Prepare for the TikTok Ban: How to Download Videos (Without Watermarks)

When could the app be banned and will Trump save it?

Is TikTok getting banned in the US?

It's uncertain. When President Biden signed the bill, it triggered a countdown requiring TikTok's parent company, ByteDance, to sell the app to a company not tied to a "foreign adversary" within several months. If a deal appears likely as the January 19 deadline approaches, the president has the option to grant a 90-day extension. At least two U.S. senators have urged Biden to consider this extension, but the White House is directing inquiries to the Department of Justice.

Could Donald Trump stop TikTok's ban?

Donald Trump's potential win in the 2024 election might save TikTok. While he tried to ban the app in 2020, he is now asking the U.S. Supreme Court to delay the ban as he seeks a "political resolution."

His lawyer stated that Trump "opposes banning TikTok" and plans to tackle the issue politically if he returns to office. A recent meeting with TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew has also fueled hopes among ban opponents that he will intervene.

How would a TikTok ban work?

If TikTok is banned, online marketplaces like app stores and web hosting platforms will need to stop making the app available to Americans. Most users download apps through these stores, which would prevent new users from accessing TikTok.

Additionally, existing users would be unable to receive future updates aimed at enhancing security or fixing bugs. The legislation prohibits applications controlled by U.S. adversaries from being updated or maintained in the U.S.

Could I get in trouble?

No, the bill does not authorize the US Attorney General to “pursue enforcement…against an individual” using a foreign adversary-controlled app.

How do I save all my videos?

Do you have a vast library of videos on TikTok? Check out our guide on how to download them, both with and without the watermark.

Grab TikTok videos with the watermarks

The easiest way to download a TikTok video is directly from the app on your mobile device. Here's how:

1. Long-Press on the Video: Tap and hold on the video you want to download.
2. Select "Save Video": In the pop-up menu, choose "Save Video." This option is only available if the creator has marked the video as "Public." If it's "Private," you won't see this option.
3. Access the Video: The downloaded video will be saved to your phone's camera roll, where you can share it via SMS, Facebook, WhatsApp, and more.

If you want a short snippet of a TikTok video as an animated GIF, click the share button (the right-pointing arrow), scroll down, and select "Share as GIF."

Grab TikToks without watermarks/ 'Erase' TikTok videos' watermarks

To ditch watermarks on videos you've already downloaded or to download TikTok videos without any watermarks in the first place, you can use free third-party apps and helper websites. These tools typically require the URL of the individual TikTok videos. Here are some popular options: