How to Copy a Video Link on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, X, Pinterest
On almost every app, copying a video link works the same way: open the video, tap Share (or the three dots), then tap Copy link. On a computer, open the video on its own page and copy the address from the browser's address bar. The details differ slightly between platforms, and pasting the wrong kind of link is the most common reason a download fails, so this guide covers each app and shows how to check that a link is right.
The universal method
- Open the specific video you want, so it plays on its own and not inside a grid of other posts.
- Look for a Share button (often an arrow or paper-plane icon) or the three dots (…) menu.
- Tap Copy link. Many apps briefly show a "Link copied" message.
- Paste it where you need it, for example into the box on the VidGrabo home page, by long-pressing the field and choosing Paste.
App menus are redesigned from time to time, so the button names or positions may vary a little. If you can't see Copy link, scroll the share sheet sideways or look under "More".
TikTok
On a phone
- Open the video.
- Tap the Share arrow on the right side of the screen.
- Tap Copy link in the bottom row of options.
On a computer
Click the video to open it on its own page. Use the Copy link button shown next to the video, or copy the address from the address bar.
A correct TikTok link normally contains the creator's username followed by /video/ and a long number. The app often gives a shorter link instead, which also works. Then use our TikTok without watermark guide to save it.
On a phone
- Open the Reel or post.
- Tap the Share (paper-plane) icon, or the three dots (…).
- Choose Copy link.
On a computer
Open the post so it shows on its own page, click the three dots, then Copy link. You can also copy the address bar once the post is open.
A correct link contains /reel/ or /p/ followed by a short code. A link that only shows a username is a profile, not a video. Stories work differently because they disappear and are often limited to followers; see our guide to saving Instagram Reels for what is possible.
On a phone
- Open the video or Reel. For a video inside a post, tap it so it opens full screen.
- Tap Share, then Copy link. If you don't see it, tap the three dots on the post and look for Copy link there.
On a computer
Click the post's date or time stamp, or open the video in its own view, then copy the address bar. Or use Share followed by Copy link.
Facebook uses several link styles: links containing /reel/, /videos/, /watch or /share/, and short fb.watch links. All can point to a single video. Remember that posts shared only with friends or inside private groups cannot be downloaded.
X (Twitter)
On a phone
- Open the post that contains the video.
- Tap the Share icon under the post.
- Tap Copy link.
On a computer
Click the post to open it, then use the Share icon and Copy link, or copy the address bar.
A correct link contains the account name, then /status/ and a long number. Links using the older twitter.com address usually work the same way. If the video is in a reply or quoted post, open that specific post first so you copy its own link.
On a phone
- Tap the video Pin to open it.
- Tap the Share icon (or the three dots).
- Choose Copy link.
On a computer
Open the Pin and copy the address bar, or use the share button and Copy link.
A correct link contains /pin/ followed by a number; the app may give a short pin.it link instead. Board links contain many Pins and won't work as a single video. More tips are in our Pinterest video guide.
How to spot a wrong link
Profile or page links
If the link ends with just a username or page name, it points to an account with many videos. Open one video and copy its link instead.
Playlists, boards, hashtags and search pages
Links to collections, boards, hashtags, sounds or search results also group many videos. VidGrabo works with one video link at a time and will show a playlist or unsupported error.
Shortened links
Short links created by the apps' Share buttons normally redirect to the full video and work fine. Short links from general link-shortening services may not. If a short link fails, open it in your browser, wait for the video page to load, and copy the full address.
Links with tracking codes
Shared links often have extra text after a question mark, used to track where the link was shared. It is usually harmless. If you get an error, delete everything from the question mark to the end and try again, but keep that part when the video's ID lives there, as in some Facebook watch links.
Cut-off or merged links
Make sure the whole link was copied and that there is no extra text, such as a caption, pasted before or after it. Links copied from inside a message should start with https.
Quick test before downloading
Paste the link into a private or incognito browser window. If the video plays without signing in, it is public and VidGrabo can work with it. If it asks you to log in, the video is private or restricted and cannot be downloaded.
Frequently asked questions
I tapped Copy link, but nothing was copied. What now?
Try again and wait for the "Link copied" message. If the app has no Copy link option for that post, the creator may have limited sharing, or you can open the video in a browser and copy the address bar.
Can I paste a link to someone's profile to get all their videos?
No. VidGrabo saves one video per link. Profile and bulk downloads are not supported.
Do I need to remove tracking codes every time?
No. Only remove them if you get an error, and keep any part that contains the video's ID.
Conclusion
Getting the link right solves most download problems before they start: open the single video, use Share and Copy link, and check that the link points to one video rather than a profile or collection. With a correct link copied, paste it on the VidGrabo home page. If something still goes wrong, our troubleshooting guide explains every error message.
