How to Download Videos from TikTok: A Comprehensive Guide

Posted:
October 31, 2024
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Updated:
November 8, 2024
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Andrew Kozik
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Andrew Kozik
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Over 34 million videos get posted on TikTok daily. So, the chances are extremely high that you’ll find at least a couple that you’d like to save for later. Whether that’s a delicious recipe, a makeup look, or a cool fitness routine - the best way to make sure that the clip does not get lost in your TikTok feed is by downloading it to your phone or computer. 

Of course, you can always add the video to your ‘favorites’, but in such a case, you won’t be able to watch it offline. 

Keep on reading to find out exactly how to download videos from TikTok on different devices.

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Can You Download TikTok Videos?

You can definitely download your favorite clips, and there are a few ways for you to do that. 

TikTok itself lets users save videos. And there are other third-party ways to do it, too. But, just so you know, the platform’s built-in feature might not always be the best choice as creators have the power to turn off the ability to download their content.

How to Save a TikTok Video Using the App

Let’s begin with the simplest and quickest way. In fact, you might already have your first video downloaded in literally a minute from now.

  1. Open the app and find the video you liked so much that you decided to download it.
  2. Find the share button on the right side of the screen (it usually looks like an arrow).
  3. A few different options will appear. Make sure you choose "Save video."
  4. That’s it! The clip has been saved to your device’s gallery.

Can’t seem to find the “Save video” option? Then it looks like the creator disabled this feature. 

Of course, the wishes of the creator of the content have to be respected. But you should know that there are other ways to download the videos, if you really need to. 

How to Download TikTok Videos on PC

If you prefer watching entertaining and informative content on a big screen, then the following tips should be the perfect fit for you. 

1. Using the TikTok Website

  1. Go to the TikTok website and find the clip that you like.
  2. Right-click on the video and choose "Save video as."
  3. You’ll then get to pick a location on your computer where the video will be saved.

2. Using Third-Party Websites

There are quite a few different websites that you can use to download the clips that you need. You can try this option or this one (always make sure that the site is secure!). 

No matter what option you decide to choose, the process would be pretty much the same.

  1. Copy the link to the video you want to download.
  2. Paste the video link into the provided field on the website.
  3. Click the download button. Some websites also let you choose the video quality. 

3. Browser Extensions

There are even dedicated browser extensions that can help you download your favorite videos without any fuss. 

  1. First, you would have to install the right extension for your browser (here is one for Chrome).
  2. Open the video that you want to download.
  3. Click the extension icon and follow the instructions.

How to Download TikToks on Mac

Mac users can take advantage of all the methods mentioned above. 

Additionally, Apple lovers can also use built-in screen recording software:

  1. Open QuickTime Player.
  2. Go to “File” and “New Screen Recording”.
  3. Select the part of your screen where the video is playing.
  4. Play the clip and stop the recording whenever you feel like it.

How to Download Video from TikTok If There Is No Save Option?

If the creator doesn’t allow users to download the videos, you can still use third-party apps or web-based services that we have already talked about. Simply don’t forget to make sure that the service can be trusted.

Another thing that you can do is simply screen-record the video. Most smartphones already have such a built-in feature. Or you can always use popular apps like AZ Recorder. In any case, you’ll be able to trim the video to your preferred length, whether in the app or the camera roll. 

Can You Legally Download TikTok Videos?

The legalities of downloading videos are pretty complex. While you can download some videos from TikTok, you've got to think about copyright and intellectual property rights first.

  1. You are the creator: Of course, you have the right to download your videos and do with them whatever your heart desires.
  2. The video has been created by someone else: It's generally okay to download for your own use, but you need to be careful about redistributing or using them commercially without permission because that could violate copyright.
  3. The platform’s Terms of Service: The terms say that users shouldn't download or save content without getting the go-ahead from TikTok or the content creator first. So, even if there is a ‘save’ option, that does not necessarily mean that you have been given official permission to download the clip.

How to Download Videos Like a Pro

Now that you know how to download videos from TikTok, you might want to consider a few other things:

  1. Respect creators' wishes: If there isn't a download option for a video, it's probably because the creator doesn't want people to download it. Ideally, you would want to respect that.
  2. Give credit: If you repost a video you downloaded, make sure to give credit where it's due to the original creator.
  3. Use official methods: Where possible, use the built-in download feature on TikTok to save videos. In such a case, the clip will have a watermark. 
  4. Be cautious with third-party tools: Be sure to only use reputable, secure external tools and websites.

Attention! Some Things to Be Aware of 

You already know that downloading a video without permission and then using it elsewhere can lead to copyright issues. 

Another important thing to bear in mind is that some third-party tools might contain viruses, while others may be collecting your personal information.

Finally, in some cases, the videos that you have downloaded can be of lower quality than the original, so be prepared for that.

What Alternatives Do You Have?

Can you download TikTok videos? If it’s impossible to download the clip and you’d prefer not to use any third-party apps, then you can try: 

  1. Saving the video link for later or sharing it.
  2. Taking advantage of TikTok's "Favorites" feature.
  3. Creating a screen recording. 

The final method is the only one out of the three that would allow you to have access to the content while you’re offline. 

Final Thoughts

Is there a way to download TikTok videos? Saving your favorite content to your phone or computer can be an easy and quick process. Especially, if you’re using the app’s built-in features. But when you're up against some restrictions, there are other approaches you can take. Simply remember to enjoy TikTok content responsibly.

Want to Create Your Own TikToks for Other People to Download?

With BigMotion, an AI-powered video creation platform, creating content that has the potential to go viral has become incredibly simple.

BigMotion streamlines the entire video creation process, from scriptwriting to animation, allowing you to create amazing clips 10 times faster. Whether you're looking to start a faceless YouTube channel or dominate TikTok with trending content, BigMotion has you covered.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a way to download TikTok videos without a watermark?

While you can download from the platform with a watermark, some third-party tools say you can remove it. But remember that using those could mean breaking TikTok's terms of service. 

Do downloaded videos lose quality? 

As a general rule, videos downloaded through the official TikTok app stay pretty much in their original quality, but using third-party methods could mean a tiny loss of quality here and there. The latter is typically not true for the tools that allow you to choose your desired quality.

Can I get in trouble for downloading TikTok videos?

The chances are high that you’re not going to face any penalties if you download the clips for personal use only. If you ever feel like sharing the content, don’t forget to mention the creator. In such a case, everything should be fine.