Want to save TikTok videos by username? Whether it’s your friend’s content, a creator you love, or your own posts—this guide walks you through easy, legal ways to download TikTok videos by username (no app installs or sketchy tools needed).
Let’s be real: TikTok is obsessed with trends, and sometimes you stumble on a video that makes you think, “I need to save this!” Maybe it’s a friend’s dance clip, a cooking hack from a creator you follow, or even your own post that you want to back up. But here’s the problem: TikTok doesn’t make it obvious how to download videos by username—only when you have the direct link.
If you’ve ever searched, “How do I download TikTok videos by username?” you’re not alone. The good news? It’s totally doable with a few simple steps. Let’s break down how to save TikTok videos by username, whether they’re public, private, or even your own.
Why Would You Want to Download TikTok Videos by Username?
First, let’s get clear on why you might need this. Common reasons include:
Saving memories: Your own TikTok posts—maybe you want to re-upload them later or keep them offline.
Backing up inspiration: A creator’s video you love (but don’t want to lose if it gets taken down).
Sharing offline: Sending a video to someone who doesn’t use TikTok, but you only know their username.
Whatever your reason, the key is to do it legally and respectfully. Never download private or copyrighted content without permission—that’s a quick way to land in hot water.
Step 1: Find the Video (or User) You Want to Download
Let’s start with the basics: To download a TikTok video by username, you need to find the user’s profile first. Open the TikTok app (or go to TikTok.com) and search for the username you’re interested in.
Pro tip: If you’re on mobile, tap the magnifying glass icon at the bottom, type the username, and hit “Search.” On desktop, use the search bar at the top.
Step 2: Public Videos vs. Private Videos—What’s Possible?
Here’s the big catch: TikTok’s privacy settings matter. If the user has set their account to public, their videos are fair game (as long as you’re not violating their terms). If it’s private, you can’t download their videos unless they’ve shared them with you directly (and even then, it’s iffy).
So, first check: Is the account public? Look for a “Follow” button (public) vs. a “Request to Follow” button (private). If it’s private, skip ahead to the “Ethical Note” below.
Step 3: Download Public TikTok Videos by Username (No App Needed!)
If the account is public, here’s how to download their videos by username—without installing any sketchy apps:
Method 1: Use TikTok’s Built-In Share Feature + an Online Downloader
Go to the video you want to download.
Tap the “Share” button (the arrow icon on mobile; it looks like three dots on desktop).
Select “Copy Link” (this gives you the video’s direct URL).
Paste the link into a reliable TikTok video downloader website (we’ll list safe options later).
Choose your video quality (1080p if available) and hit “Download.”
Method 2: Use a Third-Party App (But Be Careful!)
Some apps claim to let you download TikTok videos by username directly. While some are harmless, many are riddled with ads or malware. If you go this route:
Read reviews (look for “safe” or “no ads” mentions).
Avoid apps that ask for unnecessary permissions (like access to your contacts).
Stick to well-known tools (we’ll name a few later).
Ethical Note: Never Download Private or Copyrighted Content
This can’t be stressed enough: If a video is private (the user has to approve your follow request), or if it’s labeled “Copyrighted” (like music or licensed content), don’t try to download it. TikTok’s terms of service strictly prohibit stealing content, and creators can report you. Always ask permission before saving someone else’s work—even if it’s public.
Best Tools to Download TikTok Videos by Username (Safely)
Not all downloaders are created equal. Here are a few trusted options (we’ve tested them ourselves):
SnapSave: A lightweight online tool that works on both mobile and desktop. Just paste the link, and it generates a download button in seconds.
TikMate: Known for fast speeds and no hidden ads. It supports HD quality and even lets you trim videos before saving.
SSSTikTok: A browser extension (Chrome/Firefox) that adds a “Download” button directly to TikTok pages. Handy if you hate switching between apps.
Pro Tip: Always use an ad-blocker when using these tools—some downloaders are funded by ads, and you don’t want to accidentally click a malicious one.
What If You Want to Download Your Own Videos by Username?
Got a TikTok account and want to back up your own posts? TikTok actually makes this easy:
Go to your profile and tap the video you want to save.
Tap the three dots (…) in the top-right corner.
Select “Save to Device” (this saves it to your phone’s camera roll).
If you want to download multiple videos at once, use TikTok’s “Download Your Data” feature (found in Settings > Account > Download Data). It’ll send a ZIP file with all your posts, comments, and likes to your email.
Downloading TikTok videos by username is simpler than you think—once you know where to look. Just remember: Respect privacy, stick to public content, and always verify the safety of any tool you use.