How to download TikTok videos in 4 different ways

My mom isn't on TikTok, but she really loves it when I send her some knitting tutorials or fun animal clips. Thankfully, there are ways to download TikTok videos to my Mac, iPhone, or iPad so I can share them directly with her — no links needed.

I've put together detailed instructions on how to download TikTok videos, but I think it would be best to begin with this convenient table.

Save any TikTok video

TikTok makes it generally simple to save videos directly through the app, but sometimes, you might notice that the download option is missing. This can happen when the creator has disabled downloads for that specific video, often to protect their content. However, even if the download option is available, these saved videos will include a TikTok watermark. If it doesn't matter to you, let me show you how to download videos from TikTok:

1. Open TikTok.
2. Find the video you want to download.
3. Tap the Share icon, which looks like an arrow pointing right.
4. Tap Save video.
5. Alternatively, you can long press on a video you want to download to bring up the sharing menu. Then tap Save video. 

   

This will save the video straight to your device's photo library. 

Check out this guide for more tips on how to use TikTok on Mac.

Download all TikTok videos at once

Downloading multiple videos from a single account or a playlist can be a bit daunting without the right tools. That's where Pulltube on Mac has been a game-changer for me. I came across it when I wanted to gather a few workout tutorials from TikTok. Instead of manually downloading each one, Pulltube allowed me to download the batch directly to my Mac, which saved me so much time.

Here's how I download from TikTok using Pulltube:

1. Download, install, and open Pulltube.
2. Copy the URL of the user's account or specific playlist.
3. Paste it into Pulltube.
4. Choose the videos you want to download and click Download.

   

   ✕ Remove app banner

One of the things I love about the Pulltube app is that it allows me to download TikTok videos without any watermark. Want to pull videos from various platforms like YouTube, Twitter, Vimeo, and more? Not a problem! Pulltube can do just that. 

Note: While the app makes downloads easy, it's important to respect creator rights. Typically, you can download content for offline viewing when it's strictly for personal use and not redistribution. 

Learn how to download Twitter videos with this step-by-step guide.

Download certain videos from a TikTok account

While I love using Pulltube, I also know Downie, and you might find it suits your style better. Let me show you how to use it to save TikTok videos easily:

1. Download, install, and open Downie.
2. Copy the URL of the TikTok video you want to save.
3. Paste it into Downie, and start the download.

   

   ✕ Remove app banner

Downie can also download just the audio from your videos. This is perfect if you want to listen to what someone's saying on TikTok without needing the video, like saving motivational speeches or funny soundbites.

When I am looking to post-process TikTok videos and adjust the quality or file format, Downie is my go-to tool. I like to pair it with Permute, its handy companion app.

Here's a simple way to download and convert TikTok videos:

1. Open Downie.
2. Paste or drag the TikTok video link into the app window.
3. Click Postprocessing, select Send to Permute, and choose the format you'd like to convert to.
4. Your converted video will appear in the Downloads folder.

Note that the Permute app must be installed on your Mac. 

Here's how to transfer videos using AnyTrans for iOS:

1. Download, install, and open AnyTrans for iOS on your Mac.
2. Connect your iPhone with a USB cable.
3. Open Device Manager.
4. Go to Media > Videos.
5. Select the videos you want to transfer.
6. Click To Device and confirm.

   

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

Sometimes, I want to give a TikTok video a new life. So I make it a Live Photo or GIF. It's a fun way to spice up my photo gallery and keep those favorite moments handy to share as dynamic snippets. Here's how you can do it directly on your iPhone or iPad:

1. Open the TikTok app.
2. Find the video you want to download.
3. Tap the Share icon (it looks like an arrow pointing right).
4. In the row of actions, choose Live Photo (you will need to scroll left).
5. Once saved, open it in the Photos app on your device.

   

If you prefer making a GIF, try Lively, which you can download from the App Store.

Saving TikTok videos: Final thoughts 

While TikTok does allow video downloads, sometimes the option isn't available, or you might need a version without watermarks. For easy and clean downloads, Pulltube and Downie are excellent choices. They allow you to download a TikTok video effortlessly and even save only audio if needed. 

Additionally, you can use Permute to convert videos to different formats. AnyTrans for iOS makes transferring those videos to your iPhone seamless. If you're faced with regional restrictions, ClearVPN can help you access all the content you love without hassle.

Want to try any of these tools? Try them all at no cost on Setapp during a seven-day trial. The platform offers access to 250+ best-in-class Mac, iOS, and web apps for a single monthly fee. When you get Setapp, you'll definitely find your new favorite tools, be it a photo editor, caption generator, or AI scheduler.