How Much Data Does TikTok Use
How Much Data Does TikTok Use?
TikTok uses mobile data or Wi-Fi to stream and upload videos. Every video you watch is downloaded in real time from TikTok’s servers, and because these are full-motion, often high-definition videos, they require a lot more bandwidth than text or images.
If you scroll through TikTok for just an hour, you could be using anywhere from 300MB to 3GB of data depending on video quality, autoplay, and whether you're watching livestreams or uploading your own clips. Unlike other social media apps, TikTok is video-first, and each swipe loads another high-res clip, sometimes even before you tap it.
How Much Data Does TikTok Use Per Hour?
TikTok’s data usage depends heavily on the quality of the videos you watch and how long you’re using the app. Here’s a breakdown of how much data TikTok uses per hour:
- Standard definition (SD): ~300–700MB per hour
- High definition (HD): ~1.5–3GB per hour
- Auto mode (mixed quality): ~1GB per hour
If you scroll through videos continuously, TikTok preloads content in advance, which means the app can use a lot of data even when you’re not actively engaging with every video. Watching live streams, uploading content, or engaging with interactive features (like effects or AR filters) will also increase consumption.
Why Does TikTok Use So Much Data?
Several factors contribute to TikTok’s high data consumption:
- Video-first format: TikTok is built entirely around video, most of which are HD and auto-play as you scroll.
- Preloading: To ensure seamless scrolling, TikTok preloads upcoming videos in the background.
- Looping: Watching short videos on repeat (which TikTok encourages through trends and humor) causes multiple replays, each using data.
- Live streaming: Real-time interaction and high bitrate video make this one of the most data-intensive features on the app.
- Uploads: If you post videos while on mobile data, your uploads can consume just as much bandwidth as streaming.
How to Check How Much Data TikTok Has Used
On iPhone:
- Go to Settings > Cellular
- Scroll to find TikTok
- View the data usage displayed under the app name
On Android:
- Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Mobile network > App data usage
- Tap TikTok to see usage over time
You can also monitor usage using your mobile provider’s app or third-party tools like GlassWire or Data Usage Monitor.
How to Reduce TikTok Data Usage
Here are practical steps to lower your data consumption on TikTok:
1. Enable Data Saver Mode
TikTok has a built-in feature that reduces video quality to save data:
- Open TikTok > Profile > Menu (☰)
- Tap Settings and privacy > Data saver
- Toggle it ON
Note: This feature is available only when using mobile data, not Wi-Fi.
2. Avoid HD and Live Streams
Avoid watching livestreams or 1080p+ videos while on cellular data. TikTok often defaults to HD on faster networks, so be mindful when switching from Wi-Fi to mobile.
3. Download Videos on Wi-Fi
If you want to rewatch certain videos, save them while connected to Wi-Fi. Saved videos won’t consume mobile data when played again.
4. Limit Background App Refresh
Prevent TikTok from preloading content:
- On iPhone: Go to Settings > General > Background App Refresh > Off
- On Android: Go to Settings > Apps > TikTok > Mobile data & Wi-Fi > Disable Background data
5. Set Screen Time Limits
Spending less time on the app will naturally use less data. Use TikTok's built-in screen time reminders or app timers from your phone settings.
How to Use TikTok While Traveling Without Wasting Data
Using TikTok abroad can be expensive if you're relying on mobile data. Streaming video especially in HD or during live broadcasts can quickly burn through your plan, sometimes without you realizing it. For many travelers, TikTok is used to find local restaurants, hidden photo spots, budget travel hacks, and real-time reviews of destinations or activities. But because TikTok is entirely video-based, this kind of research can come with a heavy data cost, especially when you're abroad.
Here’s how to keep using TikTok while keeping your data under control:
- Use Wi-Fi whenever available: Connect to hotel, café, or airport Wi-Fi networks to avoid using your mobile plan for streaming.
- Turn on Data Saver in TikTok: This lowers video quality automatically when using mobile data. Enable it via: TikTok > Settings and privacy > Data Saver.
- Disable background data: Stop TikTok from preloading content when you’re not using the app.
- Download videos while on Wi-Fi: If you want to rewatch favorite clips, save them in advance to avoid streaming them again.
- Avoid livestreams and HD content: These use the most data, often exceeding 3GB/hour.
- Set a usage timer: Use TikTok’s screen time reminders or your phone’s app limits to stay within your plan.
- Turn off autoplay for videos on your device settings: While TikTok doesn’t offer full control over autoplay, setting your phone to "Low Data Mode" can help reduce preloading.
- Switch to a local or global eSIM: Avoid roaming charges by using a travel eSIM with better data rates and long-term validity.
Try TikTok Abroad with 500MB Free
Use Eskimo eSIM during your travel and get 500MB of global data just for signing up. Claim your free 500MB with Eskimo eSIM here. That’s enough for:
- About 45–60 minutes of scrolling with Data Saver ON
- Or around 20–30 minutes at standard video quality
Plenty of time to check out travel inspiration, catch up on trending sounds, or post your own update from the airport lounge. No roaming. No installation every trip. Just smooth, borderless data for wherever TikTok takes you.
FAQs
Does looping a TikTok video use more data?
Yes. Every time a video loops, it uses data unless it has been fully cached. If you're watching a clip repeatedly, especially longer or HD videos it will consume more data with each replay unless it’s downloaded or preloaded in full.
Does TikTok use more data than YouTube?
Yes, especially if you scroll continuously or watch livestreams. YouTube allows you to manually lower resolution; TikTok’s options are more limited. If you want to learn more about YouTube data usage, click here.
Can I watch TikTok offline?
Only if you’ve saved videos ahead of time. TikTok doesn’t offer a true offline mode for browsing new content.
Does TikTok use data when I’m not using it?
Yes, if background app refresh is enabled. Disable this in your phone settings to save data.