Save a downloaded video to Photos on iPhone
Many iPhone users download a video, open the Photos app and find nothing. That is normal: Safari saves files in the Files app, not straight into the camera roll. You need one extra step, and it is quick.
Step 1: download the video
Copy the video link (see how to copy a video link), open Safari, paste it into the TikTok downloader, the Instagram downloader or the Facebook downloader, then choose MP4. When Safari asks you to confirm, tap Download.
Step 2: find the file
In Safari, a small download arrow appears near the address bar. Tap it, then tap the file name. Otherwise open the Files app, then Downloads. For more detail, read where to find a downloaded video on iPhone and Android.
Step 3: add it to Photos
- Open the video from Files.
- Tap the Share icon (the square with an arrow pointing up).
- Choose Save Video.
The video now appears in Photos, at the very end of your library, and in the "Videos" album. You can then send it in a message or edit it.
If "Save Video" does not appear
- The file is not a video: if you picked MP3, it is audio, which does not go into Photos. Keep it in Files or use it in a music app.
- The format is not supported: choose MP4, which iOS plays natively.
- Photos lacks permission: in Settings, Photos, check that access is allowed.
- Storage is full: free some space, then try again.
Change where downloads go
In Settings, Safari, then Downloads, you can choose to store them on the iPhone or in iCloud Drive. If your videos are not where you expect, check this option.
Keeping the quality
Saving to Photos does not recompress the video. Sending it through some messaging apps can reduce it, though. To keep the best quality, pick HD when downloading, which is free. If you are unsure about the format, read which video quality to pick: HD, MP4 or MP3.
No sound? Picture problem?
If the video opens without sound, see downloaded video has no sound. Also check the silent switch on the side of the iPhone and the media volume.
Tip: one copy is enough
Once the video is saved to Photos, you can delete the copy in Files so it does not take up space twice.
Several videos at once
If you downloaded several files, open Files, tap Select at the top right, tick the videos, then tap Share and Save Videos. They all reach Photos in one go, so you do not repeat the steps for each one.
What about Android?
On Android, the video usually lands in the Downloads folder and the gallery often picks it up by itself. If it does not show up, open the Files app, tap the video and choose to open it with the gallery.
Copyright
Videos belong to their creators. A personal copy does not give you the right to repost it: ask the author before sharing. This is not legal advice.
FAQ
Why is my video not in Photos? Because it is in Files, in the Downloads folder. Use Share, then Save Video.
Can an MP3 go into Photos? No, Photos only handles images and videos.
Do I need to install an app? No, Safari is enough.