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Can I download a video from Snapchat story?

Can I download a video from Snapchat story?

Yes, it is possible to download videos from Snapchat stories, but there are some limitations. Snapchat does not provide an official way to save or download snaps, as they are designed to be temporary and disappear after viewing. However, there are some workaround methods using third-party apps and tools that allow you to record or capture Snapchat stories before they expire.

Why Snapchat Doesn’t Allow Downloading Stories

Snapchat’s ephemeral nature is by design – the disappearing snaps create a sense of urgency and immediacy for viewers. The temporary aspect makes people comfortable sharing more candid moments knowing they won’t stick around forever. Allowing users to download or record snaps would go against Snapchat’s core values.

Snapchat reminds users that using third-party apps or workarounds to save snaps without permission is against their Terms of Service. However, they don’t seem to aggressively block or punish those using unofficial download methods.

Unofficial Ways to Download Snapchat Stories

Using a Screen Recording App

One of the simplest ways to save Snapchat stories is to use your phone’s built-in screen recording feature or a third party screen capture app. This lets you record videos of your phone’s screen, so you can simply open the Snapchat story you want to save and record it as you view it. It will capture the video just as you see it.

On iPhone, you can start a screen recording by opening the Control Center and tapping the screen record icon. Android devices have different ways of accessing screen record features – for example on Samsung Galaxy phones you open the notification panel and tap “Screen Recorder”.

Some popular third party screen recorder apps include:

  • AZ Screen Recorder for Android
  • DU Recorder for Android
  • AirShou for iOS

Just make sure to enable permissions to let the apps capture your screen. Open the Snapchat story you want to record, and tap the recorder app’s button to capture the video. Remember to stop the recording when finished!

Using Third-Party Apps to Save Snaps

There are a number of apps designed specifically for the purpose of saving Snapchat videos. These let you login to your Snapchat account through the third-party platform, allowing you to access and download stories and snaps.

Some examples include:

  • Snapchat Saver Apps – Apps like SaveMySnaps and Snapbox allow saving of videos, images, and stories.
  • Snapchat Viewer Apps – These like Snapchat++, MSpy, and Casper let you view and replay snaps secretly.
  • File Explorer Apps – File browsing apps like Documents by Readdle can access your cached Snapchat data for saving.

Using these tools likely violates Snapchat’s Terms of Service. In some cases Snapchat can detect these third party apps and may block your account. However it’s unlikely they will ban you outright unless you are heavily abusing these tools.

Using a Snapchat Mod or Hack Version

There are some hacked/modded versions of Snapchat such as Snapchat++ that have built-in features to let you bypass restrictions and download any snap you view. These modded APK files are not available on official app stores – you would have to allow installation of apps from “unknown sources” to use them.

Again, these tools break Snapchat’s rules and Terms of Service. Downloading content through modded apps occurs without the creator’s consent. You risk having your account banned by Snapchat for using them.

Legal and Ethical Concerns

While it may be technically possible to download Snapchat videos, there are some important legal and ethical concerns surrounding the practice.

Copyright Concerns

The videos on Snapchat are creative works protected by copyright. Downloading them without permission could be considered copyright infringement. Even if you don’t share or distribute the content, you are reproducing and copying videos without consent from the legal owner.

Privacy Violations

Saving Snapchat content without permission violates the privacy of the user who posted the video. They shared the content with the understanding it would disappear. Bypassing that violates their consent and rights.

Snapchat’s Terms of Service

Snapchat specifically prohibits using third-party apps or software to access or download content in their Terms of Service. Violating the terms can lead to account suspension or banning.

Check Laws in Your Region

Laws related to copyright infringement and privacy vary by region. In some areas unauthorized downloading of social media content is illegal. Be aware of laws in your local jurisdiction.

Obtain Consent First

The only way to ethically download Snapchat videos is to get direct consent from the person who posted them. You should ask for permission before taking any steps to record or download snaps and stories.

Better Alternatives to Preserve Snapchat Memories

Instead of finding sketchy workarounds, there are some authorized ways you can save special Snapchat moments:

Replay Snap

Snapchat now lets you replay one snap per day. The replay icon will let you view a snap again after it expires. Great for going back to enjoy favorite pics and videos.

View My Story

You can always view your own stories again for 24 hours after posting them. Just go to your profile and tap on your own story to rewatch.

Memories Feature

The Snapchat Memories feature lets you backup and save your own stories. You can also edit and re-share old stories from Memories.

Snapchat Groups

Create custom Snapchat Groups to privately share saved photos and videos with close friends. You control who gets invited into the group.

Snapchat Spotlight

Share public videos on Snapchat Spotlight. Top performing Spotlight snaps can earn cash rewards, and remain visible for longer compared to stories.

Conclusion

While it is possible to download Snapchat videos using unofficial third party apps and screen recording, this violates Snapchat’s policies. You risk account bans, and face legal and ethical issues like copyright infringement and violating privacy.

If you want to preserve special Snapchat moments, use authorized methods like replaying snaps, viewing your own stories, saving to Memories, creating private groups, or posting to Spotlight. Always get direct consent before downloading someone else’s content.