TikTok stories are short posts that disappear after 24 hours. Creators use them for behind-the-scenes clips, announcements, quick polls and moments they don't want on their main grid. If a story has a recipe you want to try, a discount code, or simply a moment of your own you want to keep, our TikTok story downloader saves it before it expires.
How to use it in 3 steps
1. Copy the link
In TikTok tap Share → Copy link, or copy the address bar on a computer.
2. Paste and press Download
Paste into the box above. Short vm.tiktok.com and vt.tiktok.com links work too.
3. Choose and save
Pick the format you need and the file saves to your device's Downloads.
How story downloads work
A story is stored a lot like a regular TikTok video, but it has an expiry time. As long as the story is still live and the account is public, its link works like any other video link:
- Open the story in TikTok and tap the three dots or the Share arrow.
- Choose Copy link.
- Paste the link above and press Download.
- Pick MP4 for a video story, or save the image for a photo story.
Once a story has expired or been deleted, TikTok removes it and no tool can bring it back.
Act quickly: if you see a story you want to keep, download it straight away. You don't get a warning before it disappears.
Saving your own stories
TikTok keeps your own expired stories in your private archive for a limited time, but downloading the file is the safest way to keep a permanent copy. Save the story as an MP4 the same day you post it. If you want to keep a story clip without posting at all, see save a TikTok without posting.
Does the creator know?
Downloading through a link doesn't send a notification. However, just viewing a story inside the TikTok app while logged in can add you to its viewer list. That's how TikTok works, and it doesn't depend on whether you download. We don't offer a way to view stories secretly, and we don't access private accounts.
Story formats and quality
Video stories download as MP4 (H.264 + AAC) at the resolution they were posted, usually 720p or 1080p. Photo stories come as JPEG or WebP. There's no watermark on either. For details on quality, see TikTok to MP4 quality explained.
Story downloads on each device
- iPhone: Safari saves to Files → Downloads. Share → Save Video moves it to Photos (iPhone guide).
- Android: the file goes to Downloads and appears in Gallery (Android guide).
- PC and Mac: use Save link as… if the video opens in a tab (PC guide).
Why a story link might fail
- The story expired (over 24 hours old) or was deleted
- The account is private or restricted to followers
- You copied a profile link instead of the story itself. Profile links end in /@username with nothing after them.
- Region restrictions on the content
See TikTok link invalid and private TikTok video download for more fixes.
Respect creators
Stories are meant to be short-lived, and many creators share personal moments in them. Keep downloads for personal reference, don't repost someone else's story, and never use saved stories to harass anyone. Our legal guide explains the rules in plain English.
Also see the TikTok MP4 downloader for regular posts and the photo downloader for slideshows.
Supported TikTok links
Paste any of these. You can even paste a whole message, and the link is picked out automatically:
- Share links: vm.tiktok.com/… and vt.tiktok.com/…
- Video pages: tiktok.com/@creator/video/…
- Photo posts: tiktok.com/@creator/photo/…
- Mobile web: m.tiktok.com/v/…
Profiles, sound pages, hashtags and live streams aren't single posts, so they can't be downloaded. If you see an error, read TikTok link invalid or the full errors and fixes list.
Quick device reference
| Device | Best browser | Where files go | Full guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone | Safari | Files → Downloads, then Share → Save Video | iPhone guide |
| iPad | Safari | Files → Downloads | iPad guide |
| Android | Chrome or Samsung Internet | Download folder and Gallery | Android guide |
| Windows | Chrome, Edge or Firefox | This PC → Downloads (Ctrl + J) | PC guide |
| Mac | Safari or Chrome | Finder → Downloads | Mac guide |
Lost a file? Our page on where TikTok downloads are saved covers every brand and browser.
Safe, private and respectful
- No login, ever. We never ask for your TikTok password. Treat any site that does as a phishing risk.
- No installs. Everything runs in your browser. Ignore any advert that offers an app, extension or "codec".
- No history. Results are cached for about 15 minutes, then deleted. See the privacy policy.
- Public content only. We don't bypass private accounts or deleted posts.
- Credit creators. Saving for personal use is common, but reposting needs permission. Read is it legal to download TikTok videos?
Frequently asked questions
Can I download a TikTok story after 24 hours?
No. Once a story expires, TikTok removes it and it can't be downloaded.
Will the person know I downloaded their story?
Downloading through a link doesn't notify them. Viewing a story in the app while logged in may show you as a viewer.
Can I download stories from private accounts?
No. We only work with public content.
Do story downloads have a watermark?
No. Video stories are saved as clean MP4 files.
Can I save photo stories?
Yes. Photo stories are saved as image files.
Is there a story downloader app?
There's no need for one. This page works in any mobile browser.