Extract Videos from Twitter DMs

By Blake Published February 8, 2025

Twitter DMs (Direct Messages) are a great way to share videos privately, but downloading these videos isn't always straightforward. Unlike tweets, where you can use a simple downloader, Twitter does not provide a built-in option to save videos from DMs. If you've ever wanted to save a video from a Twitter DM, this guide will show you exactly how to do it.

Quick Summary:

• Twitter DMs do not have a direct video download option.
• You can extract videos from Twitter DMs using screen recording, browser tools, or third-party apps.
• Using a Twitter Video Downloader for public tweets is a great alternative for saving videos easily.

Why Can’t You Download Videos Directly from Twitter DMs?

Twitter restricts the ability to download videos from DMs for privacy and security reasons. Unlike public tweets, where video content is accessible through media URLs, direct messages store videos in a more protected way, making them less accessible for direct downloads.

Best Methods to Extract Videos from Twitter DMs

1. Screen Recording (Fast & Simple)

The easiest way to save a video from a Twitter DM is by using your device’s screen recording feature.

Steps:

• iPhone:
  1. Open Settings > Control Center > Add Screen Recording.
  2. Open the Twitter DM with the video.
  3. Swipe down and tap Record.
  4. Play the video in full-screen mode.
  5. Stop the recording and trim the video in the Photos app.
• Android:
  1. Open the Twitter DM with the video.
  2. Swipe down and tap Screen Record (or use a third-party app like AZ Screen Recorder).
  3. Play the video and let the recording capture it.
  4. Stop the recording and edit the video as needed.

2. Using Browser Developer Tools (For Desktop Users)

If you're on a PC or Mac, you can extract Twitter DM videos using browser developer tools.

Steps:

1. Open Twitter in Google Chrome or Firefox.
2. Navigate to the DM containing the video.
3. Right-click on the video and select Inspect.
4. Look for a URL that ends in .mp4 within the Network tab.
5. Copy the link, paste it into a new tab, and right-click to Save Video As.

3. Using Third-Party Apps

There are a few apps that claim to help extract videos from Twitter DMs, but be cautious and ensure they are trustworthy before using them.

• TwiMate Downloader (Android)
• Documents by Readdle (iPhone, requires additional steps)

Steps:

1. Copy the video link (if possible) from the DM.
2. Paste it into a video downloader app.
3. Save the video file to your device.

Things to Keep in Mind

• Respect Privacy: Always get permission before saving or sharing someone’s private video.
• Beware of Scams: Avoid suspicious third-party apps that request excessive permissions.
• Quality Issues: Screen recordings may lower video quality, so use browser tools when possible.

The Best Way to Save Twitter Videos

While downloading videos from Twitter DMs isn’t as simple as saving public tweet videos, using screen recording or browser developer tools is the most reliable way. If you’re trying to save a video from a public tweet instead, a Twitter Video Downloader is your best option.

Now, you can keep those funny, informative, or memorable Twitter DM videos safe and accessible whenever you need them!