# Snapchat Video Downloader (`khadinakbar/snapchat-video-downloader`) Actor

Download public Snapchat Spotlight videos by video link, creator page, share link or the trending feed, with MP4 file, views, duration, creator and date. No login; works with Apify MCP and the API.

- **URL**: https://apify.com/khadinakbar/snapchat-video-downloader.md
- **Developed by:** [Khadin Akbar](https://apify.com/khadinakbar) (community)
- **Categories:** Social media, Videos, MCP servers
- **Stats:** 17 total users, 3 monthly users, 100.0% runs succeeded, 0 bookmarks
- **User rating**: No ratings yet

## Pricing

from $5.00 / 1,000 video downloadeds

This Actor is paid per event. You are not charged for the Apify platform usage, but only a fixed price for specific events.

Learn more: https://docs.apify.com/actors/running/actors-in-store.md#pay-per-event

## What's an Apify Actor?

An Actor is a serverless cloud program that runs on the Apify platform. It has two run modes.
In Batch mode, an Actor accepts a well-defined JSON input, performs an action which can take anything from a few seconds to a few hours,
and optionally produces a well-defined JSON output, datasets with results, or files in key-value store.
In Standby mode, an Actor provides a web server which can be used as a website, API, or an MCP server.

Apify vocabulary and the platform model are defined once, in the agent quickstart at https://apify.com/agents.md.

## How to integrate an Actor?

If asked about integration, you help developers integrate Actors into their projects.
You adapt to their stack and deliver integrations that are safe, well-documented, and production-ready.

Do not guess an integration path. Every one of them is in the agent quickstart at https://apify.com/agents.md: the Apify MCP server, Agent Skills with the Apify CLI, the JavaScript and Python clients, the REST API, and the account-free path for an agent with no human to sign in. It also carries the rule on stating cost before the first paid run.

For examples already wired to this Actor's own input schema, see the [API](#api) section below.

Each client library has reference documentation the quickstart does not restate: [JavaScript/TypeScript](https://docs.apify.com/api/client/js/docs.md) (`npm install apify-client`) and [Python](https://docs.apify.com/api/client/python/docs.md) (`pip install apify-client`).

# README

### What is Snapchat Video Downloader?

Snapchat Video Downloader turns public Snapchat Spotlight links into one row per video with a direct MP4 link, thumbnail, creator, view count, duration, size, caption and upload date. With `saveVideoToStore` on, each video is also saved as an MP4 file with a lasting download link. Paste a single video, a creator's Spotlight page, a short share link, or the Spotlight feed itself to collect trending videos. Social media managers, researchers, editors and AI agents use it to save and study Spotlight videos, with no Snapchat login.

### Why social teams use it

- **The actual file.** `saveVideoToStore` keeps each video as an MP4 in your run storage, with a link in `apifyVideoUrl`.
- **Trending in one link.** Paste `https://www.snapchat.com/spotlight` to collect what Spotlight is showing now.
- **Creator pages and share links.** `@user/spotlight` pages and `t.snapchat.com` short links work as well as single videos.
- **Views and timing.** `viewCount`, `durationMs` and `uploadDate` for every video.
- **Pay per video.** One charge per video resolved.

### How to use it

**Save today's trending Spotlight videos:**

```json
{
  "startUrls": ["https://www.snapchat.com/spotlight"],
  "saveVideoToStore": true,
  "maxResults": 20
}
```

**Download specific videos:**

```json
{
  "startUrls": [
    "https://www.snapchat.com/spotlight/W7_EDlXWTBiXAEEniNoMPwAAYaHZsb3NldHd0AaClv7r3AaClvduJAAAAAw",
    "https://www.snapchat.com/spotlight/W7_EDlXWTBiXAEEniNoMPwAAYZnB0dnN4Y2FhAZ_YoOpIAZ_YoOoYAAAAAQ"
  ],
  "saveVideoToStore": true
}
```

| Input | What it controls |
|---|---|
| `startUrls` | Spotlight video links, creator Spotlight pages, short share links, or the Spotlight feed. Required. |
| `saveVideoToStore` | Save each MP4 to the run's key-value store (default on) |
| `maxResults` | Videos to download per run (default 50) |
| `proxyConfiguration` | Apify Proxy settings; Residential by default |

Want the creator's profile and contact details too? Continue with **Snapchat Email Scraper** linked below.

