# How to Play TikTok Videos in Reverse (Your Own and Others')

> How to reverse a TikTok video with the Reverse time effect, how to play someone else's TikTok in reverse, and why the sound doesn't reverse.

Canonical: https://scheduleforyou.com/blog/how-to-reverse-a-tiktok-video
Last updated: 2026-10-28

Category: TikTok. 

To play a TikTok video in reverse, record or upload it, tap **Effects** on the editing screen, open the **Time** tab, and choose **Reverse**. TikTok plays the clip backwards in the preview, and you can post it like any other video. Reverse only flips the picture; the sound plays forwards, so you'll usually want to add music afterwards.

TikTok doesn't have a button to play other people's videos backwards while you watch, but there are ways around that too.

## How to reverse your own TikTok video

1. Tap **+** and record, or tap **Upload** and pick a video.
2. Tap **Next** to reach the editing screen.
3. Tap **Effects** (on some versions it's under **Edit** or the scissors icon).
4. Swipe to the **Time** tab.
5. Tap **Reverse**. The preview now plays backwards.
6. Tap **Save**, add a sound, and post.

The Time tab also has **Repeat** and **Slow-mo**, which you can use for a loop before reversing. You can only apply one time effect at a time.

If you don't see Effects or Time on your version, use the full editor (**Edit**) or reverse the clip in CapCut or another editor first, then upload it.

## How to play someone else's TikTok in reverse

There's no reverse playback for videos in the feed. Your options:

- **Remix it, then reverse.** If the creator allows it, tap **Share > Duet** or **Stitch**, or use the video's sound. That makes your own clip, which you can reverse. See [how to duet on TikTok](https://scheduleforyou.com/blog/how-to-duet-on-tiktok).
- **Save it and reverse it in an editor.** If the creator allows downloads, tap **Share > Save video**, then reverse it in your phone's editor or a video app. Keep it for personal viewing unless you have the creator's permission to repost. Our guide to [downloading TikTok videos](https://scheduleforyou.com/blog/how-to-download-tiktok-videos) explains the rules.
- **Scrub backwards.** On the website or in the app, drag the progress bar left to step back through a long video. It isn't true reverse, but it's fine for catching a detail.

## Why the sound doesn't reverse

TikTok's Reverse effect applies to the video track only. Licensed music and original sounds keep playing forwards so they stay recognisable (and licensable). If you want reversed audio, for a "say it backwards" trend, for example, reverse the clip with sound in a video editor first and upload the result as an original sound.

## Ideas that work in reverse

- **Unmessing a room**, unspilling a drink, or building something in reverse.
- **Reverse reveals:** start with the finished look, end with the "before."
- **Jumps and throws** that land impossibly.
- **Transitions:** reverse one clip so movement matches into the next.

Short reversed clips (under 15 seconds) tend to get rewatched, which helps reach. When the video's ready, you can post it straight away or schedule it: Schedule For You publishes finished TikTok videos at the time you pick, and the same clip can go to Reels and Shorts from the same draft.

## Frequently asked questions

### Where is the reverse effect on TikTok?
On the editing screen, under Effects, then the Time tab. Menu names vary by app version; look for Time or Time effects.

### Can you reverse a TikTok after posting it?
Not in place. Save the video, reverse it in the editor or another app, and post it again. Deleting and reposting loses the original's views and comments.

### Can I reverse a TikTok I'm watching?
No. TikTok has no reverse playback. Save or remix the video first, then reverse your copy.

### Why can't I find the Time effect?
Some app versions and regions place it under Edit instead of Effects, and very old versions may not have it. Update TikTok, or reverse the clip in a separate editor before uploading.

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