How to Save a TikTok Video: Your Comprehensive Guide

Want to download and cherish that hilarious TikTok you stumbled upon? Saving TikTok videos is usually a breeze, and this guide will walk you through the entire process, plus answer all your burning questions. Saving can be direct or using clever workarounds; whatever you need, you’ll find it here.

The Direct Route: Saving Videos Directly on TikTok

The most straightforward method is to use the built-in TikTok download feature. It’s user-friendly and efficient.

Saving Your Own Videos

Saving your own masterpiece is particularly simple:

1. Open TikTok: Launch the app on your mobile device.
2. Navigate to your Profile: Tap the “Profile” icon (usually in the bottom right corner).
3. Select the Video: Find the video you want to save and tap to open it.
4. Tap the Three Dots: On the right side of the screen, you’ll see a vertical series of three dots. Tap it.
5. Look for “Save video”: Scroll through the icons until you find “Save video”. Sometimes you may have to swipe to the left.
6. Tap “Save video”: Tap the “Save video” icon. Your video will then download to your device’s gallery.

Saving Videos Created by Others

If the creator has enabled downloads, you can save their videos in much the same way:

1. Find the Video: Locate the video you want to save on your For You Page (FYP) or by searching the creator’s profile.
2. Tap the Share Icon: Instead of the profile icon, tap the “Share” icon, which looks like an arrow pointing right.
3. Look for “Save video”: Similar to saving your own videos, scroll to find “Save video”. It might be hidden, so swipe left through the options if you don’t immediately see it.
4. Tap “Save video”: Tap the “Save video” icon. The video will download directly to your phone’s gallery.

The Indirect Routes: When “Save video” is Missing

Sometimes, the “Save video” option is mysteriously absent. This usually means the creator has disabled downloads for their videos, or it could be due to your regional settings. Fear not; there are alternative methods.

Using Third-Party Apps and Websites

Numerous apps and websites specialize in downloading TikTok videos without watermarks. These services work by allowing you to copy the video link from TikTok and paste it into the third-party app or website. A few words of caution:

1. Due diligence is essential: Only use reputable apps and websites. Read reviews and ensure they have a history of respecting user privacy.
2. Avoid providing personal information: Be wary of sites that ask for login details or personal information beyond the video link.

Here’s the general process:

1. Find the Video Link: On TikTok, tap the Share icon on the video you want to download and select “Copy link.”
2. Choose a Third-Party Service: Find a trusted third-party TikTok downloader website or app. There are many, so research thoroughly. Some popular options include SSSTikTok, Snaptik, and MusicallyDown.
3. Paste the Link: Paste the copied video link into the designated field on the third-party site or app.
4. Download the Video: Click the “Download” button. You might be prompted to choose a download quality.
5. Save the Video: The video will download to your device’s storage.

Screen Recording: The Simplest Solution

Screen recording can be a lifesaver when no other method works. Almost all smartphones now have built-in screen recording features.

1. Activate Screen Recording: Initiate screen recording on your smartphone. The process varies depending on your device and operating system. On iOS, swipe down from the top right corner to access the Control Center and tap the screen recording icon (a circle within a larger circle). On Android, the screen recording option is usually found in the quick settings panel.
2. Play the TikTok Video: Open the TikTok video you want to save and play it.
3. Stop Screen Recording: Once the video has finished playing, stop the screen recording.
4. Trim the Recording: Use your phone’s built-in video editor to trim the screen recording, removing any unnecessary parts like the start and end of the recording.

Important Considerations

• Copyright and Permissions: Always respect the content creator’s rights. Downloading and sharing videos without permission could infringe on copyright laws.
• Watermarks: Most download methods will retain the TikTok watermark. While it’s generally acceptable, removing the watermark and passing off the video as your own is ethically questionable and could lead to copyright issues.
• Storage Space: Keep an eye on your device’s storage space, as downloaded videos can quickly fill up your storage.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is it legal to save TikTok videos?

Downloading TikTok videos is generally considered legal for personal use. However, distributing or using the videos for commercial purposes without the creator’s permission can violate copyright laws. Always respect the original creator’s rights and intentions.

2. How do I save a TikTok video without a watermark?

While saving directly from TikTok will include a watermark, many third-party downloader websites and apps offer the option to download videos without watermarks. Be cautious and use only reputable services to ensure your privacy and security.

3. Why can’t I save some TikTok videos?

Creators can disable the “Save video” option for their content. If you don’t see the save icon, it means the creator doesn’t allow downloads. In such cases, you may have to resort to screen recording or other methods but respect the creator’s intentions.

4. Do I need a TikTok account to save videos?

No, you don’t need a TikTok account to save videos using third-party websites or apps. However, if you want to save videos directly from the TikTok app, you will need to have an account.

5. Are third-party TikTok downloaders safe to use?

The safety of third-party TikTok downloaders varies. Some are reputable and safe, while others may contain malware or compromise your privacy. Research before using any third-party service.

6. Can I save live TikTok videos?

You can’t directly save TikTok live videos. You would need to use screen recording during the live broadcast to capture the content.

7. How do I save TikTok videos on my computer?

You can use third-party websites or apps accessible through a web browser on your computer. Copy the video link from TikTok and paste it into the downloader website, then download the video.

8. Will saving TikTok videos take up a lot of storage space on my phone?

Yes, downloaded videos can consume significant storage space, especially if they are high-resolution or lengthy. Regularly manage and delete downloaded videos you no longer need to free up space.

9. Can I save TikTok videos to cloud storage like Google Drive or Dropbox?

Yes, after saving the video to your device, you can upload it to your preferred cloud storage service, such as Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive.

10. Is it possible to save private TikTok videos?

You can only save private TikTok videos if you are the creator or have been granted permission by the creator. Other users cannot download private videos.

11. What’s the best video quality when downloading TikTok videos?

The best video quality depends on the downloader and the original video’s quality. Many downloaders offer options to choose the resolution. Opt for the highest available resolution for the best viewing experience. However, note that higher resolutions will result in larger file sizes.

12. Can I save TikTok videos to my iPhone’s camera roll directly?

Yes, whether you save directly from the TikTok app or use a third-party downloader, the video will typically be saved directly to your iPhone’s camera roll or photo gallery.