On iPhone, downloading a video from your browser involves one extra step that trips a lot of people up: Safari doesn't send it straight to your camera roll, it saves it to the Files app. This guide covers the whole process, from copying the link in TikTok to having the video in the Photos app, ready to share on WhatsApp or Instagram.
You don't need to install any apps or shortcuts. Just Safari, which already comes on your iPhone.
1. Copy the video link in TikTok
- Open the video in the TikTok app.
- Tap the Share button (the arrow on the right side of the screen).
- Swipe through the row of options and tap Copy link.
2. Download it with Velotu in Safari
- Open Safari and go to velotu.com/en/tiktok.
- Tap and hold the text box, then tap Paste.
- Tap Download and choose a quality.
- Safari will ask whether you want to download the file: tap Download. A blue arrow appears in the address bar while it downloads.
TikTok Video Downloader – HD MP4, Free →
3. Move it from Files to Photos
- Open the Files app and go to Downloads (or tap the blue arrow in Safari and then the video).
- Tap the video to open it.
- Tap the Share button (the square with an arrow pointing up).
- Choose Save Video. Done: it's now in your Photos library.
Tip: If you don't see the "Save Video" option, make sure the file has finished downloading. An incomplete file can't be opened.
iPhone FAQ
- Does it work on iPad? Yes, the steps are the same.
- Do I need a recent version of iOS? Safari has supported downloads since iOS 13, so any iPhone updated in the last few years has it.
- What quality and format will the video be? MP4 with audio, in the best quality TikTok has for that video. We explain the details in how to download TikTok videos in HD MP4.
- What if I use Chrome on iPhone? It works too, but Safari's download manager is better integrated with the Files app.
If the video doesn't show up in Photos
- Make sure you tapped Save Video from the Files app; just opening the video doesn't copy it to Photos.
- Check the Recents album: the video shows up with the date you saved it, not the date it was posted on TikTok.
- If your iPhone is low on storage, iOS may cancel the save. Free up some space or download a lower quality.
- If you use iCloud Photos with "Optimize iPhone Storage" turned on, the video may take a few seconds to appear.
Save storage and data
Velotu shows you the approximate size of each quality before you download. If you just want to watch the video on your phone or send it on WhatsApp, a mid-range resolution looks fine and takes up much less space. If you're going to edit it or watch it on a big screen, choose the highest quality available.
When you're done, you can delete the copy in the Files app: the video is already saved in Photos, so there's no need to store it twice.
The same method works for Instagram, Facebook or X videos: just switch to the Velotu section for that network when you paste the link.