How to Combine Two Draft Videos on TikTok

Ever film the perfect Part 1 of a TikTok video, save it as a draft, go on to film Part 2 separately, and then wonder how to put them together? You’re not alone. While TikTok doesn’t offer a one-tap “merge drafts” button, combining two videos is possible. Knowing the right techniques opens up a ton of creative possibilities. This guide will walk you through three different methods - from the quick and simple workaround to the pro-level editing workflow - so you can seamlessly combine your video drafts and get your content posted.

Why Combining Drafts Is a Content Creator’s Secret Weapon

Before jumping into the step-by-step instructions, it helps to understand why this skill is so valuable. It’s not just a technical fix for a missing feature, it’s a strategic advantage that allows you to create more compelling and thoughtful content. Many of the most engaging videos on the platform are the result of combining clips recorded at different times.

Level Up Your Storytelling

Many popular TikTok trends rely on a two-part structure. By filming segments separately and combining them later, you can perfect each part without the pressure of nailing a continuous recording. This leads to more dynamic storytelling that keeps viewers hooked.

Create Professional A-Roll and B-Roll Content

"A-roll" is your main footage, and "B-roll" adds context and visual interest. Use drafts to film main points first and capture visual examples later. Combining these clips makes your videos look polished and professional.

Save Time with Content Batching

Serious creators and social media managers don't create one video at a time - they batch their work. You can film several intros in one session, save them as drafts, and record conclusions or demonstrations later. Having a folder of half-finished concepts allows you to construct videos efficiently, turning your TikTok creation process into an assembly-line-style workflow.

Craft "Day in the Life" Videos Seamlessly

"Day in the life" content requires capturing moments throughout the day. Instead of stitching dozens of clips together in TikTok's sensitive editor, record key moments, save them as drafts, export, and then combine the best parts into a cohesive narrative. This gives you more control over the final product.

Method 1: The Quick Workaround (Screen Recording)

This technique uses your phone's screen recording function to capture your first draft, turning it into a new video file to use as a base for your second clip. It’s fast and doesn't require extra apps, though it may result in a minor loss of quality.

Here’s how to do it step-by-step:

Step 1: Open Your First Draft

Go to your TikTok profile, tap the Drafts folder, and select the first video you want.

Step 2: Prepare Your Screen Recorder

• On an iPhone: Swipe down from the top-right corner to open the Control Center. Use the screen record button.
• On an Android: Swipe down to open the Quick Settings panel and find the Screen Recorder icon.

Pro Tip: Ensure your phone’s microphone is off when screen recording to capture only the video's internal sound.

Step 3: Record Your Draft's Preview

Start screen recording, then play your draft in full-screen preview. Once it’s over, stop the recording. The new clip will be saved in your phone’s gallery.

Step 4: Trim the Unwanted Parts

Use your phone’s trim tool to remove extra footage at the beginning and end, leaving clean draft footage.

Step 5: Start a New TikTok and Upload

Tap "+", choose Upload, and select the trimmed screen recording from your gallery. It's loaded as your first clip.

Step 6: Add Your Second Draft

• Record new footage: Press the record button.
• Upload a saved draft: Use the upload screen to select the file.

Step 7: Finalize and Post

With both clips merged, adjust timing, add sounds, effects, write captions, and post your video.

Method 2: The High-Quality Technique (Post Privately)

This technique involves temporarily posting drafts as private videos, allowing you to save high-resolution versions to your device.

Step 1: Open Draft #1 and Proceed to the Post Screen

Open the first video in drafts, tap Next, and proceed to post settings.

Step 2: Change Privacy Settings to "Only Me"

Set "Who can watch this video" to "Only Me."

Step 3: Save to Device and Post Privately

Enable "Save to device" and post. A high-quality version will download to your phone.

Step 4: Repeat for Draft #2

Repeat the process for your second draft video.

Step 5: Combine the Saved Clips in a New TikTok

• Open TikTok and start a new project.
• Tap Upload, enable "Select multiple", and choose clips in order.
• Tap Next to place them on the timeline.

Step 6: Edit and Post Publicly

With your quality video merged, add sounds and effects, and post publicly. Delete private videos to clean your feed.

Method 3: The Ultimate Control Option (Using a Third-Party Editor)

Using a mobile app like CapCut gives you control over transitions, cuts, and effects.

Step 1: Export Your Drafts to Your Phone

Use "Post Privately" to save high-quality versions to your phone.

Step 2: Import Clips into a Video Editing App

Use an app like CapCut to start a new project and import saved files.

Step 3: Edit Like a Pro

• Arrange clips on a timeline.
• Trim each clip precisely.
• Add transitions, color correction, and overlays.

Step 4: Add Your Sound (The Smart Way)

Add audio in the editing app or in TikTok for maximum reach.

Step 5: Export and Upload to TikTok

Export the final video and upload to TikTok.

Final Thoughts

While TikTok may not have a direct button to merge drafts, these workarounds let you combine clips effectively. Whether you use screen recording, private posting, or a third-party editor, these methods allow you to create compelling and polished videos.

Managing a busy content calendar can become overwhelming. We built Postbase to help manage TikToks and schedules reliably, turning creative chaos into a smooth workflow.