X (formerly Twitter) is full of videos worth keeping: breaking news clips, sports highlights, tutorials, funny moments. The app lets you bookmark a post, but bookmarks disappear if the post is deleted, and you can't watch them offline or share them to other apps.
Does the X app have a download button?
For most people, no. X has offered downloading for some videos to paying subscribers, and creators can choose whether to allow it, so the option only appears in a few cases. If you see Download video in the share menu, use it. Otherwise, the method below works for any public post and doesn't require a subscription.
Save an X video to your iPhone
- In the X app, open the post with the video.
- Tap the share icon (the arrow) and choose Copy link.
- Open Safari and go to the X video downloader.
- Tap Paste, then Download.
- Pick a quality. Higher numbers like 720p or 1080p look better but make bigger files.
- When Safari asks, tap Download.
You don't need to log in to X, and the link works whether it starts with x.com or twitter.com.
Move the video into your Photos app
Safari saves downloads to the Files app, not directly to Photos. To get the video into your camera roll:
- Tap the blue download arrow in Safari's address bar, or open Files and go to Downloads.
- Tap the video to open it.
- Tap the share button and choose Save Video.
The video now appears in Photos with the rest of your videos. From there you can trim it, add it to an album, or share it to any app.
Tip: if you save X videos often, change where Safari puts downloads. Go to Settings → Apps → Safari → Downloads and pick a folder you'll remember, such as a folder in iCloud Drive.
Saving GIFs from X
GIFs on X aren't really GIF files. X converts them into short looping MP4 videos to save data. When you download one, you'll get an MP4 that loops in most players. If you need a true GIF file, for example for a chat app that only accepts GIFs, run the MP4 through our video to GIF maker.
Which quality should I choose?
X usually stores several versions of each video:
- Lower qualities (around 320p to 480p): small files, fine for quick sharing in chats.
- 720p: the best balance for watching on a phone.
- 1080p, when available: best for watching on a bigger screen or editing.
If you plan to send the video on Discord or by email, pick 720p and compress it afterwards if needed. Our guide to compressing videos for Discord explains how.
When it doesn't work
"This post doesn't contain a video." The post may link to a video on another site (like YouTube) instead of hosting it on X. Open the link to see where the video actually lives.
"This post is private or needs a login." The account is protected, or the post is age-restricted. Only public posts can be downloaded.
"This post is unavailable." The post was deleted, or the account was suspended.
The download starts but nothing happens. Make sure you're in Safari, not the X app's built-in browser. Copy the link, then open Safari yourself.
A post has several videos. Each video in the post is listed separately in the results, so you can save just the ones you want.
A note on reposting
Downloading a clip to watch later or to show a friend is how most people use this. If you want to repost someone's video, credit them or ask first. Reuploading other people's work as your own can get posts removed and accounts restricted.
Copy a post link and paste it into the X video downloader. The video will be in your Photos app a few seconds later.