TikTok users are currently feeling a sense of impending doom as the video service faces a potential ban in the US on January 19th. Creators on the platform are saying satirical goodbyes to their supposed Chinese spies and scrambling to figure out how to download the hundreds or thousands of videos they have uploaded.
TikTok itself does not make it easy for creators to bulk download their content. While users can download a certain amount of their data in TXT or JSON format, including their username, watch history, comments, and privacy settings, this does not include the actual videos.
To address this issue, some users have found alternative methods to download their TikTok videos. One option is to use a paid app called Repurpose.io, which allows users to transfer their videos to other platforms like Google Drive or Dropbox. While the app is not free, it offers a free trial period for users to test it out.
Another method involves using the DevTools console in the Chrome browser to save all video links, transfer them to a spreadsheet, and then bulk download the videos using an online tool. This method is free but requires some technical knowledge and manipulation of code.
Lastly, there are browser extensions like myfaveTT that can help users download their content by favoriting videos from another account. This roundabout method may be effective for users who are unable to download their videos through traditional means.
Overall, there are several ways for TikTok creators to download their videos before the potential ban takes effect, each with its own advantages and challenges.