Why won’t my TikTok video download?
There are two different problems. If Save video is missing, TikTok is not offering the download at all. If it appears but nothing is saved, something on your phone is in the way. Here is how to tell which one you have and what to do about each.
By The VidiDown team · Updated
Save video is missing from the Share menu
TikTok only shows Save video when downloading is allowed for that post. It is missing when:
- The creator has switched off downloads in Settings and privacy → Privacy → Downloads.
- The account is private.
- The account belongs to a younger teen. TikTok keeps downloads off for under-16 accounts.
- The post is a photo slideshow rather than a video.
Nothing on your phone changes this. If the video is public, you can still copy its link into a downloader, but respect why the creator may have turned downloads off before you share it anywhere.
Save video appears, but nothing is saved
- Storage: free up space. A nearly full phone can stop the save without a clear error.
- Photos access on iPhone: go to Settings → TikTok → Photos and choose Full Access or Add Photos Only. With None, TikTok cannot save to your library.
- Storage access on Android: check TikTok’s permissions in Settings → Apps → TikTok.
- The app itself: update TikTok, restart your phone and try again on a different network.
The link method fails in VidiDown
VidiDown shows a message that points to the cause:
- “The platform requires a sign-in or has restricted this request”: the video is private, age-restricted or limited to followers.
- “This video is unavailable”: it was deleted, or the short link has expired. Open the video in TikTok and copy a fresh link.
- “The platform is not allowing this download right now”: TikTok is temporarily refusing our server. Try again later.
- “This stream is still live”: LIVE broadcasts cannot be downloaded while they are on air.
- “This video exceeds the supported duration limit”: the video is longer than 120 minutes.
Also check that you copied a video link. Profile links, sound pages and photo slideshows cannot produce a video file. The troubleshooting guide covers every message in more detail.
The video downloaded but will not play or save to Photos
Some TikToks use the HEVC (H.265) codec, which older Windows computers may need VLC or a codec extension to play. VidiDown shows the codec in the result before you save. On iPhone, if Save Video is missing in the Files share menu, the download may not have finished; check Safari’s download list first.
Your own TikTok LIVE replays
Creator LIVE recordings are not public video links. Download your own replays from TikTok Studio. If you post a recording or clip as a normal public video, its link works like any other.
Questions
Can I turn Save video back on for someone else’s video?
No. Only the creator controls their download setting. For a public video, the link method still works.
Why can my friend save a video that I can’t?
Check that you are both using the same post, that your TikTok app is up to date and that the app can access your Photos. A creator’s setting applies to everyone.
Does VidiDown tell the creator I downloaded their video?
No. VidiDown does not contact anyone or post anything. It only fetches the public video you link to.
Can VidiDown download private TikToks?
No. VidiDown does not use TikTok logins, so private and followers-only videos cannot be reached.