TikTok has evolved into one of the most popular social media platforms in the world, with over a billion active global users. The platform’s short, snappy, user-created videos are an effective way to reach a wide demographic — particularly Gen Z — which makes it a valuable platform not only for content creators, but for businesses, marketers, and entrepreneurs.

But sometimes, you might want to download a TikTok video for your own safekeeping — say, to share it with those who haven’t downloaded the app yet or to keep a backup of your own creations. Downloading a TikTok video is pretty easy since the functionality is built right into the app.

Keep in mind that TikTok downloads typically include a watermark. Some third-party tools, such as SnapTik, claim to remove it. Before you take that route, though, consider the legal and ethical implications — it’s best to respect the original creator’s rights and TikTok’s guidelines.

How to download a TikTok video on your phone in 3 steps

Downloading your favorite video from TikTok is straightforward for most iPhone and Android users. However, if your iPhone is still on iOS 12 or an older version, Apple’s privacy policy may block direct downloads. Your best bet: update to a newer iOS or get creative with a workaround (like saving from a different device) if you’re set on having that dance challenge clip saved forever.

1. Find the video you want to download. Open the TikTok app and navigate to the video you want to save.
2. Choose your download method. To download videos from TikTok within the app, navigate to the Share icon on the bottom right of the screen, which brings you to the Share to app window. Here, you’ll find sharing options like Message (which allows you to share videos via your messaging app), Copy link (which gives you a link to the video that you can share), and Messenger (which lets you share the video directly via Facebook Messenger). In the next row, after Report and Not interested, you’ll find Save video, which you can click to download the TikTok clip. For quicker access, you can skip the share button and just press and hold your finger directly on the screen to bring up a menu with the Save video option.
3. Find your saved TikTok. Once you select “save,” TikTok may request permission to access your photo gallery, which you can specify in your phone settings. You can then see your saved videos in your camera roll. The TikTok watermark, including the user handle, stays on the video.

How to download a TikTok video on your desktop

If you want to add a TikTok to a video project or you’re short on phone storage, save it to your computer. That way, you can play the clip on a bigger screen — perfect for following that new cooking tutorial or an ambitious workout routine without juggling your phone.

1. Download the TikTok desktop app. Navigate to TikTok in your browser. (We used Google Chrome for this step; for other browsers, this may not work.) In the bottom right corner, you should see a link that says “Get TikTok for desktop.” Click that link and install the app.
2. Find the video you want to download. Once the desktop app is open, find the video content you want to save.
3. Save your video. Just right click the video and click “Save Video As...” That should bring up a dialog box that allows you to choose the folder where you’d like to download your video.

A note on sharing etiquette

Keep in mind it isn’t always possible to download a TikTok; if you don’t see the ‘Save’ option, TikTok says that ‘if you don't have the option to save a video, this means the creator doesn't allow it.’ While you can still screen record in some cases, that doesn’t grant you free rein to republish or monetize someone else’s creative work.

If you’re just saving videos to share with family and friends, you likely won’t run into any trouble. But if you’re uploading the content as your own or bringing it to another platform for monetization, the original owner may have grounds to sue for copyright infringement.

Final thoughts

Sure, TikTok might disappear from your feed tomorrow, or the creator might yank it without warning — so if you want that clip forever, grab it while you can. Just remember to give credit where it’s due, especially if you want to stay on the right side of the internet’s unwritten rules.

Frequently asked questions

Why can’t I download some TikTok videos?

If you don’t see a Save video button, it likely means the creator turned off downloads in their settings. TikTok lets people disable the download option to protect their content.

Where do my downloaded TikTok videos go on my device?

On most phones, videos go to your camera roll or photo library. On a computer, they usually appear in your Downloads folder. You can change this location in your browser or phone settings.

Does the TikTok watermark remain on the downloaded video?

Yes. TikTok adds a watermark and the creator’s username to every downloaded clip. If you need a version without the watermark, you must use third-party apps—though keep in mind that doing so might violate TikTok’s policies.

Can I use downloaded TikTok videos in my own projects?

You can keep and share downloaded videos for personal use, but if you want to republish or profit from them, you need the creator’s permission. Otherwise, you could run into copyright issues.