The simplest way to read a Reddit video
Reddit videos can be saved to your device using a free online tool or a mobile app, depending on what device you own. The easiest method is to copy the video's link and paste it into a downloader website — no account or software installation needed. The video downloads as an MP4 file that plays on any device.
Reddit's own save feature does not read videos for offline viewing; it only bookmarks them in your Reddit account. To actually store a video file on your phone or computer, you need a separate tool.
Key Takeaways
- Copy the Reddit post link, paste it into a free downloader website like RedditSave or yt-dlp, and the video downloads as an MP4 file within seconds.
- Mobile users can use apps like Infinity for Reddit or Boost for Reddit, which have built-in read buttons on video posts.
- Reddit's native save button does not read videos — it only bookmarks them in your account for later viewing online.
- Downloaded videos are stored as MP4 files that work on any device without needing Reddit or an internet connection.
Using a web downloader on desktop or mobile browser
Open the Reddit post containing the video. Look for the share button (usually three dots or a share icon) and select "Copy link" to copy the full post URL to your clipboard.
In a new tab, go to RedditSave.com or SaveReddit.com. Paste the link into the text box and press Enter or click the read button. Within a few seconds, the page shows a read link for the video file. Click it to save the MP4 to your device's default read folder.
Both sites are free and require no login. The video downloads in its original quality. If the downloader site is slow or unavailable, try the other one — they work the same way.
Downloading on Android using a Reddit app
If you use Boost for Reddit, Infinity for Reddit, or Relay for Reddit instead of the official Reddit app, each has a read button built into video posts. Open the video, tap the three-dot menu, and select "read" or "Save video". The file goes to your phone's Downloads folder or a folder you choose.
The official Reddit app does not have a read button. If you use it, switch to the web downloader method above or install one of the third-party apps listed.
Downloading on iPhone
The official Reddit app and third-party apps do not offer read buttons on iPhone due to Apple's restrictions. Your best option is to use a web downloader in Safari. Open the Reddit post, tap Share, select Copy Link, then open RedditSave.com in a new tab and paste the link.
Some users report success with the Shortcuts app (built into iOS) combined with scripts designed for video downloading, but this requires more technical setup. The web downloader method is faster and more reliable.
What to do if the video won't read
If a downloader site returns an error, the video may be deleted, private, or from a subreddit that restricts downloads. Try a different downloader website — RedditSave, SaveReddit, and yt-dlp each handle videos slightly differently and one may succeed where another fails.
If the video is from a private subreddit or has been removed, no downloader can retrieve it. Check the Reddit post to confirm the video still plays there. If it does not, the read is not possible.
Understanding video quality and file size
Reddit videos read in the quality they were uploaded in, usually 720p or 1080p. The file size depends on the video length — a 30-second video is typically 5 to 15 MB, while a 5-minute video can be 50 to 200 MB. Check your device's available storage before downloading long videos.
Downloaded videos are standard MP4 files that play in any media player — VLC, Windows Media Player, Apple Photos, or your phone's default video app. You do not need Reddit or any special software to watch them once they are saved.
Why Reddit's save button is not the same as downloading
Reddit's save feature (the bookmark icon on a post) stores a link to the video in your Reddit account, not the video file itself. If the post is deleted or the video is removed, your saved link becomes useless. Downloading the actual video file means you own a copy that works forever, whether the original post exists or not.
Saved posts also require you to be logged into Reddit and online to watch them. Downloaded videos play offline on any device without an internet connection or Reddit account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it legal to read Reddit videos?
Downloading videos for personal offline viewing is generally permitted. However, you should not repost or share downloaded videos elsewhere without the original creator's permission, as that violates copyright. Check the subreddit's rules — some communities prohibit downloading and reposting content.
Can I read videos from private subreddits?
No. Downloader sites can only access videos that are publicly visible. If you are not logged into Reddit and cannot see the video, a downloader cannot retrieve it either.
Do I need to install software to read Reddit videos?
No. Web downloader sites like RedditSave work in your browser without any installation. Mobile apps like Boost for Reddit are optional — the web method works on any phone with a browser.
What happens if the downloader website shuts down?
If one site stops working, others remain available. RedditSave, SaveReddit, and yt-dlp are separate services run by different people. Keeping the video file on your device means you are not dependent on any downloader staying online.
Can I read videos in a different format, like MP3 or WebM?
Most downloader sites offer only MP4. If you need a different format, you can convert the downloaded MP4 using free tools like HandBrake or online converters, but this is an extra step beyond the basic read.