Where does the file go on Mac?
The default folder
Chrome on Mac saves to /Users/<username>/Downloads by default; Safari saves to the folder set in Safari › Settings › General › File download location.
Finding it right after the download
Click Safari's downloads button near the top-right of the window; in Chrome, use the download icon next to the address bar.
Mac at a glance
| Question | Answer on Mac |
|---|---|
| Browser | Safari or Chrome |
| Where the file lands | Chrome on Mac saves to /Users/<username>/Downloads by default; Safari saves to the folder set in Safari › Settings › General › File download location. |
| How to see it | Click Safari's downloads button near the top-right of the window; in Chrome, use the download icon next to the address bar. |
| Opens with | QuickTime Player |
| Change the folder | Safari › Settings › General › File download location. Chrome: Settings › Downloads › Change. |
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 Mac with | QuickTime Player |
| Preset on this page | Spotlight downloader |
Which app opens it on Mac?
QuickTime Player.
How do you keep it with your photos?
Drag the file from Downloads to the folder you want in Finder; select it and press Space to preview it with Quick Look.
What should you know on Mac?
Preview does not play animated GIFs; use Quick Look or a browser.
What if the download does not show up on Mac?
- Check the Downloads folder first: Click Safari's downloads button near the top-right of the window; in Chrome, use the download icon next to the address bar.
- 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 Mac?
Which other devices are covered?
Other tools
Frequently asked questions
Where do downloaded Snapchat Spotlight videos go on Mac?
Chrome on Mac saves to /Users/<username>/Downloads by default; Safari saves to the folder set in Safari › Settings › General › File download location.
How do I find a downloaded Snapchat file on Mac?
Click Safari's downloads button near the top-right of the window; in Chrome, use the download icon next to the address bar.
Which app opens the file on Mac?
QuickTime Player.
Can I choose another download folder on Mac?
Safari › Settings › General › File download location. Chrome: Settings › Downloads › Change.
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 or Chrome), 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.