How to Download Videos on PC and Mac: A Complete Desktop Guide
Saving a public video on a computer takes three steps: copy the video's link from the platform's website, paste it on VidGrabo in your browser, and choose a quality or MP3. The file goes to your Downloads folder, ready to play. Nothing needs to be installed on Windows or macOS, and you do not need an account. Below is a detailed walkthrough for each platform and browser, plus what to do once the file is on your computer.
Step 1: Copy the video link from the website
On a computer you use the website version of each platform. The most reliable link is the one that points to the single video itself, not to a profile or a feed. In every case, make sure the video is public; private posts and videos that require logging in cannot be downloaded.
TikTok
Click the video so it opens in its own view. The address bar now shows a link that contains the creator's name followed by /video/ and a long number. Click the address bar, press Ctrl + C (Windows) or Command + C (Mac). You can also use the Copy link button shown next to the video.
Click the post or Reel to open it. The address changes to a link containing /p/ or /reel/. Copy it from the address bar, or click the three-dot menu on the post and choose Copy link.
Click the video to open it in the viewer, or click the post's date and time to open the post on its own page. Copy the address from the browser, or use Share and then Copy link. Copying a link from the main News Feed without opening the video often gives a link to the feed, which will not work.
X (Twitter)
Click the post's Share icon and choose Copy link, or click the post to open it and copy the address, which contains /status/ followed by a number.
Click the Pin to open it. The address contains /pin/ and a number. Copy it from the address bar or use the Pin's share button and choose Copy link.
For more detail on each app, including the mobile versions, see our guide on how to copy a video link in any app. Each platform also has its own page on VidGrabo: TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, X and Pinterest.
Step 2: Download with VidGrabo
- Open a new tab and go to VidGrabo.
- Click the input box and press Ctrl + V or Command + V to paste the link.
- Start the search and wait a moment while the available options load.
- Choose a video quality, or MP3 if you only need the audio. The qualities listed are the ones the original upload provides; VidGrabo does not upscale. TikTok videos are saved without the watermark when the original is available.
- Your browser downloads the file.
One link is processed at a time, so repeat the steps for each video. Very long videos are subject to a maximum length limit.
What each browser does when the download starts
- Chrome: a download icon appears at the top right of the window. Click it to see progress, open the file, or show it in its folder. Ctrl + J on Windows or Command + Shift + J on Mac opens the full downloads page.
- Microsoft Edge: a downloads panel opens at the top right. Ctrl + J brings it back later.
- Firefox: an arrow icon in the toolbar shows progress. Click it, then click the folder icon next to the file to open its location.
- Safari on Mac: the first time you download from a site, Safari may ask whether to allow downloads from it; click Allow. The downloads arrow then appears in the toolbar, and Option + Command + L shows the list.
If the video opens in a new tab and starts playing instead of downloading, right-click on the video and choose Save Video As to save it to a folder of your choice.
Step 3: Find the file
By default every browser saves to your Downloads folder. On Windows, open File Explorer and click Downloads in the sidebar. On Mac, open Finder and click Downloads, or use the Downloads stack in the Dock. If you have changed your browser's download location, the browser's downloads list shows the exact path. Our guide Where are downloaded videos saved? explains how to change the folder in each browser.
Step 4: Play the video
On Windows
Double-click the file. MP4 videos with H.264 video and MP3 files play in the built-in Media Player. If you see sound with no picture, or an error about a missing codec, the video is probably encoded in H.265 (HEVC). Install Microsoft's HEVC Video Extensions from the Microsoft Store, drag the file into a browser window to play it there, or use a free media player such as VLC.
On Mac
Double-click the file to open it in QuickTime Player, which plays MP4 and MOV files with H.264 or H.265, as well as MP3 audio. If you received a WebM file, QuickTime will not open it; drag it into Safari or another browser instead. To add a video to the Photos app, drag it into the Photos window or use File > Import.
To understand which file you have and why some players accept it while others do not, read MP4, WebM and MP3 explained.
Tips for a smooth desktop workflow
- Rename files right away. Downloaded files often have long or random names. A clear name such as "2026-10 product demo" makes them easy to find later.
- Choose quality by purpose. For editing or watching on a large monitor, take the highest quality offered. For a quick reference copy, 720p is usually enough.
- Keep your own originals safe. VidGrabo deletes temporary files from its servers automatically after a short time and keeps no history, so the copy on your computer is the one to back up.
- Respect the creator. Only download videos you own or have permission to use, and do not re-upload other people's content. Our copyright page explains the details.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to install anything on my computer?
No. VidGrabo works in any modern browser on Windows and macOS. There is no program, extension or account involved.
Why does VidGrabo say the link is not valid?
The link usually points to a profile, a feed or a search page instead of a single video, or the video is private. Open the video on its own page and copy that address.
Can I download a whole profile or playlist at once?
No. VidGrabo handles one public video link at a time and does not support playlists or bulk downloads.
Which browser works best?
Any current version of Chrome, Edge, Firefox or Safari works. If something misbehaves, update your browser and try again.
Conclusion
On a computer, the routine is the same for every platform: open the video on its own page, copy the address, paste it on VidGrabo, pick a quality, and find the file in Downloads. With the right player installed, MP4 and MP3 files will open on any Windows PC or Mac. Ready to try it? Paste your first link on the VidGrabo home page.
