How to make a Live Photo on TikTok
To keep a TikTok, tap the Share button on the video and tap Save video, or a Live Photo option if your app shows one. To post a Live Photo to TikTok, save it as a video in Photos first, then upload it with the Add post button.
Save a TikTok to your iPhone
- In TikTok, go to the video you want.
- Tap the Share button on the side of the video.
- Tap Save video. If it isn’t there, the creator doesn’t allow downloads.
Some versions of the TikTok app also offer a Live Photo option in that Share menu, which saves the clip as a Live Photo instead of a video. TikTok’s help center doesn’t document it, so it may not show for every video. Apple’s guides don’t describe a way to turn a saved video into a Live Photo; see how to turn a video into a Live Photo for what people use instead.
Set a Live Photo as your Lock Screen
- Touch and hold the Lock Screen, then tap the add button to make a new Lock Screen.
- Tap Photos in the wallpaper gallery and choose the Live Photo.
- Tap the Live Photo button so it plays when your iPhone wakes.
- Tap Add, then choose Set as Wallpaper Pair or Customize Home Screen.
Apple says this works with Live Photos that can be translated into slow motion. More in how to use a Live Photo as your wallpaper.
Post a Live Photo to TikTok
- In Photos, open the Live Photo, tap the More button, then tap Save as Video.
- In TikTok, tap the Add post button (+) at the bottom, tap Upload and pick the video.
- Tap Next to add a description and hashtags, then tap Post. Or tap Your Story to post it to your Stories.
TikTok’s help also covers photo posts (tap Photo, then Upload, up to 35 photos) and a live photo post you take with TikTok’s own camera. It doesn’t say whether a Live Photo picked from your camera roll keeps its motion as a photo post, so saving it as a video first is the sure way.
Start from a still photo
Tada can’t start from a TikTok video: it makes Live Photos from photos. If the moment you want is a still, open Tada, tap Make it Live and pick it. Lively uses AI to make people laugh, turn their head or wave, in 20–40 seconds; Breathe and Puff are free and take about a second. Tap Save and it goes to Photos as a Live Photo, ready for the wallpaper and posting steps above. AI tadas are made on Tada’s servers, and Tada asks before your first one (privacy).
Posting it on Instagram too? See how to post a Live Photo on Instagram.
Questions
How do I save a TikTok as a Live Photo?
Tap the Share button on the video. If your app shows a Live Photo option there, tap it. TikTok’s help center only documents Save video, which saves a regular video.
Why can’t I save a TikTok video?
TikTok says that if you don’t see the option to save a video, the creator doesn’t allow downloads.
Why doesn’t my Live Photo wallpaper move?
Make sure the Live Photo button is on when you set up the Lock Screen. Apple says the motion works with Live Photos that can be translated into slow motion.
Can I post a Live Photo on TikTok?
Yes, as a video. Save the Live Photo as a video in Photos, then in TikTok tap Add post, tap Upload and pick it.
Sources: TikTok Support: How to download a video · TikTok Support: How to share posts · TikTok Support: How to post a video, photo or live photo · iPhone User Guide: Create a custom Lock Screen · iPhone User Guide: Change the wallpaper · Apple Support: How to turn a Live Photo into a video · iPhone User Guide: Edit Live Photos