Frequently Asked Questions
Everything about downloading videos and transcripts with SaveVD.
General
Is SaveVD free?
Yes. SaveVD is free to use with no sign-up, no software to install and no watermark added to your files.
Do I need to install an app or extension?
No. SaveVD runs in your browser on Android, iPhone, Windows, Mac, Linux and ChromeOS. Just paste a link.
Is it legal to download videos?
Downloading is generally fine for your own content, content in the public domain, or content licensed for reuse (e.g. Creative Commons). Re-uploading or redistributing someone else's copyrighted video without permission is not. Always respect the creator and the platform's terms.
Do you store my videos or links?
No. Files stream from the source platform to your device. We don't keep copies of videos, and links are processed only to fetch the media.
Can I download private videos?
No. SaveVD only works with publicly accessible content. Private, friends-only, paid or login-gated videos are not supported.
YouTube
Can I download YouTube Shorts?
Yes. Paste the Shorts URL (youtube.com/shorts/…) exactly like a normal video link.
Why is 4K not available for some videos?
The option only works if the uploader published the video in 4K. If the source is 1080p, that's the maximum you can get.
Can I convert YouTube to MP3?
Yes. Set Mode to Audio only before clicking Download and you'll get an MP3 file.
Does it work with age-restricted or members-only videos?
No. Those require a signed-in account, so they can't be fetched.
Can I download live streams?
Only after the stream has ended and been processed into a regular video.
YouTube Transcript
Does every YouTube video have a transcript?
No. Only videos with captions — uploaded by the creator or auto-generated by YouTube — have one. Music videos and very new uploads often don't.
How accurate are auto-generated transcripts?
Usually good for clear speech in English, weaker with accents, music, jargon or multiple speakers. Proofread before publishing.
Can I get a transcript in another language?
Yes, if the video has that caption track. Pick it from the Language menu after the first fetch.
What's the difference between TXT and SRT?
TXT is plain text for reading. SRT includes numbered cues with start/end times for use as subtitles.
Is there a length limit?
No practical limit — multi-hour lectures and podcasts work fine.
Can I download Instagram Stories?
Public story links can work when the account is public and the story is still live (under 24 hours). Highlights may be less reliable.
Do I need to log in?
No. Never enter your Instagram password on a downloader site — SaveVD doesn't ask for it.
Will the person know I downloaded their Reel?
No. Instagram doesn't notify users about downloads.
Can I download from private accounts?
No. Private posts are only available to approved followers.
Can I download videos from private Facebook groups?
No. Only publicly visible videos are supported.
Does it work with Facebook Live?
Yes, once the live has ended and been saved as a video on the page.
Why is the quality low?
Facebook sometimes only serves SD for older uploads or videos shared from other pages.
TikTok
Is the downloaded TikTok really watermark-free?
Yes, SaveVD fetches the original upload, which has no TikTok overlay.
Can I download TikTok photo slideshows?
Yes. Each image appears separately in the results, plus the audio.
Does the creator get notified?
No, TikTok doesn't notify creators of downloads.
Can I download a whole Pinterest board?
Not in one click — paste each Pin link individually.
Why did I get an image instead of a video?
Some Pins only link to an external video. Open the source site and use its link instead.
Why do other tools download Reddit videos without sound?
Reddit hosts audio as a separate file. SaveVD fetches both and combines them.
Can I download text from a Reddit thread?
SaveVD focuses on media. For text, use Reddit's own share or save features.
Dailymotion
Can I download Dailymotion playlists?
Paste each video link separately.
Why can't I download a certain video?
It may be geo-restricted or protected by the partner who uploaded it.