To download TikTok videos, tap the Share button (an arrow icon) on the side of the video and select "Save video." This is the official, in-app method, but it only works if the creator has enabled downloads for that specific video.
How to download TikTok videos: the official way
The primary method to download a TikTok video directly within the app is by tapping the Share button on the side of the video and then selecting "Save video." However, the "Save video" option is only available if the content creator has allowed downloads for that specific video. If you don't see the option, you'll need to use an alternative method, such as a modified app like download TikTok++ to save restricted videos. If you're trying to save your own unpublished creations instead, you can download TikTok draft videos before they ever go live.
How to manage your own TikTok download permissions
To control whether others can download your content, go to your Profile, tap the Menu (☰) button, then "Settings and privacy," "Privacy," and "Downloads." Here you can toggle the "Video downloads" setting on or off. This is how you enable or disable video downloads for your own content, giving you full control over who can save your videos.
How to download TikTok videos when the save button is missing
When the in-app "Save video" option is not available, third-party websites and apps can be used to download TikTok videos, often without watermarks. The universal method is to copy the TikTok video link via the Share button and "Copy Link" option, then paste it into a downloader's input field. For Android users, the app "Video Downloader for Social Media - No Watermark" is a reliable choice. Install it, paste the copied link, and wait for the download to finish. For iOS users, the "TikTok Downloader" shortcut for the Shortcuts app works well.
How to download TikTok videos on desktop
Desktop-specific third-party options are necessary because TikTok does not offer a built-in download button on desktop. MusicallyDown.com is the best choice for extracting MP3 audio. Paste the link, click the orange "Download" button, then choose either MP4 (video) or MP3 (audio). Another option is the Instant Chrome extension, which installs directly into Google Chrome. After adding it, you'll see a lightning bolt icon. Right-click any TikTok video and choose "Save to instant" to download it.
How to save TikTok videos on your phone
The phone saves the video to the gallery by default. If that doesn't work, use the alternative Share button method: tap the Share button on the video, find "Save video," and tap it. For troubleshooting when neither works, the video likely has downloads disabled. In that case, use the third-party methods described above, the Android app or iOS Shortcut, to bypass the restriction and save the video anyway.
