TikTok has amassed millions of users who want to keep up with trends and make a great audience for businesses, content creators, and influencers. The competition to turn this audience into followers pushes these parties to create high-quality content.
As such, when scrolling the platform, you’ll likely come across some mind-blowing videos you would like to add to your gallery or collection for later.
If the video owner has allowed the download feature on their account, you can save the video without leaving the platform. However, if they have turned off the feature, you’re left with no choice but to use a TikTok video downloader. Read on to learn more about this tool.
What Is a TikTok Video Downloader, and How Do You Use It?
A TikTok video downloader is a tool that helps you bypass the limitations of saving a video directly on the TikTok app. Though there are different types of TikTok downloaders, web-based tools are more popular because of their ease of use and the fact that you don’t have to do any installations.
If you search for TikTok video downloaders online, you’ll notice there are different providers. However, their principle of operation is similar.
Downloading a Video Using a TikTok Video Downloader on Your Phone
Here’s how to save a TikTok video on your phone:
- Open your TikTok mobile app and go to the video you want to save.
- Once you find it, click on it, navigate to the bottom right corner, and tap the “Share” button (the arrow pointing to the right).
- On the pop-up window that appears, scroll to the right and select “Copy link.” Exit the TikTok app once you finish.
- Launch your mobile browser and search for your chosen video downloader.
- Go to the downloader’s text bar and paste the copied link.
- Select the “Download” option.
- Choose the video quality and tap the “Download” button again. The download will start immediately, and the video will be saved in your gallery.
Downloading a Video Using a TikTok Video Downloader on a PC
If you’re using a PC, here is how to download a TikTok video:
- Launch your browser and go to TikTok’s official website.
- Navigate to the top right corner and click the “Login” button.
- Enter your email and password to log in to your account.
- Locate the video you want to download and click it.
- Move to the bottom right corner of the video and select the “Share” button.
- Choose “Copy link” on the mini window that appears.
- Open a new tab and search for your desired TikTok video downloading tool.
- Paste the link on the downloader’s interface and click the “Download” option.
- To initiate the download process, select the video quality you prefer. Once the download completes, the TikTok video will be in the downloads folder.
Free vs. Subscription Web-Based Video Downloaders
Web-based video downloaders are of two types: free and paid. As evident by the name, free tools don’t require you to pay anything, and they don’t ask you to register or log in. Conversely, paid-for tools charge a fee and will require you to register.
Benefits of Free TikTok Video Downloaders
Here are the pros of using a free web-based TikTok video downloader:
- No commitment: When you find a video you want to save, you do it without long-term commitments. This gives you flexibility and freedom in using these tools.
- Saving on cost: You can download as many videos as you wish without worrying about expenses.
- Wide availability: Free TikTok downloaders are readily available online, with numerous websites offering this service. Its wide availability makes it easy for you to find a downloader that suits your preferences and needs.
Downsides of Free TikTok Video Downloaders
Here are cons of using free web-based TikTok video downloaders:
- Limited features: Free TikTok downloaders typically offer fewer features and functionalities. As such, you might miss out on advanced options, which might give you a negative downloading experience.
- Limited control over video quality: Some free TikTok downloaders may restrict the quality of downloaded videos, resulting in lower resolution or compromised audio or video quality. This limitation can diminish the viewing experience, especially if you prioritize video quality.
- Ads and pop-ups: Free TikTok downloaders often rely on advertisements to generate revenue. As such, you may encounter intrusive ads and pop-ups while using these services, which can disrupt the downloading process and detract from the overall user experience.
- Security risks: Some free TikTok downloaders may pose security risks to your devices and personal information. Malicious software or spyware could be bundled with the downloader, potentially compromising your privacy and exposing you to cyber threats.
Benefits of Subscription TikTok Video Downloaders
Subscription-based TikTok video downloaders have the following benefits:
- No annoying ad interruptions: The subscription fee you pay guarantees you an ad-free experience. This way, you’ll have a more peaceful downloading experience and, most importantly, keep your device secure from potential viruses.
- More features: You’ll have access to features unavailable in free tools, such as video conversion, batch downloading, download scheduling, cloud storage integration, and more.
- Better support services: Subscribers usually receive priority customer support, with dedicated channels for assistance and troubleshooting. This way, you can quickly resolve any issues you encounter while using the downloader.
- No watermarks: Subscription tools remove watermarks from downloaded videos, which is a plus if you prefer to watch videos without distracting logos or identifiers. Or if you’re a content creator who mainly uses TikTok’s built-in video editors and want to report your videos on different platforms. You can also look into boosting your follower count to reach a wider range of people.
Downsides of Subscription TikTok Video Downloaders
Although subscription-based software for downloading TikTok videos has tons of benefits, it also has several downsides that you should be aware of:
- Continuous commitment to payment: You must pay a recurring fee, either monthly or annually, to access the downloader’s premium features and services. This ongoing expense may not be optimal if you don’t download many videos.
- Limited free trials: While some paid services offer free trials, they may be limited in terms of duration or features, so you might not get a chance to fully test the service before committing to a purchase.
Viewing Your Favorite TikTok Videos at Your Convenience
Although not all TikTok videos have a save option, it doesn’t mean you cannot download your favorite clips and keep them where they are readily accessible. Web-based TikTok video downloaders offer a fast solution, whether you’re using the TikTok web version or mobile app. Depending on how frequently you download TikTok videos and how you intend to use them, you can opt for a free or paid-for tool.
