To download a TikTok video on a computer, open the video on tiktok.com, copy the address from the browser bar (or use Share → Copy link), paste it into the box above and click Download. The MP4 is saved to your Downloads folder; on Windows, open the HD file with VLC or install Microsoft's HEVC Video Extensions if the built-in player can't show it.
How to download a TikTok video on your computer
- Open the video on tiktok.com. Click the video so that it opens on its own page; the address then looks like tiktok.com/@name/video/…
- Copy the address. Click into the address bar and press Ctrl+C (Cmd+C on a Mac), or use the video's Copy link button.
- Paste and download. Paste the link here with Ctrl+V (Cmd+V) and click Download.
- Save the file. Click Without watermark (H.264), HD or MP3 audio. The file lands in your Downloads folder.
Playing the HD file on Windows
The HD version is usually encoded with H.265 (HEVC) – the button shows the codec. Windows 10 and 11 do not include an HEVC decoder out of the box, so the Photos app or Media Player may show an error or ask you to install HEVC Video Extensions from the Microsoft Store.
You have three easy options: open the file in VLC, which plays H.265 on its own; install the HEVC extension; or simply download the H.264 file of the same video, which every Windows player can open.
On a Mac
macOS plays both files in QuickTime Player and in Finder's Quick Look preview, because Macs have supported HEVC since macOS High Sierra. The first time you download from a new site, Safari asks whether to allow downloads – choose Allow.
Safari, Chrome and Firefox on a Mac all save to the Downloads folder. In Safari you can open the list of downloads with Option+Command+L.
Editing TikTok downloads on a computer
If you are going to cut the clip in a video editor, the H.264 file is usually the smoother choice: it opens in practically every editing program and plays back without much load on older computers.
For the soundtrack alone – for example to use under your own footage – choose MP3 audio. Please make sure you have the right to reuse the video or sound before you publish anything made from it.
Which file plays where
| System | H.264 file | HD file (H.265) |
|---|---|---|
| Windows 10 / 11 | Plays in Photos and Media Player | Needs VLC or the HEVC Video Extensions |
| macOS | Plays in QuickTime | Plays in QuickTime (macOS High Sierra or newer) |
| Linux | Plays in VLC, mpv and most players | Plays in VLC and mpv |
| ChromeOS | Plays in the Gallery app | Depends on the device – try H.264 if it fails |
PC and Mac questions
Do I need to install a program or an extension?
No. Everything happens on this web page. Nothing is installed on your computer and you don't sign in to TikTok.
Where is the video saved?
In the browser's download folder, normally Downloads. Press Ctrl+J in Chrome or Edge (Cmd+Shift+J in Chrome on a Mac) to see the list of downloads.
Can I use the TikTok desktop app to get the link?
Yes. Any place that gives you the video's link works – the TikTok website, the desktop app's Share → Copy link, or a link someone sent you.
Why does the HD video show an error in Windows?
Windows lacks a built-in H.265 decoder. Play it in VLC, install the HEVC Video Extensions, or download the H.264 file instead.
Can I download several videos at once?
One link at a time. After a download, click Download another video and paste the next link.
Does it work on Linux?
Yes. Any modern browser on Linux can download the files, and VLC or mpv plays both H.264 and H.265.
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