How to Download Videos from Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Snapchat & Pinterest
Last updated October 7, 2026
Short answer: copy the link to a public video, paste it into a browser-based downloader that supports that platform, pick a quality, and save the file. This guide covers how that works on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Snapchat and Pinterest, what each platform does and doesn't allow, and how to choose a downloader you can trust.
What to look for in a video downloader
- No login or password. A downloader for public videos never needs your social media credentials. If one asks for them, leave.
- Works in the browser. No app or browser extension to install means less to go wrong on your phone or PC.
- Quality choice. It should list the resolutions the platform actually has and merge the best audio with the video.
- Clean files. No added watermark, and for TikTok, the option to skip the platform's own watermarked copy.
- Audio export. MP3 or M4A for when you only want the sound.
- Clear limits. A trustworthy tool says plainly what it can't do, such as private posts, instead of failing silently.
- Privacy. Look for no accounts and no stored download history. Yoinkit processes downloads in your browser and doesn't keep copies.
Reels, public video posts, carousels with several videos and public Stories or Highlights can be saved when the content is publicly viewable. Photo-only posts and private accounts can't. In Instagram, tap the share arrow or ••• and choose Copy link, then paste it into the Instagram Reels downloader. For other formats see the Story downloader and the video & carousel downloader. Many Stories sit behind a login wall, so a downloader that doesn't use your account may not be able to fetch them.
TikTok
TikTok videos that are public can be downloaded in HD. In the app tap Share → Copy link (short vm.tiktok.com links work). Use the TikTok downloader to get the clean stream without the watermark, or save only the sound as MP3. Private videos and photo slideshows aren't supported.
Public Facebook videos, Reels and Watch videos work, including fb.watch short links. Videos limited to friends, private profiles or closed groups can't be fetched. Copy the link from Share and paste it into the Facebook video downloader, then choose HD or SD.
Snapchat
Public Spotlight videos can be saved at the quality Snapchat serves, usually vertical 720p or 1080p. Private snaps and friends-only Stories can't be accessed. Copy the Spotlight link and use the Snapchat Spotlight downloader.
Video pins and Idea Pins can be downloaded, and pin.it short links are followed to the full pin. Image pins and whole boards aren't supported. Copy the pin's link and use the Pinterest video downloader.
Saving videos on iPhone and Android
- iPhone: use Safari. The file is saved to the Files app (Downloads). Open it, tap Share, then Save Video to add it to Photos.
- Android: the file goes to your Downloads folder and appears in your gallery or Files app, depending on the phone.
- Computer: the video downloads to your browser's default Downloads folder.
Staying safe and respectful
- Avoid tools that ask you to log in with Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Snapchat or Pinterest, or to install unknown software.
- Skip sites covered in pop-ups or that push you to download an "installer" instead of a video.
- Only reuse content you own or have permission to use, and credit creators. See our terms and copyright policy.
Frequently asked questions
What is the easiest way to download a video from Instagram, TikTok or Facebook?
Copy the video's link, paste it into an online downloader that supports the platform, choose a quality and save the file. No app or account is needed with a browser-based tool like Yoinkit.
Can I download private videos?
No. Legitimate downloaders can only fetch content that anyone can watch without logging in. Be wary of any tool that asks for your social media password to get around this.
Can I download TikTok videos without the watermark?
Yes. TikTok serves a clean playback stream alongside its watermarked download copy. A downloader that offers the clean stream saves the video without the logo.
Where do downloaded videos end up on my phone?
On Android they usually land in the Downloads folder. On iPhone, Safari saves to the Files app; open the file and tap Share → Save Video to move it to Photos.
Is it legal to download videos from social media?
Saving a public video for personal viewing is generally treated differently from reposting it, but rules vary by country and each platform's terms may restrict downloading. Only reuse content you own or have permission to use.
Can I save just the audio?
Yes. Most downloaders, including Yoinkit, can export the audio of a video as MP3 or M4A.
Ready to try it? Paste a link into Yoinkit, or pick your platform above.