How to copy a video link on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook
A download often fails for a very simple reason: the pasted link is not the right one. Here is how to copy the correct address of a video on each platform, on a phone or a computer.
Why the link matters so much
The download tool only "sees" the address you give it. If it is cut off, shortened by another app, or points to a profile instead of the video, the tool cannot find it. Copying the link from the platform's own share button is almost always the safest method.
TikTok
- Open the video.
- Tap the Share arrow.
- Choose Copy link.
Short links (like vm.tiktok.com) work. Then paste it into the TikTok downloader.
- Open the Reel or video post.
- Tap the share icon (the paper plane).
- Choose Copy link.
The content must be public. Stories and private accounts are not supported. Then paste the link into the Instagram downloader.
- Open the video on its own page, not only in the feed.
- Tap Share, then Copy link.
- Paste it into the Facebook downloader.
A video from a private group or limited to your friends cannot be downloaded.
On a post containing a video, open the three-dot menu and choose Copy link to post. Paste it into the LinkedIn downloader. If the link is a short one created by sharing, it can sometimes fail: open the post in your browser and copy the full address instead.
Open the video pin, tap Share then Copy link, and use the Pinterest downloader.
Snapchat
Only public Spotlight videos are supported. In the app, tap the share button and copy the link, then paste it into the Snapchat downloader.
On a computer
It is even easier: open the video in your browser, click the address bar, select everything (Ctrl + A, or Cmd + A on Mac), copy (Ctrl + C or Cmd + C), then paste into the tool.
Classic mistakes
- Copying the profile link instead of the video link.
- Pasting a link received in a messaging app that truncated or changed it: open it first, then copy it again from the platform.
- Missing part of the address when copying by hand.
- Using a private link: the video has to be publicly visible.
- Leaving spaces before or after the link when pasting.
If the error persists, read video download not working: fixes.
A quick habit that saves time
Before you paste, open the link once in your browser. If you can watch the video there without logging in, the downloader will almost certainly be able to read it too. If you land on a login page, an error or an empty profile, the link is not suitable and you should copy it again from the video itself.
After the download
You can choose MP4 for the video or MP3 for the sound only with the video to MP3 converter. To find the file on your phone, read where to find a downloaded video.
Copyright
Videos belong to their creators. Keeping them for strictly personal use is not the same as reposting or reusing them: always ask the author before sharing. This is not legal advice.
FAQ
Do I need to install an app? No, everything works from your browser.
Does a short link work? Usually yes for TikTok; if it fails, open the video and copy the full address.
Why is my link rejected? Often because the video is private, deleted, or the link is incomplete.
Is it free? Yes, with no account.