### Output: Snapchat video data you receive

A real row from the Spotlight feed (creator replaced with an example, links shortened):

```json
{
  "canonicalUrl": "https://www.snapchat.com/@example_creator/spotlight/W7_EDlXWTBiXAEEniNoMPwAAYaHZsb3NldHd0AaClv7r3AaClvduJAAAAAw",
  "videoId": "W7_EDlXWTBiXAEEniNoMPwAAYaHZsb3NldHd0AaClv7r3AaClvduJAAAAAw",
  "downloadUrl": "https://bolt-gcdn.sc-cdn.net/u/MSMmzn7wRAr3d7ySzleaX.27.IRZXSOY?mo=...",
  "thumbnailUrl": "https://bolt-gcdn.sc-cdn.net/u/MSMmzn7wRAr3d7ySzleaX.256.IRZXSOY?mo=...",
  "title": "Spotlight Snap",
  "creatorUsername": "example_creator",
  "creatorUrl": "https://www.snapchat.com/@example_creator",
  "viewCount": 114484,
  "durationMs": 6270,
  "width": 540,
  "height": 960,
  "uploadDate": "2026-09-15T15:44:38.281Z",
  "apifyVideoUrl": "https://api.apify.com/v2/key-value-stores/Xx0hpUWfTiyGwWHDn/records/video-W7_EDlXWTBiXAEEniNoMPw...",
  "fileSizeBytes": 779481,
  "scrapedAt": "2026-10-01T14:33:33.731Z"
}
```

| Field | What it contains |
|---|---|
| `canonicalUrl`, `videoId` | The video and its stable ID |
| `downloadUrl`, `thumbnailUrl` | Direct MP4 and preview image from Snapchat |
| `apifyVideoUrl`, `fileSizeBytes` | Your saved MP4 copy and its size, with `saveVideoToStore` |
| `title`, `description`, `hashtags` | Caption text and tags |
| `creatorUsername`, `creatorName`, `creatorUrl` | Who posted it |
| `viewCount`, `durationMs`, `width`, `height` | Reach, length and resolution |
| `uploadDate`, `scrapedAt` | When it was posted and collected |

### Example workflow: a weekly trend board

A short-form video team studies what works on Spotlight. Every Monday a task collects 50 videos from the Spotlight feed with `saveVideoToStore` on. They sort by `viewCount`, watch the saved files, and tag formats and hooks. For creators they want to work with, they look up contact routes with [Snapchat Email Scraper](https://apify.com/khadinakbar/snapchat-email-scraper).

### Pricing

This Actor uses **Pay per event**. Apify platform usage is included in the event price. You pay one event per video resolved, plus a start event per run. The live Pricing tab on this page shows the current price.

- 20 videos = 20 video events.
- Saving MP4 files comes at no extra event charge.
- `maxResults` caps each run, so it doubles as a cost ceiling.

### Video research with AI agents (MCP)

Connect this Actor to an AI agent through [Apify MCP](https://mcp.apify.com) and ask in plain language:

> Get the 10 Spotlight videos trending right now and list them by views with their length and creator.

Agent checklist:

1. Put links in `startUrls`; use the Spotlight feed link for trending videos.
2. Keep `saveVideoToStore` on when the user wants files.
3. Read rows with `get-dataset-items`; sort by `viewCount`.
4. Share `apifyVideoUrl` for downloads.

### API example

```bash
curl -X POST "https://api.apify.com/v2/acts/khadinakbar~snapchat-video-downloader/run-sync-get-dataset-items" \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer $APIFY_TOKEN" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{"startUrls": ["https://www.snapchat.com/spotlight"], "maxResults": 10}'
```

### Related video tools from the same developer

| Your next step | Use | Why |
|---|---|---|
| When you then want creator contact details | [Snapchat Email Scraper](https://apify.com/khadinakbar/snapchat-email-scraper) | Profile data and public emails |
| When you want creator profile data | [Snapchat Profile Scraper](https://apify.com/khadinakbar/snapchat-profile-scraper) | Public Snapchat profiles |
| When you save Instagram Reels | [Instagram Video Downloader](https://apify.com/khadinakbar/instagram-video-downloader) | Reel and video links with stats |
| When you download from many sites | [All-in-One Media Downloader](https://apify.com/khadinakbar/all-in-one-media-downloader) | Videos or audio from many supported sites |

### Best results

| Starting situation | Helpful action | Expected outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Tracking trends | Use the Spotlight feed link on a schedule | Fresh trending videos each run |
| Archiving a creator | Paste their `@user/spotlight` link | Their public Spotlight videos |
| Links from the app | Paste `t.snapchat.com` short links | The full video each points to |
| Metadata only | Turn off `saveVideoToStore` | Faster rows with direct links |

### Builder's note

I found that Snapchat's direct video links are handy but short-lived, so saving each MP4 to storage gives you a link that keeps working after the run. I learned that most people start from the Spotlight feed itself, so that single link returns a full set of trending videos.

