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Published: August 8, 2022 | Last Updated: July 1, 2024
There are two reliable methods to keep your TikTok video offline before publishing:
- Save it as a draft.
- Post it as a private video and then download.
Below is a clear, step‑by‑step walkthrough for both options.
Save a TikTok Video as a Draft and Download It to Your Phone
- Complete your edit and tap ‘Next’ to reach the Post screen.
- From the home screen, choose ‘Create’ to start a new video.
- In the lower‑left corner, tap ‘Drafts’.
- Open the desired draft and select ‘Save video’.
On your profile, under the “Posted videos” section, a dedicated Drafts folder displays all your saved drafts. Once downloaded, the video appears in your phone’s camera roll.
Tip: You can extend an existing TikTok clip by creating a new draft from it.
Create a Private TikTok Video and Save It to Your Phone
- Open TikTok and record a new clip.
- After editing, tap ‘Next’ to reach the Post page.
- Under ‘Who can watch this video’, choose ‘Only Me’ (see image 1).
- Navigate to your profile and click the lock icon to view private videos.
- Select the newly posted private video.
- Tap the three‑dot menu and choose ‘Save video’ (see image 2).
If TikTok blocks the download, refer to our troubleshooting guide.
Downloading allows you to edit the clip on another platform before re‑uploading.
Next: How to upload videos to TikTok
By Jan Sørup
Jan Sørup is an indie filmmaker, videographer, and photographer based in Denmark. He runs FilmDaft.com and the Danish production company Apertura, which delivers high‑quality video content to major Scandinavian brands. With a music background, comic‑book illustrations, and former lecturer experience at the University of Copenhagen, Jan brings a blend of creative and technical expertise to every project.
View all of Jan Sørup’s posts.