The straightforward way to save Pinterest videos
You can download videos from Pinterest using a free online tool or a browser extension, then save the video file to your computer or phone. Pinterest's own download button only saves still images, not video, so you'll need a third-party method. The process takes about two minutes and works on desktop and mobile devices.
The most reliable approach is using a dedicated Pinterest video downloader website. You copy the link to the Pinterest video, paste it into the downloader, and the tool gives you a download button for the video file. No account creation needed, and the video saves to your device's normal download folder.
Key Takeaways
- Pinterest's built-in save button stores videos to your Pinterest board but does not download the file to your device.
- Online downloader websites like SaveFrom.net and DownloadGram work by converting the Pinterest video link into a downloadable file.
- Browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox can add a download button directly to Pinterest pages, saving you a step.
- Downloaded videos are saved as MP4 files in your computer's Downloads folder or your phone's Files app, ready to use offline.
- Some videos on Pinterest are embedded from other sites like YouTube or TikTok, and downloaders may redirect you to the original source instead.
Using an online downloader website
Open the Pinterest video in your browser and copy the full link from the address bar. The link should start with "pinterest.com" and include the pin ID. Right-click the address bar, select "Copy", and the link is ready to paste.
Go to a downloader website such as SaveFrom.net or DownloadGram in a new tab. Paste the Pinterest link into the text box on the homepage and press Enter or click the download button. The site will process the video and show you download options within 10 to 30 seconds.
Click the download button next to the video quality you want. Most videos offer 360p, 480p, or 720p options — higher numbers mean better quality but larger file size. The video will download to your computer's Downloads folder or your phone's default download location. You can then move it to any folder you choose.
Installing a browser extension for one-click downloads
If you download Pinterest videos regularly, a browser extension saves time by adding a download button directly to Pinterest pages. Open the Chrome Web Store or Firefox Add-ons page and search for "Pinterest video downloader". Popular options include "Video Downloader for Pinterest" and "SaveFrom.net helper".
Click "Add to Chrome" or "Add to Firefox" and confirm the permission prompt. The extension installs in seconds. Now when you visit any Pinterest video page, a download button appears on the video itself — usually in the top right corner or as a floating icon. Click it once and the video downloads immediately.
Extensions vary in features. Some let you choose video quality before downloading, while others download at whatever quality is available. Check the extension's reviews and description to see what options it offers before installing.
Downloading videos on your phone
On iPhone or Android, the process is similar but the steps differ slightly because you cannot install most browser extensions on mobile. Open the Pinterest app or Pinterest.com in your phone's browser and find the video you want. Tap the three-dot menu icon on the video and look for a "Share" or "Copy link" option.
Copy the video link, then open a downloader website in a new browser tab. Paste the link and download the video the same way you would on desktop. The video saves to your phone's Files app (Android) or Photos app (iPhone). From there you can move it to any folder or share it with other apps.
Some phones block downloads from certain websites for security reasons. If a download fails, try a different downloader website or use your phone's desktop mode — most browsers have a "Request Desktop Site" option in the menu that may bypass mobile restrictions.
What to do when the downloader shows an error
If a downloader website says the video cannot be processed, the video may be embedded from another platform like YouTube, TikTok, or Instagram. In this case, the downloader redirects you to the original source. Copy the new link it provides and use a downloader designed for that platform instead.
Some Pinterest videos are private or restricted to certain users. If you cannot view the video yourself, a downloader cannot access it either. The error message will usually say "Video not found" or "Private video". You need permission from the video's owner to download it.
If a downloader website is slow or not working, try a different one. Downloader sites sometimes go offline or get blocked by Pinterest. Keeping a list of two or three reliable options means you always have a backup if one stops working.
Understanding video quality and file size
Pinterest videos are typically short clips, usually under five minutes. A 480p video (standard definition) is usually 5 to 20 megabytes, while a 720p video (high definition) can be 20 to 50 megabytes. If your phone or computer is low on storage, choose the lower quality option.
Higher quality does not always mean better viewing. On a phone screen, 480p looks nearly identical to 720p. Save 720p only if you plan to watch on a larger screen or edit the video later. If you are just saving it to watch once, 480p saves space and downloads faster.
The downloader shows you the available options before you download. Check the file size listed next to each quality option so you know what you are getting before you click.
Legal and safety considerations
Downloading a video for personal use is generally safe and legal. However, you should respect the original creator's rights. Do not repost downloaded videos as your own work or claim credit for them. If you share a video you downloaded, credit the original creator or link back to the original Pinterest post.
Downloader websites themselves are legitimate tools, but use caution with any site that asks for personal information, payment, or login credentials. Reputable downloaders work without requiring any of these. If a site asks you to create an account or enter payment details, close it and use a different downloader.
Your antivirus software may flag downloader websites as suspicious because they are not mainstream apps. This is normal and does not mean the site is unsafe. If you are concerned, stick to well-reviewed downloaders like SaveFrom.net, which has been around for years and is widely used.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I download videos directly from the Pinterest app?
No, the Pinterest app does not have a built-in video download feature. You must use the browser version of Pinterest or copy the link and paste it into a downloader website. The app's save button only saves the video to your Pinterest board, not to your device.
Will downloading a video get me in trouble with Pinterest?
Pinterest does not ban users for downloading videos for personal use. However, reposting downloaded videos as your own or using them commercially without permission violates copyright. Download for yourself, but do not republish without crediting the creator.
Why does the downloader say the video is from YouTube or TikTok?
Some Pinterest videos are embedded from other platforms rather than hosted directly on Pinterest. The downloader detects this and redirects you to the original source. Use a YouTube or TikTok downloader instead to get the video file.
What format will the downloaded video be in?
Most downloaders save videos as MP4 files, which play on any device — phones, computers, tablets, and media players. MP4 is the standard format for video downloads and works with nearly all video apps.
Can I download videos from private Pinterest boards?
No, you can only download videos you can view yourself. If a board is private and you do not have access, the downloader cannot retrieve the video. You need the board owner's permission to view and download private content.