How to Download Videos on iPhone: Easy Step-by-Step Guide

Downloading videos on your iPhone is simple: Use Safari for free video sites(like Pixabay), YouTube Premium for YouTube videos, or special methods for social media. Downloaded videos go to your Files app, and you can save them to your Photos app with one tap. Here’s exactly how to download videos on iPhone:

How to Download Videos from Safari

(Works on free stock video sites like Pixabay or Pexels)

  1. Open Safari → Go to a video site.
  2. Find a video → Tap it → Tap the Download button.
  3. Choose quality (e.g., 1080p) → Tap Download.
  4. Access your video:
    • Tap the blue download arrow (bottom of Safari) → Tap the video to play it.
    • To save to Photos: Tap the Share icon → Save Video.

Note: Only works on sites that offer free downloads. News sites or Netflix won’t allow this.

How to Find Downloaded Videos

All downloads go to your Files app, not Photos. Here’s how to find them:

Where to Look Steps
In Safari Tap the blue download arrow → Tap your video.
Files App Open Files → Go to Browse → Tap Downloads.
Save to Photos Open the video → Tap Share → Save Video.

Tip: Learn more about finding files in our guide How to Find Downloads on iPhone or iPad.

How to Download Social Media Videos

For TikTok

  1. Tap Share on a video → Tap Save Video (adds a watermark).

For Instagram or TikTok (no download button)

  1. Copy the video’s link.
  2. Open Safari → Go to a video download site (like SnapSave).
  3. Paste the link → Tap Download → Choose MP4.
  4. Tap Download → Save to Files or Photos.

Warning: Downloading others’ content without permission may break platform rules. Use only for your own videos!

How to Download YouTube Videos

(Requires YouTube Premium)

  1. Open the YouTube app → Find a video.
  2. Tap Download below the video (next to "Share").
  3. Choose video quality → Tap Download.
  4. Find it later: Tap Library → Downloads.

No Premium? Use Safari + a download site (like in "Social Media" above), but this isn’t approved by YouTube.

Important Things to Know

  • Safari downloads only work on sites with a Download button (e.g., free stock video sites).
  • YouTube requires a paid Premium subscription ($13.99/month).
  • Social media videos often have watermarks (TikTok) or require third-party sites.
  • Downloaded videos won’t use data when re-watched offline.

Be Safe: Never enter passwords on sketchy download sites. Stick to trusted ones like Pixabay or use YouTube Premium.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why can’t I find my downloaded videos?
All downloads go to your Files app, not Photos. Open Files → Browse → Downloads. If you saved a video from Safari, tap the blue arrow at the bottom of Safari to see recent downloads. For more help, read our guide: How to Find Downloads on iPhone or iPad.

2. Can I download YouTube videos without paying?
No. YouTube only allows downloads if you have YouTube Premium($13.99/month). Free download websites exist, but they violate YouTube’s rules and may harm your iPhone.

3. How do I remove TikTok watermarks?
The built-in "Save Video" option in TikTok always adds a watermark. To avoid it:

  • Copy the video link → Use a download site (e.g., SnapSave) → Download the clean MP4.

Only do this for your own videos to respect creators’ rights.

4. Is downloading videos from websites safe?
Only use trusted sites like Pixabay or Pexels. Avoid entering passwords on unknown sites. If a site asks for personal info, close it immediately. For security tips, see: How to Set Up a VPN on iPhone.

5. Why won’t Safari let me download a video?
Two common reasons:

  • The website blocks downloads (e.g., Netflix, news sites).
  • Your iPhone’s pop-up blocker is on. Turn it off in Settings → Safari → disable "Block Pop-ups".
    Guide: Turn Off Pop-Up Blocker.

Conclusion

Downloading videos on your iPhone is simple once you know the right tools:

  • Free videos: Use Safari on sites like Pixabay.
  • Social media: Try the app’s download button or trusted third-party sites.
  • YouTube: Requires YouTube Premium.
    Always find your downloads in the Files app → Downloads folder.

For more iPhone tips:

Back to blog