Saving Snapchat videos to your phone’s gallery is a common request, as Snapchat deletes videos soon after they are viewed. Luckily, with the right tricks, you can download and save Snapchat videos so you can watch them again later.
Can You Save Snapchat Videos?
Normally, Snapchat does not allow users to directly save videos sent via Snapchat to their camera roll or gallery. This is by design, as Snapchat wants videos to be ephemeral and temporary. However, there are a few workarounds that allow you to record and save Snapchat videos.
Why You Might Want to Save Snapchat Videos
There are several reasons why you might want to save Snapchat videos to your device’s gallery or camera roll:
- To rewatch funny or memorable videos later
- To preserve memories or important events
- To share videos that you want to keep with friends
- To have a backup in case your friends delete the Snapchat video
- To edit or remix videos for other uses
Snapchat’s Ephemeral Design
Snapchat was designed as an ephemeral messaging app, where content disappears shortly after being viewed. By default, Snapchat videos, photos, and messages are automatically deleted after they have been viewed. Users like this ephemeral quality as it adds a sense of privacy, exclusivity, and impermanence to Snapchat interactions.
Here are Snapchat’s default auto-delete settings:
- Snapchat stories delete after 24 hours
- Snapchat messages delete after they are opened
- Snapchat stories and messages also disappear when deleted by the sender
While this ephemeral nature is part of what makes Snapchat fun and unique, it also means you only get one chance to view a snap. This is why you may want to save Snapchat videos to your camera roll before they disappear.
How to Save Snapchat Videos on Android
Luckily, while Snapchat does not have a built-in saving feature, there are several workarounds Android users can use to record and save Snapchat videos. Here are three common ways to save Snapchat videos on Android phones:
Method 1: Using a Third-Party App
The easiest way to save Snapchat videos on Android is to use a third-party app designed for the purpose. There are several screen recording and screenshot apps you can download to help you automatically record Snapchat videos.
Here are some recommended apps:
- AZ Screen Recorder
- DU Recorder
- SnapSaver
- Snapchat Saver
To use these apps:
- Download and install the app on your Android device.
- Open the app and start the screen recording feature.
- Open Snapchat and view the video you want to save as normal.
- The third-party app will automatically record your screen as you view the Snapchat video.
- Stop the screen recording after viewing the Snapchat video.
- The app will save the recorded video to your camera roll or gallery.
This provides you with a copy of the Snapchat video that you can rewatch later. Just be sure to stop the screen recording afterwards, so you don’t accidentally record other activities on your phone.
Method 2: Using Android Developer Options
Another option on Android phones is to enable a hidden developer setting to allow screen recording of any app. Here’s how:
- Go to your Android Settings.
- Scroll down and tap About Phone.
- Tap Build Number 7 times to enable Developer options.
- Back in Settings, tap Developer Options.
- Enable the feature ‘Force allow apps on external’.
Now when you want to save a Snapchat video:
- Open the Snapchat app.
- Open Control Center and tap the Screen Recorder icon.
- View the Snapchat video you want to save.
- Tap Stop to end the recording.
- The video will be saved to your phone’s gallery.
Method 3: Using Your Phone’s Screen Recorder
Many Android phones come with built-in screen recording functions. For example, on Samsung Galaxy phones you can:
- Open the Snapchat app.
- Pull down the notification bar at the top of the screen.
- Tap Screen Recorder to start recording your screen.
- View the Snapchat video you want to save.
- Tap Stop Recording when done.
- The video will be saved to your Gallery.
Check your Android device’s user manual for details if it has a built-in screen recorder you can use in this way.
How to Save Snapchat Videos on iPhone
Saving Snapchat videos on iPhone requires using your Apple device’s built-in screen recording function. Here’s how:
- Open the Snapchat app.
- Swipe down from the upper right corner to open Control Center.
- Tap the Screen Recording icon to start recording your screen.
- View the Snapchat video you want to save.
- Tap the red bar at the top of the screen to stop recording.
- Go to your Photos app. The recorded video will be saved there.
Your iPhone will record everything happening on your screen until you stop the recording. Make sure to only record the Snapchat video you want, then stop the recording.
Saving Snapchat Videos on iPhone Using Third-Party Apps
There are also third-party apps like SnapSave and Sneakaboo that can help you save Snapchat videos on iOS devices. These work similarly to the Android apps above – simply install, allow permissions, start the recording feature, view your Snapchat video, then stop recording.
Tips for Saving Snapchat Videos
When using any method to save Snapchat videos, keep these tips in mind:
- Be sure to have enough storage space on your phone before recording videos.
- Grant the recording app or feature the necessary permissions and access to function.
- Open Snapchat before starting the screen recording process.
- Carefully time when to start and stop recording to capture only the desired video.
- Be mindful of recording private or sensitive information you don’t intend to save.
- Let your friends know if you plan to record a video they send you.
- Follow Snapchat’s terms of service and your local laws regarding recording videos.
Saving Chat Messages on Snapchat
In addition to saving Snapchat videos, you may also want to save chat messages. Here are a few ways to save your Snapchat chats:
- Use a third-party app like Snapchat Saver to record and back up chat messages.
- Take screenshots of important messages before they disappear.
- Copy and paste message text into another app to save it.
- Use an automation tool like IFTTT to automatically save incoming Snapchats.
Ethical Usage of Saved Snapchat Videos
While it is possible to save Snapchat videos, you should use discretion and respect other users’ privacy when doing so. Here are some ethical guidelines to follow:
- Only save videos that you have permission to record. Do not save private videos without consent.
- If you want to post a saved Snapchat video publicly, ask the creator first.
- Do not share, remix, or distort saved videos in offensive ways.
- If someone asks you to delete a saved video, respect their wishes and delete it.
- Remember that even “disappearing” content can be recorded – so share thoughtfully.
Ultimately, respect other users and use your best judgment when saving Snapchat videos. While the tools make it possible to record and reuse content, you want to maintain trust and privacy within your relationships on Snapchat.
Conclusion
With screen recording apps and tools, Android and iPhone users alike can save Snapchat videos to their camera roll or gallery. While Snapchat’s ephemeral nature makes videos disappear quickly, you have the option to preserve memorable or important moments by recording them as they are viewed in the app. Just be sure to only save what you have permission to record, and use proper discretion when re-sharing saved Snapchat videos.