You do not need another app to keep a TikTok video. A browser and the link of the video are enough. Here is the whole method, with the common problems.
Step 1: copy the TikTok link
- In the TikTok app: tap the Share arrow, then Copy link.
- On a computer: copy the address of the video from the browser bar.
Short links (vm.tiktok.com, vt.tiktok.com) and full links both work.
Step 2: paste it and choose a format
- Open the TikTok video downloader in Safari or Chrome.
- Paste the link in the field.
- Choose Video MP4 (picture and sound) or Audio MP3 (sound only, 192 kbit/s).
- Tap Download.
Want a version without the TikTok logo that moves around the screen? Read our guide to removing the TikTok watermark.
Step 3: find the file
- iPhone: open the Files app, then the Downloads folder. To add it to Photos, open the video, tap Share, then Save Video.
- Android: Files app, Downloads folder.
- Computer: your browser's download folder.
Why not install an app?
- Nothing to install, update or remove.
- No account to create and no password to hand over. Never type your TikTok login on a download website.
- The same steps work on iPhone, Android, Windows and Mac.
Getting only the sound
Pick Audio MP3 in step 2. It is useful for a voice-over, a podcast extract or a sound you are allowed to keep. The TikTok to MP3 page and the guide on extracting MP3 from a video cover it in detail.
What can go wrong
- Video not found: private or deleted videos cannot be reached. Check that the video is public by opening the link in a private window.
- Profile link: you need the link of one video, not of an account.
- A single failure: try again after a few minutes. Our page on why a video download fails lists the other causes.
Respect creators' rights
Saving a video to watch offline is a personal use. Reposting it without the author's permission is different: ask first and credit the creator. Copyright rules vary by country, so when in doubt, do not reuse someone else's video.
Practical tips
- Use Wi-Fi for longer videos: an MP4 file can weigh tens of megabytes and mobile data runs out fast.
- Check your free storage before saving several videos in a row, especially on an older phone.
- Rename the file straight away (date and topic) so you can find it again months later.
- If the video is your own, keep the original upload as well: it is always the best quality you have.
- On a shared computer, delete the file when you are done if the video is personal.
- If sound is missing in the saved file, the original probably had no sound or used a muted track, so check it in the app first.
FAQ
Is it free? Yes, no sign-up for standard quality.
Does it work on a private account? No, only public videos can be saved.
Can I save a TikTok story or a live? Not at the moment, only regular public videos.
Is the MP4 playable everywhere? Yes, on phones, computers and TVs.