Save TikTok Videos on a PC or Mac

Downloaded a TikTok on Windows, double-clicked it, and heard the audio over a black screen? Or a message saying "HEVC Video Extensions" are required? The file isn't broken; your PC is missing a codec, and the fix is below.

The download itself is quick on any computer, so let's start there.

Downloading in a desktop browser

1. Open the TikTok video on tiktok.com and copy the address from the address bar.
2. Go to the SSSTikT downloader and paste it into the box. Ctrl+V on Windows, Cmd+V on Mac.
3. Click Download, then MP4 for a video without the watermark, or MP3 for audio.
4. The file saves to your Downloads folder.

It works in Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Safari, Brave and Opera, with no extension or program needed.

Getting the right link on tiktok.com

Click a video to open it full-size. The address changes to something like tiktok.com/@creator/video/7..., and that's the link you want.

In the For You feed, click Share (the arrow) and then Copy link. A phone link someone texted you works too, including short vm.tiktok.com links.

Where Windows and macOS save it

• Windows: C:\Users\YourName\Downloads. Press Ctrl+J in most browsers to open the download list.
• Mac: the Downloads folder in the Dock or Finder sidebar. In Safari, click the download arrow in the toolbar.

Prefer another folder? Chrome and Edge let you tick Ask where to save each file in their download settings.

On a Mac

Macs play both H.264 and HEVC natively, so QuickTime Player opens pretty much any TikTok download. To trim a clip, open it in QuickTime and press Cmd+T. For captions or music, iMovie is free and takes MP4 directly.

Black screen on Windows: the HEVC codec

Why it happens

Some TikTok videos are encoded in HEVC (H.265), which gives smaller files at the same quality. Windows 10 and 11 don't always include a decoder for it, because it's a licensed codec. So Photos and Media Player play the sound and show nothing.

When an H.264 version exists, we serve that one, and it plays everywhere. Occasionally HEVC is the only option, which is where these fixes come in.

Option 1: the Microsoft Store extension

Microsoft sells HEVC Video Extensions in the Microsoft Store for $0.99. A listing called HEVC Video Extensions from Device Manufacturer is free on some PCs, but it doesn't appear in Store search and isn't offered on every machine. If you can't reach it, the paid one does the same job.

Only install it from the Microsoft Store. Sites offering a "free HEVC codec" download are a common source of bundled junk.

Option 2: play it in VLC

VLC media player is free, open source and plays HEVC with no extra codec. Right-click the file, choose Open with > VLC, and tick Always use this app if you want it as the default.

Option 3: convert to H.264

If a program refuses HEVC (some older editors, PowerPoint on certain setups), convert the file with HandBrake. The Fast 1080p30 preset is fine for short vertical clips.

Editing TikToks on a computer

• Clipchamp (built into Windows 11), CapCut desktop and DaVinci Resolve all open MP4 files directly.
• Need only the audio for a project? Grab it from the TikTok to MP3 converter instead of stripping it in an editor.
• For slideshow posts, the TikTok photo downloader gives you the actual images, which are much sharper than frames pulled from a video.

Before reusing someone else's clip in your own edit, check where the legal line sits.

Desktop hiccups and quick fixes

• The MP4 opens in a new tab and plays instead of saving. Right-click the button and choose Save link as...
• Chrome says "Failed – Network error". Usually a VPN or office firewall. Retry, or pause the VPN.
• An error appears before any download button. The post is probably private, removed or region-locked. See TikTok video won't download.

On your phone instead? Here are the iPhone and Android walkthroughs, and the rest are in all guides.

Desktop download questions

Do I need a browser extension to download TikToks on a PC?

No. Paste the link into the site and the file saves through your browser's normal download.

Why does my downloaded TikTok have sound but no picture?

The video is HEVC and Windows lacks the decoder. Install HEVC Video Extensions, use VLC, or convert it with HandBrake.

Can I download several TikToks at once?

No. It's one link at a time, and there's a per-minute limit so the service stays quick for everyone.

Does it work on Linux or a Chromebook?

Yes. Any modern browser can use it, since everything happens on the web page.