Want to save a TikTok video to your device? Whether you’re archiving content, repurposing for other platforms, or creating compilations, this guide covers the best methods to download TikTok videos.

Why Download TikTok Videos?

There are many legitimate reasons to download TikTok content:

  • Offline viewing - Watch saved videos without internet connection
  • Content repurposing - Use clips in your own projects (with credit)
  • Backup - Save your own videos before they’re potentially removed
  • Research - Archive content for study or analysis
  • Cross-posting - Share to platforms that don’t support TikTok links

Method 1: Use TranscriptMagic (Easiest)

TranscriptMagic lets you download TikTok videos in addition to getting transcripts:

  1. Copy the TikTok link - Open the video, tap Share, then “Copy link”
  2. Paste in TranscriptMagic - Go to our download page and paste the URL
  3. Click Download Video - Choose SD or HD quality
  4. Save to your device - The video downloads directly to your computer or phone

Plus, you’ll also get the video transcript with timestamps - perfect for adding captions when you repost.

Method 2: TikTok’s Built-in Save

TikTok allows saving videos if the creator hasn’t disabled downloads:

  1. Open the video you want to save
  2. Tap the Share arrow on the right side
  3. Select “Save video” from the options
  4. The video saves to your camera roll

Note: This method includes the TikTok watermark and isn’t available for all videos.

Method 3: Screen Recording

A fallback option when other methods don’t work:

  1. Enable screen recording on your device
  2. Play the TikTok video full-screen
  3. Stop recording when the video ends
  4. Trim the recording to just the video portion

Downsides: Lower quality, includes UI elements, and requires manual trimming.

Downloading Without Watermark

The TikTok watermark (username overlay) can be distracting when repurposing content. Here’s how to get clean videos:

  • Use TranscriptMagic - Our downloads are optimized for clean output
  • Crop strategically - For vertical videos, you can sometimes crop out the watermark without losing important content
  • Cover with captions - If you’re adding subtitles anyway, position them over the watermark area

Always credit the original creator when sharing their content, even without a visible watermark.

Downloading Your Own TikToks

Want to save videos you’ve posted? Here’s how to get the best quality:

  1. Save from drafts - If you still have the draft, export directly before posting
  2. Download from TikTok - Go to your profile, select the video, and use the save option
  3. Use the original file - If you have the source video on your phone, that’s always the highest quality

Tips for Different Purposes

For Instagram Reels

  • Download in the highest quality available
  • Videos under 90 seconds work best
  • Consider adding captions for accessibility

For YouTube Shorts

  • Vertical format (9:16) is preferred
  • Add a title card or your own branding
  • Include subtitles for better reach

For Compilations

  • Download multiple videos to your device
  • Use a video editor to stitch them together
  • Add transitions between clips

Best Practices

When downloading and reusing TikTok content:

  • Credit creators - Tag or mention the original creator
  • Respect copyright - Don’t monetize others’ content without permission
  • Check licensing - Some creators allow repurposing, others don’t
  • Add value - Commentary, compilation, or educational context makes repurposing more acceptable

Frequently Asked Questions

Downloading for personal use is generally acceptable. Reposting or monetizing others’ content without permission may violate copyright. When in doubt, ask the creator.

Why can’t I download some TikToks?

Creators can disable the download option. The video may also be restricted due to copyright claims on the audio.

Will the creator know I downloaded their video?

No, TikTok doesn’t notify creators when someone downloads their video using third-party tools.

What’s the best video quality?

HD quality (1080p) is best for most purposes. SD is fine for quick previews or when storage space is limited.

Get Started

Ready to download TikTok videos? Use our free online tool to download any public TikTok video plus get the transcript for adding captions.

Works with any public TikTok - just paste the link and go.