bag and keeps the bottom of the case easy to unpack. My wash bag has the basics I use at home, decanted where practical. I check the liquid rules for my actual journey before packing. A small pouch holds the charger, cable and plug adapter so they do not end up tangled in the clothes. I keep the battery pack somewhere I can reach without opening the whole bag. Next I lay everything out on the bed. If two items do the same job, one stays home. Then I fold the clothes into two loose stacks, put the wash bag beside them and slide the pouch into the remaining gap. I do not force the zip closed; I want to be able to repack just as easily on Sunday. My phone, wallet, travel documents and any medication stay in the small bag I carry with me. Before leaving, I check the forecast, the plans for the weekend and my carrier's baggage rules. This is an example packing list, not a promise that the same bag or allowance works on every route. The video shows the full unpacked list, where each item goes, and the bag closing without anything being squeezed in. Use the list as a starting point, then swap in what your trip actually needs. What is the one thing you always make room for? #packing #carryon #weekendtrip
- 1
Lead with the subject
Say what the video shows. Cut openings like 'In this video I'm going to show you'.
- 2
Cut repeats and unrelated tags
Keep the context a viewer needs. Remove phrases that repeat it and tags that don't describe the video.
- 3
Check the whole caption
Count hashtags, mentions, spaces and line breaks too, against the limit for the way you actually post.
Questions about the TikTok caption limit
What is the TikTok caption limit?
2,200 characters for videos posted through TikTok's Direct Post API. For videos posted in the app, check the caption editor.
Do hashtags count toward the TikTok caption limit?
Yes. Hashtags and mentions are text inside the caption, so include them when you count.
Why do emoji change the character count?
One symbol on screen can be several units of text. Use your posting method's length check rather than counting by eye.
Does Postdom check TikTok captions?
Postdom accepts caption text up to 4,000 UTF-16 code units and rejects anything longer. That is Postdom's own input check, separate from TikTok's 2,200-character API figure.
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