How to Download Videos and GIFs from X (Twitter)
X has no download button for most users. Here is how to save videos, GIFs and photos from any public post as MP4 or JPG on a phone or a computer.
By the Yocker team · Updated · 2 min read
X (formerly Twitter) only offers a download option on some videos, and only to paying subscribers. For everyone else, the way to keep a video is to download it from the post's link. It works the same whether your link starts with x.com or twitter.com.
Step by step
- On the post, tap the share icon (the arrow pointing up, or the box with an arrow).
- Choose Copy link.
- Open the X (Twitter) Video Downloader and paste the link.
- Pick a resolution. The MP4 is saved to your device.
On a computer you can simply copy the address from the address bar while the post is open. The link needs to point at a single post, so it should contain /status/ followed by a long number.
Choosing a resolution
X stores each video in several sizes, and the downloader lists all of them with their file size:
- 1080p or 720p for keeping or editing.
- 480p or 360p when you're on mobile data or just want something small to forward.
Very old videos were uploaded when X's limits were lower, so their best version might be 480p. That is the original quality, not a fault.
Downloading GIFs
GIFs on X aren't really GIF files. When someone uploads one, X converts it into a short, silent, looping MP4 because that is far smaller. So a "Twitter GIF" downloads as an MP4. It plays everywhere and loops in most players. If you specifically need a .gif file, for example for a forum that doesn't accept video, you can convert the MP4 with any free converter, but expect the file to become several times larger.
Downloading photos
Paste the link to a post with images and each photo is offered at its original resolution, which is often much larger than what the app shows. A post with four photos gives you four tiles, each with its own button.
Posts that can't be downloaded
- Protected accounts (the ones with a padlock). Only approved followers can see their posts.
- Posts marked as sensitive or age-restricted, which X hides from logged-out visitors.
- Deleted posts, and posts from suspended accounts.
- Live broadcasts and Spaces.
If a link fails, open it in a private browser window. If X asks you to log in before showing the video, it isn't public and can't be fetched.
Where the file goes
Android saves to the Downloads folder. On iPhone the file goes to the Files app first; open it and use Share → Save Video to add it to Photos. Details in where do downloaded videos go?
Reposting etiquette
Quote-posting or sharing the original link always credits the creator. Downloading a clip and posting it as your own doesn't, and creators do file takedowns. If you want to use footage in your own content, ask first.