Want to save TikTok videos with the watermark? We’ve rounded up the easiest methods—from screen recording to third-party tools—to help you download TikTok content while keeping that creator credit intact. No tech skills needed.
Let’s be real: TikTok is a goldmine of viral dances, life hacks, and hilarious skits. But what do you do when you stumble on a video you have to save—only to realize the “Download” button is missing, or the version you save ends up watermarked-free? Yeah, we’ve all been there. The good news? There are ways to download TikTok videos with the original watermark. Whether you’re a casual viewer saving a friend’s clip or a creator wanting to archive your own work, here’s everything you need to know about keeping that little “@username” badge visible.
Why Does TikTok Remove Watermarks When You Download?
First, let’s clear the air: TikTok doesn’t always strip watermarks. If you’re downloading your own videos (the ones you posted), the app lets you save them to your device with the watermark intact—no extra steps needed. But for other people’s videos? That’s where things get tricky.
TikTok’s terms of service say you can’t repost others’ content without permission, and the app’s design makes it hard to download their videos with the watermark to discourage unauthorized sharing. Some creators even hide the “Download” option entirely. So if you’re trying to save a video that’s not yours, you’ll likely need workarounds.
Method 1: Use TikTok’s Built-in “Download” Feature (If Available)
Let’s start with the simplest fix: checking if the creator already enabled downloads. Here’s how:
Open the TikTok app and find the video you want to save.
Tap the right-side menu (three dots) below the video.
Look for “Download” in the options. If it’s there, great—tap it, and the video will save to your phone’s gallery with the watermark.
But wait: This only works if the creator turned on “Allow Downloads” in their privacy settings. Most creators leave this off to control how their content is shared, so don’t be surprised if you don’t see the option.
Method 2: Screen Record (Quick and Free, but Not Perfect)
If the “Download” button is missing, screen recording is your go-to hack. It’s free, requires no apps, and works on both iOS and Android. Here’s how:
On iPhone:
Swipe up from the bottom of the screen (or press the side button + volume up) to open the Control Center.
Tap the red “Record” circle. A 3-second countdown will start.
Position the video so the watermark stays in frame, then hit “Stop” when done.
On Android:
Open your phone’s “Quick Settings” panel (swipe down twice).
Look for the “Screen Recorder” icon (some phones need you to add it first via Settings > Advanced Features).
Tap it, choose your resolution, and start recording.
Pro Tip: Use a tripod or prop your phone up to keep the video steady. Also, turn off notifications—nothing ruins a good clip like a random text popping up mid-recording.
Method 3: Third-Party Tools (Fast, but Watch Out for Ads)
If screen recording feels clunky, third-party tools can help—but they come with trade-offs. Let’s break down the most reliable options:
Option A: Browser Extensions (For Desktop Users)
Tools like Video DownloadHelper (available for Chrome and Firefox) let you download TikTok videos directly from your browser. Here’s how:
Install the extension (it’s free, but some have premium tiers).
Go to TikTok.com in your browser (make sure you’re logged in).
Find the video you want, click the Video DownloadHelper icon in your toolbar, and select the “With Watermark” option (if available).
Note: Some extensions might redirect you to sketchy sites—stick to well-reviewed ones, and never grant unnecessary permissions.
Option B: Mobile Apps (For On-the-Go Downloads)
Apps like Snaptik or TikTok Video Downloader (available on the App Store and Google Play) claim to download TikTok videos with watermarks. Here’s the lowdown:
How it works: Copy the TikTok video link, paste it into the app, and hit “Download.” Some apps let you choose “With Watermark” in the settings.
Caveats: Many of these apps have ads (annoying but harmless) or ask for access to your storage/gallery. Always check reviews—avoid apps with tons of “spyware” complaints.
Option C: Online Converters (No Installation Needed)
Sites like SSSTikTok or TikMate let you paste a TikTok link and download the video directly in your browser. They’re super quick, but:
Privacy risk: Uploading links to third-party sites means sharing data with strangers. Avoid using them for sensitive content.
Watermark reliability: Some converters strip watermarks by default—look for options labeled “Original Quality” or “With Watermark” in the download settings.
Method 4: Use TikTok’s Web Version (For Desktop Savers)
If you’re on a computer, TikTok’s web player (tiktok.com) sometimes lets you download videos with watermarks—though it’s not guaranteed. Here’s how to try:
Open TikTok.com and log in.
Find the video you want, right-click it, and select “Save Video As…” (this works on some browsers).
If that doesn’t work, use a screen recorder (see Method 2) to capture the video from your browser.
Important Notes: Respect Creators and Stay Safe
Before you download any TikTok video, remember: Watermarks are there to credit the creator. Sharing their content without permission (even with the watermark) might violate TikTok’s rules or copyright laws. Always ask first, especially if you plan to repost the video.
Also, be cautious with third-party tools. Some apps or sites might steal your data, install malware, or flood your device with ads. Stick to well-known tools, read user reviews, and avoid anything that asks for sensitive info (like your TikTok password).
Downloading TikTok videos with watermarks isn’t always straightforward, but it’s doable. Whether you use screen recording, a trusted app, or a browser extension, the key is to respect the creator and prioritize safety. Now go save those clips—you’ve earned it.