How to Download Private TikTok Videos
How to Download Private TikTok Videos: If you’ve ever tried to save a private TikTok video—whether it’s your own draft, a friend’s locked-down profile, or a video shared only with “Friends”—you’ve probably realized TikTok blocks standard download options. With privacy settings becoming stricter in 2025, downloading private TikTok videos isn’t as simple as tapping “Save Video.”
But here’s the good news: there are legal, safe ways to download your own private TikToks — and clear guidelines on what you can and can’t save from other creators. In this guide, we walk you through everything you need to know so you stay safe, compliant, and informed.
What Is a Private TikTok Video?
A private TikTok video is any video where the creator has restricted visibility using TikTok’s privacy settings. This includes:
- Videos set to Private
- Videos shared with Friends only
- Videos posted from a Private account
- Videos available only through Direct Message
- Drafts in your personal library
TikTok disables the “Save Video” button when viewing private content unless you are the owner.
Can You Download Private TikTok Videos?
✔️ Yes — if it’s your own video
You can legally and safely save your own private videos, including drafts, using TikTok’s built-in tools or your device.
❌ No — if it’s someone else’s private video
TikTok does not allow downloading private content from another user — and no legitimate downloader should bypass those restrictions.
⚠️ Important:
Attempting to download private videos from other users without permission may violate:
- Copyright laws
- TikTok’s Terms of Service
- Local privacy laws
Tiksnag supports privacy-respectful use and does not allow bypassing locked content.
How to Download Your Own Private TikTok Videos
Saving your own private or draft videos is easy when you know where to look.
Method 1: Save Private Videos from Your Profile
- Open TikTok → go to Profile
- Tap the Lock/Private tab
- Choose the private video you want to download
- Tap the ••• (More Options)
- Select Save Video
TikTok will save the full-quality MP4 to your camera roll.
Method 2: Save TikTok Drafts to Your Phone
Drafts don’t have a download button — but here’s the trick.
How to Save Drafts:
- Open the draft you want to save
- Tap Next
- Set Who can watch this video → Only me
- Turn Save to Device ON
- Post the video
- Go back and tap Save Video
- Delete the posted video if you don’t want it live
This method works on both iPhone and Android.
Can You Download Someone Else’s Private TikTok Videos?
In short: No, not without permission.
If a user sets their video to:
- Private
- Friends Only
- DM-only
- Private account
…the download option is intentionally disabled to protect their privacy.
Tools, apps, or websites claiming they can download other people’s private videos are:
- Unsafe
- Often malware
- Against TikTok’s Terms
- A major violation of AdSense policies
Always avoid them.
Allowed Alternative: Ask the Creator
If you truly need a private video from another user:
- Send them a message
- Ask them to download it themselves
- Request they share it with you directly
This is the only legal, safe, and ethical method.
Why Won’t TikTok Let Me Download a Private Video?
TikTok disables private downloads for three reasons:
1. Copyright Protection
Creators control where their content can be shared.
2. Privacy & Safety
Videos may include personal information, minors, or sensitive content.
3. Preventing Redistribution
Private videos aren’t meant for public or off-platform use.
Can TikTok Private Videos Be Downloaded with Screen Recording?
Technically, yes.
Legally and ethically, that depends.
✔ You can screen-record your own content.
❌ You should NOT screen-record someone else’s private content without permission.
TikTok may also notify users when their content is screen-recorded, depending on the region and device.
Is It Ever Legal to Download Another User’s Private TikTok?
Only when ALL of the following are true:
- You have explicit permission
- The creator sent the video directly
- You are not redistributing or monetizing it
- The content is not copyrighted by another party
Otherwise, it’s a violation.
Safe Practices for Downloading TikTok Content
To stay compliant and safe:
- Only download videos you own or have permission to save
- Avoid apps that promise to download private TikToks
- Use trusted tools like Tiksnag only for publicly available content
- Never redistribute downloaded videos without authorization
Final Thoughts
Downloading private TikTok videos comes down to one rule:
👉 You can save your own private content — but you should never download someone else’s without permission.
As long as you follow TikTok’s guidelines and respect other users’ privacy, you’ll stay compliant, safe, and protected.