Snapchat is a popular social media app that allows users to send photos and videos that disappear after being viewed. One of Snapchat’s key features is that by default, users cannot save or download full length Snapchat videos that are sent to them. Only the sender can save their own Snapchat story or video they share through a chat.
So why can’t you save videos on Snapchat? There are a few reasons why Snapchat does not allow users to download or record videos shared on the platform.
Privacy
The main reason is privacy. Snapchat was designed as an app for sharing quick, informal, and personal photos/videos that aren’t meant to stick around permanently. Snapchat Wanted users to feel comfortable sharing spontaneous moments without worrying about those moments being saved, distributed or coming back to haunt them later.
Allowing users to save any Snapchat video they receive would undermine that sense of privacy and ephemeral sharing that Snapchat promises. It would mean you could circulate or reuse videos shared on Snapchat outside of the app without the consent of the creator.
Copyright
Enabling users to save and redistribute videos could also create copyright issues. The videos sent via Snapchat belong to the creator. Downloading and sharing them without permission violates copyright law.
Snapchat wants to avoid any copyright disputes or legal issues that might arise from users saving and sharing videos without the Snapchat creator’s consent.
Server storage space
Snapchat also limits video saving to save on server storage space and bandwidth required to host longer videos. Snapchat’s goal is to be an app for sharing temporary, in-the-moment content. So they designed the app and infrastructure to only support short videos and photos that self-delete.
Promote engagement
Restricting video saving also encourages users to be engaged and spend time in the app. If you could save any video forever, you may be less likely to return as frequently to view Snapchat stories and Snaps from friends. The disappearing nature encourages daily active usage.
Are there any workarounds to save Snapchat videos?
While Snapchat does not allow full saving of received videos, there are some workarounds users have found to record or save Snapchat videos:
Using Another Device to Record
One method is to use a second device like a smartphone or camera to simply record the video playing on your Snapchat screen. However, this will result in lower quality video since it’s recording the playback on your screen rather than a direct download.
Screen Recording Apps
There are various third party apps and software you can install to record your iPhone or Android screen while a Snapchat video is playing. For example, iOS users can try using AirPlay Mirroring to capture Snapchat videos via QuickTime screen recording. There are also apps like DU Recorder and AZ Screen Recorder for Android screen recording.
Snapchat Alerts and Warnings
It’s important to note that Snapchat does try to detect and deter people from capturing videos via third-party software or apps. You may receive an in-app warning for violating their terms if trying to record video without permission. Continued use of unauthorized screen recording also risks getting your account temporarily locked or banned.
Snapchat Memories
One official way to save Snapchat videos is by posting them to your Snapchat Memories. This allows you to download a video you recorded yourself via Snapchat before it expires. However, this still doesn’t allow saving or recording videos sent to you directly from friends.
Why can the sender save their own Snapchat videos?
You might be wondering, if saving Snapchat videos is so limited, how are Snapchat creators able to record and save their own videos to camera rolls?
Snapchat does make an exception for saving your own videos. Here’s why Snapchat allows users to save videos they have created:
Copyright ownership
Users own the copyright to videos they create and share on Snapchat. As the copyright holder, they have the right and autonomy to save, re-share and distribute their own videos externally if they wish.
Creative control
Letting users save their own videos allows for more creative control. They can edit, refine, and re-purpose video content rather than losing their own work after posting to Snapchat.
Incentivize quality content
Giving creators access to their own videos encourages higher quality content. If snappers couldn’t even save their own work, they’d be less inclined to put effort into polished videos and stories.
Build user base
Allowing saving helps attract and retain content creators to Snapchat. If they couldn’t repurpose their own videos anywhere else, they may opt to only use platforms where content ownership and portability is permitted.
Promote re-sharing
Snapchat benefits when creators repost Snapchat videos to other social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok. It gives Snapchat free marketing and exposure to new potential users.
So enabling video saving ultimately helps promote the Snapchat brand when those saved videos are reshared outside the app.
Steps Snapchat takes to prevent unauthorized saving
Snapchat does actively try to prevent and detect third-party apps being used to record or capture Snapchat videos without consent. This includes:
Monitoring third-party apps
Snapchat monitors the app stores for third party apps that advertise the ability to record Snapchat videos and issues takedown requests when found.
Screen recording detection
The Snapchat app uses methods to detect possible unauthorized screen recording including:
- Checking for screen access permissions granted to other apps
- Analyzing screen capture notifications
- Detecting screen recording sessions
Warning messages
Snapchat sends in-app warnings if screen recording apps are detected running in the background while using Snapchat.
Account bans
Snapchat may temporarily lock accounts or disable access if unauthorized recording is confirmed. Repeated violations can result in permanent account deactivation.
Copyright strikes
Snapchat may issue DMCA takedown notices or copyright strikes if a user saves and re-uploads videos recorded without consent to other platforms.
Is Snapchat right to so severely limit video saving?
Snapchat’s stringent restrictions on video saving remain controversial, with good arguments on both sides:
Pros of restricting video saves
- Upholds privacy expectations of Snapchat users
- Avoids potential legal issues around unauthorized sharing
- Reduces infrastructure costs for Snapchat
- Encourages daily Snapchat engagement
Cons of restricting video saves
- Limits creative control for users
- Loses value after content disappears despite user interest
- Hurts content creators who want to repurpose videos
- Angers users who want to save special memories or moments
There are reasonable arguments that Snapchat may be too restrictive for users wanting to hold onto memorable videos or reshare their creative work.
However, overall Snapchat likely sees their tight control against saves as vital to delivering the ephemeral, in-the-moment, privacy-protecting communication experience they want to offer. The temporary nature of videos is a core pillar of Snapchat’s appeal and engagement.
Conclusion
In summary, Snapchat purposefully limits video saving and designed the app for ephemeral sharing that disappears. The main reasons Snapchat doesn’t allow users to record or download full videos include upholding user privacy, avoiding copyright disputes, reducing infrastructure costs, and promoting engagement in their app.
There are some workarounds like using a second device or screen recording apps. However, Snapchat discourages this actively through warnings and account bans. Ultimately, Snapchat reserves the right to enforce their vision and terms banning unauthorized video saves in order to protect user expectations and deliver the ephemeral messaging experience they’re known for.