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How to download a TikTok video

There is something about TikTok that makes endless scrolling a pleasure, but sometimes, you might want to download a TikTok video to your phone. Whether you want to share said video with a friend who doesn’t have the app or save it as a precaution — you never know when your favorite masterpiece might be removed, after all — we’ll show you the process for doing so in a variety of formats. Here’s everything you need to know.

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How to download a TikTok video using native functionality

The first option is to download a TikTok video as a standard video file. This is the easiest method to follow, but it’s only an option if the creator has enabled the download function. If the creator has, follow the instructions below.

Step 1: Open the TikTok app on your phone.

Step 2: Navigate to the video you wish to save.

Step 3: Press the Share button (repressed by a white arrow).

Step 4: If available, press the Save Video button, which will save the video to your phone’s photo gallery. If the button is not available, the creator has not enabled the download function for this video and you will need to use the web-based method outlined below.

How to save a TikTok video as a Live Photo or GIF

Another option for downloading a TikTok video is to do so as a Live Photo or GIF. However, keep in mind that, when saving a video as a GIF, you’ll only be able to save the video (not the audio). To download a TikTok video as a Live Photo or GIF, follow the steps below.

Step 1: Open the TikTok app on your phone.

Step 2: Navigate to the video you wish to save.

Step 3: Press the Share button (repressed by a white arrow).

Step 4: If available, press either the Live Photo or Share as GIF button; you may need to scroll through the bottom options to find these buttons. The Live Photo or GIF will then be saved to your phone’s photo gallery.

How to download a TikTok video via the web

Download TikTok videos via the web
Image used with permission by copyright holder

If the creator of a TikTok has not enabled the download function, or you prefer to download the video using your PC or Mac, you can follow the method below. The web-based method uses the popular MusicallyDown services, which allows you to download TikTok videos with or without a TikTok watermark. This method also works in many mobile browsers, meaning you download videos on your iPad, iPhone, or Android device.

Step 1: Obtain a link to the TikTok video you wish to download.

Step 2: Navigate to the MusicallyDown website.

Step 3: Paste your video link in the text box.

Step 4: Click the Download button.

Step 5: Click the Download MP4 Now button and choose a save location, if prompted.

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Michael Archambault
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Michael Archambault is a technology writer and digital marketer located in Long Island, New York. For the past decade…
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