Guide
TikTok Inbox vs Direct Post: Which Should You Schedule?
Scheduling tools can deliver a TikTok post in two ways. Inbox handoff sends the video or photos to the creator's TikTok inbox to finish and post in the app, which suits adding trending sounds or edits. Direct Post publishes straight to the profile through TikTok's API with chosen privacy and interaction settings, which suits hands-off posting.
Updated
Side by Side
| Inbox handoff | Direct Post | |
|---|---|---|
| Who presses Post | A person, in the TikTok app | The scheduler, at the set time |
| Trending sounds and in-app edits | Yes, added in the app | No |
| Privacy and interaction settings | Set in the app | Set when scheduling |
| Best for | Posts that need a TikTok-native touch | Posts that are ready as uploaded |
How Markaestro Handles Each
- Inbox handoff is the default: at the scheduled time the post goes to the inbox, and Markaestro emails you once it has appeared in the app.
- Direct Post is a per-post choice: Markaestro reads the account's current options (privacy levels, allowed interactions, longest video) and publishes with the settings you pick.
See scheduling TikTok posts and the TikTok specs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you schedule TikToks with trending sounds?
Not through Direct Post; the API does not add TikTok library sounds. Use inbox handoff and add the sound in the app.
How long can a scheduled TikTok be?
Up to 10 minutes via the API, but each account has its own cap of 3, 5, or 10 minutes.