The fastest way to save a video

Three taps and the reasoning behind each one, so you stop guessing at quality menus.

3 min read

In shortA page URL is not the video — the media sits behind itQuality lists differ per platform because sources differ1080p is the right default for almost everything

A download is really three decisions: what the link points at, which version of it you want, and where the file should end up. Get those right once and the rest is muscle memory.

Copy the link, not the page

Use the share sheet or the address bar. Either works, because the first thing that happens is a read of the page to find the media behind it. Shortened links resolve automatically.

Pick a rung, not the biggest number

Every option lists its file size where the platform reports one. On a laptop screen the difference between 1080p and 4K is close to invisible, while the file is several times larger. Choose for the screen you'll watch on.

Know where it lands

Desktop browsers use your Downloads folder. iOS puts it in Files, Android in Downloads, and moving it into Photos or Gallery is one share away.

Put it to use — paste a link and see the quality list.Open the downloader