Where does the file go on iPhone?
The default folder
Safari saves downloads to the Downloads folder of the Files app (Files › Browse › Downloads), according to Apple.
Finding it right after the download
Right after a download, tap the Downloads button next to Safari's search field to see the file.
iPhone at a glance
| Question | Answer on iPhone |
|---|---|
| Browser | Safari |
| Where the file lands | Safari saves downloads to the Downloads folder of the Files app (Files › Browse › Downloads), according to Apple. |
| How to see it | Right after a download, tap the Downloads button next to Safari's search field to see the file. |
| Opens with | Files previews it; touch and hold › Open With to choose another app |
| Change the folder | Settings › Apps › Safari › Downloads: choose iCloud Drive, On My iPhone or Other. |
What do you get?
Spotlight is Snapchat's public feed of short videos. A profile page lists its recent Spotlight snaps with the view count, length and upload date, and each one saves as an MP4. In our test a 43-second Spotlight snap was a 540×960 MP4 of 3.8 MB with an AAC sound track.
| Detail | Spotlight from Snapchat |
|---|---|
| File extension | .mp4 |
| Format | the MP4 file of the Spotlight snap |
| Largest version | the MP4 Snapchat serves for Spotlight, 540×960 in our tests |
| Opens on iPhone with | Files previews it; touch and hold › Open With to choose another app |
| Preset on this page | Spotlight downloader |
Which app opens it on iPhone?
Files previews it; touch and hold › Open With to choose another app.
How do you keep it with your photos?
Photos and videos you save from Safari appear in Photos › Recently Saved. A file downloaded as a file stays in Files; touch and hold it and choose Open With to pick the app that should open it.
What should you know on iPhone?
If Safari is set to save to iCloud Drive, the file appears in iCloud Drive › Downloads instead of On My iPhone.
What if the download does not show up on iPhone?
- Check Files › Downloads first: Right after a download, tap the Downloads button next to Safari's search field to see the file.
- Make sure the profile is public. Friends-only Stories and private accounts cannot be read without logging in, and this tool never asks for a Snapchat password.
- Download links expire after one hour. If a button stops working, look the username up again.
- Stories disappear from Snapchat after a while; if a snap is gone from the profile, it is gone here too.
What else can you save on iPhone?
Which other devices are covered?
Other tools
Frequently asked questions
Where do downloaded Snapchat Spotlight videos go on iPhone?
Safari saves downloads to the Downloads folder of the Files app (Files › Browse › Downloads), according to Apple.
How do I find a downloaded Snapchat file on iPhone?
Right after a download, tap the Downloads button next to Safari's search field to see the file.
Which app opens the file on iPhone?
Files previews it; touch and hold › Open With to choose another app.
Can I choose another download folder on iPhone?
Settings › Apps › Safari › Downloads: choose iCloud Drive, On My iPhone or Other.
What is the best quality I can get?
The MP4 Snapchat serves for Spotlight, 540×960 in our tests. The tool never upscales a file or relabels it as HD or 4K.
Do I need an app or a Snapchat account?
No. It runs in the browser (Safari), with no sign-up and no app to install.
Is SnapViewer part of Snapchat?
No. SnapViewer is an independent tool and is not affiliated with Snap Inc. It only reads public profiles.
Can I see private or friends-only content?
No. Only public profiles and public Stories can be read without logging in. Anything shared with friends only is out of reach, by design.
Is the Spotlight video in HD?
It is the MP4 Snapchat serves, 540×960 in our tests. We show what we get and never call it HD or 4K.
Does the video keep its sound?
Yes, when the snap has sound: the MP4 carries the AAC sound track.
Guides
Spotlight — Save public Spotlight videos as MP4, with views and length shown.
Sources
- Find your downloads on iPhone or iPad — Apple
- Find your downloaded files on iPhone — Apple
- Customize your Safari settings on iPhone — Apple
- Find recently saved photos and videos on iPhone — Apple
- Find and view files and folders in Files on iPhone — Apple
- Download a file (Chrome on iPhone and iPad) — Google
- Media container formats: MPEG-4 (MDN) — MDN