How to Save Videos on Pinterest: Your Definitive Guide

Saving videos on Pinterest isn’t always as straightforward as it seems, but fear not! This guide will arm you with everything you need to know to curate your video inspiration library. The simplest answer? You can save videos you find on Pinterest directly to your boards just like you would any other Pin. Let’s dive into the detailed “how-to” and explore some hidden tricks and tips to maximize your Pinterest video-saving prowess.

Saving Videos Directly on Pinterest

Pinterest is designed for visual discovery, and saving videos is a core part of that experience. Here’s how you save videos you come across on Pinterest:

1. Find the Video: Browse your feed, search for specific topics, or explore trending content to find the video you want to save.
2. Hover or Click: Hover your mouse over the video (on a desktop) or tap on the video (on mobile) to bring up the save options.
3. Choose a Board: A “Save” button will appear. Clicking or tapping this button will prompt you to choose which of your boards you want to save the video to.
4. Create a New Board (Optional): If none of your existing boards seem suitable, you can create a new board directly from this menu. Simply click “+ Create board,” give it a name, and decide if you want it to be secret (visible only to you).
5. Save It!: Once you’ve selected a board, click or tap “Save.” A confirmation message will appear, letting you know the video has been added.
6. Organize: After saving, you can go to your profile and the selected board to see the video saved. You can further organize your saved videos, such as moving them to different sections within the board, if sections have been created.

This process saves the video’s link and associated information to your board on Pinterest. You are not downloading the video file to your device. Let’s make that clear right from the get-go.

Important Considerations

• You’re Saving a Link, Not the File: Pinterest’s primary function is curating and sharing content. When you “save” a video, you’re essentially bookmarking a link to that video on its original hosting platform (e.g., YouTube, Vimeo, or directly on Pinterest). You’re not downloading a copy of the video file to your device. Therefore, if the original video is removed from its source, the Pin will still exist, but the video will no longer play.
• Respect Copyright: Always be mindful of copyright laws and the terms of service of the platforms where the videos originated. Don’t use saved videos for commercial purposes without proper permission.

Alternatives to Downloading Videos

Since direct downloading is not possible through Pinterest itself, let’s explore some alternative approaches.

Using Third-Party Apps and Websites

Many websites and apps claim to download videos from Pinterest. However, exercise extreme caution when using these tools.

• Security Risks: Many of these sites are riddled with malware, viruses, and intrusive advertisements. Download at your own risk.
• Privacy Concerns: Some apps may request excessive permissions, potentially compromising your personal data.
• Legality: Downloading copyrighted material without permission is illegal and unethical.

If you absolutely must use a third-party downloader, do the following:

1. Research Thoroughly: Read reviews and check the reputation of the website or app before using it.
2. Use a VPN: A Virtual Private Network (VPN) can help protect your IP address and personal information.
3. Scan Downloaded Files: Always scan downloaded files with a reputable antivirus program before opening them.
4. Understand the Risks: Be aware of the potential consequences of downloading copyrighted content.

How to use such a tool (example):

1. Find the Pinterest video you want to download.
2. Click on the video to open it and copy the video’s URL from the address bar.
3. Go to a reputable third-party Pinterest video downloader website.
4. Paste the URL into the downloader and click “Download”.
5. Follow the instructions on the website to choose the video quality and format, and then download the video.

Screen Recording

A safer and potentially legal alternative is screen recording. This involves recording the video as it plays on your screen.

• Built-in Screen Recorders: Most modern smartphones and computers have built-in screen recording capabilities.
• Third-Party Screen Recording Software: Numerous screen recording applications are available for both desktop and mobile devices.
• Limitations: The quality of the recorded video may be lower than the original, and the process can be time-consuming. Additionally, you might capture unwanted notifications or other screen elements during the recording.

Contacting the Creator

The most ethical and legally sound approach is to contact the video’s creator directly and ask for permission to download it. They may be willing to share the file with you or grant you permission to use it for specific purposes.

FAQs: Your Pinterest Video Saving Questions Answered

Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the nuances of saving and accessing videos on Pinterest:

1. Can I download videos directly from Pinterest to my phone or computer? No, Pinterest does not offer a built-in feature to directly download videos. Saving a video on Pinterest adds it to your boards, similar to bookmarking a link.
2. Are there any official Pinterest tools for downloading videos? No, Pinterest has not released any official tools or extensions for downloading videos from the platform.
3. Is it legal to download videos from Pinterest using third-party apps? Downloading copyrighted videos without permission is illegal. Always respect copyright laws and the terms of service of the platforms where the videos originated.
4. Can I save videos to a secret board? Yes, you can save videos to a secret board, which is only visible to you and any collaborators you invite.
5. What happens if the original video is deleted from its source? If the original video is removed from its source (e.g., YouTube), the Pin on Pinterest will still exist, but the video will no longer play.
6. Can I upload my own videos directly to Pinterest? Yes, you can upload videos directly to Pinterest, which is a great way to share your own content and avoid copyright issues.
7. How long can Pinterest videos be? Pinterest videos can be up to 15 minutes long.
8. What video formats are supported on Pinterest? Pinterest supports various video formats, including MP4, MOV, and M4V.
9. Can I save videos from other platforms (like YouTube) to Pinterest? Yes, you can save videos from other platforms to Pinterest by copying the video’s URL and creating a Pin with that link.
10. How do I find videos on Pinterest? You can find videos on Pinterest by browsing your feed, searching for specific keywords, or exploring trending content.
11. Does Pinterest notify the video creator when I save their video? No, Pinterest does not typically notify the video creator when you save their video to your board.
12. Can I share saved Pinterest videos on other social media platforms? You can share the Pinterest Pin (containing the video link) on other social media platforms. However, you cannot directly share a downloaded video if you illegally obtained it. Respect copyright laws and the platform’s terms of service.

By understanding how Pinterest handles videos and using these tips, you can curate an amazing collection of video inspiration while respecting copyright and platform rules. Happy Pinning!