Telegram is a popular messaging application known for its strong privacy settings, cloud-based architecture, and support for multimedia sharing. Many users rely on Telegram not just for messaging but also for sharing videos, documents, and other media. For those using Telegram on a PC or Mac, saving videos for offline viewing or archiving is a common task. This guide will walk you through the steps required to download videos using the Telegram desktop app, along with some useful tips and frequently asked questions.
How to Save Videos on Telegram Desktop App
Saving videos on Telegram is relatively straightforward whether you are using a Windows PC or a Mac. Below are the step-by-step instructions to ensure a seamless experience.
Step 1: Install the Telegram Desktop App
To begin, make sure you have the desktop version of Telegram installed on your computer. If not:
- Visit the official Telegram site at desktop.telegram.org.
- Choose Windows or macOS depending on your operating system.
- Download and install the app.
Once installed, open the Telegram app and log in using your phone number and verification code sent via SMS or Telegram mobile app.
Step 2: Find the Video You Want to Save
Navigate to the chat or channel where the video was shared. Telegram allows media to be shared in personal chats, group chats, and public/private channels. Scroll through your messages or use the search function for quicker access.

Step 3: Download the Video
Once you locate the video:
- Hover your mouse over the video thumbnail or preview.
- A download icon (⬇️) will appear. Click on it.
- The video will begin downloading and store temporarily in Telegram’s local folder.
Alternatively, right-click on the video message and select Save As or Download depending on your operating system.
Step 4: Save Permanently to Your Computer
After the video is downloaded, you can save it to a specific folder:
- Click the three-dot menu (⋮) or right-click the downloaded video.
- Select “Save File As…”.
- Choose your desired folder and rename the file if needed.
- Click Save to move the file to your selected location.

Tips for Managing Telegram Downloads
- Clear Cache Regularly: Videos are temporarily stored in Telegram’s cache. Clearing this can free up space.
- Set a Download Folder: In Telegram settings, go to Advanced > Downloads and choose a specific folder for all downloads.
- Enable Auto-Download: You can enable auto-download for videos from settings so that they are downloaded without needing to click manually.
FAQ: Saving Telegram Videos on PC or Mac
- Q: Can I save videos from private groups or secret chats?
- A: Yes, but only if the sender permits downloads. In secret chats, forwarding and saving may be restricted for privacy.
- Q: Where do Telegram videos get stored by default?
- A: Telegram temporarily stores them in a hidden cache folder. You must manually move them to a specific folder for permanent access.
- Q: What video formats are supported on Telegram?
- A: Telegram supports all common formats like MP4, MKV, AVI, and MOV. However, MP4 is the most compatible across platforms.
- Q: Can I download videos from Telegram Web?
- A: Telegram Web does allow media download by right-clicking videos and choosing “Save video as…,” but the interface might be less intuitive than the desktop app.
- Q: How can I find all videos shared in a chat?
- A: Open the chat, click on the person’s or group’s name at the top, then go to the Media tab to filter all shared videos.
With these steps and tips, any Telegram user can easily save videos on their PC or Mac for offline use, archiving, or sharing through other platforms. Whether it’s a funny clip from a friend or an important file from a professional group chat, having the ability to download Telegram videos enhances your user experience significantly.