### FAQ

#### Do I need a Snapchat account?

No. The Actor reads public Spotlight videos and needs no login.

#### Which links work?

Single Spotlight videos, creator Spotlight pages (`snapchat.com/@name/spotlight`), `t.snapchat.com` share links and the Spotlight feed.

#### How long do the download links last?

Snapchat's `downloadUrl` is temporary. `apifyVideoUrl` stays available for your storage retention period.

#### Can it download private Snaps or Stories?

It works with public Spotlight videos only.

#### What does the feed link return?

The Spotlight videos Snapchat shows publicly at the time of the run, up to `maxResults`.

### Responsible use

This Actor downloads public Spotlight videos. Download only content you have permission to use, respect creators' copyright, and follow Snapchat's terms. Read Apify's guide on [whether web scraping is legal](https://blog.apify.com/is-web-scraping-legal/) for more context. Snapchat is a trademark of Snap Inc. This independent Actor is not affiliated with, associated with, or endorsed by Snap Inc. For questions or bugs, open a ticket in the Issues tab.

# Changelog

This Actor's version history is a separate document: https://apify.com/khadinakbar/snapchat-video-downloader/changelog.md

# Actor input Schema

## `startUrls` (type: `array`):

Public Snapchat Spotlight video URLs to download. Accepts individual video URLs like 'https://www.snapchat.com/spotlight/W7_EDl...', '@username/spotlight/<id>' links, 't.snapchat.com/...' short links (redirects are followed), or the bare Spotlight feed 'https://www.snapchat.com/spotlight' to grab the current top trending videos (up to maxResults). NOT for Stories, Memories, Lenses, or private profiles — those are login-gated and unsupported.

## `saveVideoToStore` (type: `boolean`):

When true, the actor downloads the actual MP4 bytes into its key-value store and returns a permanent Apify download link ('apifyVideoUrl') alongside the direct CDN 'downloadUrl'. When false, only the direct CDN 'downloadUrl' is returned (faster, cheaper, but the CDN link is time-limited). Defaults to true.

## `maxResults` (type: `integer`):

Hard cap on how many videos to download and charge for in one run, regardless of how many URLs are supplied. Protects against accidental large bills. Defaults to 50. Set to the exact number of URLs you expect for tightest cost control.

## `proxyConfiguration` (type: `object`):

Proxy settings. Defaults to Apify Residential proxies, which Snapchat's web pages serve reliably. Leave as default unless you have a specific reason to change it.

## Actor input object example

```json
{
  "startUrls": [
    "https://www.snapchat.com/spotlight/W7_EDlXWTBiXAEEniNoMPwAAYcXNyam10cWZvAZzJJZEmAZzJJNj4AAAAAQ"
  ],
  "saveVideoToStore": true,
  "maxResults": 50,
  "proxyConfiguration": {
    "useApifyProxy": true,
    "groups": [
      "RESIDENTIAL"
    ]
  }
}
```

# Actor output Schema

## `videos` (type: `string`):

Dataset of resolved Snapchat videos with download links and metadata.

## `files` (type: `string`):

Key-value store holding saved MP4 files (when saveVideoToStore is enabled).

# API

You can run this Actor programmatically using our API. Below are code examples in JavaScript, Python, and CLI, as well as the OpenAPI specification and MCP server setup.

## JavaScript example

```javascript
import { ApifyClient } from 'apify-client';

// Initialize the ApifyClient with your Apify API token
// Replace the '<YOUR_API_TOKEN>' with your token
const client = new ApifyClient({
    token: '<YOUR_API_TOKEN>',
});

// Prepare Actor input
const input = {
    "startUrls": [
        "https://www.snapchat.com/spotlight"
    ]
};

// Run the Actor and wait for it to finish
const run = await client.actor("khadinakbar/snapchat-video-downloader").call(input);

// Fetch and print Actor results from the run's dataset (if any)
console.log('Results from dataset');
console.log(`💾 Check your data here: https://console.apify.com/storage/datasets/${run.defaultDatasetId}`);
const { items } = await client.dataset(run.defaultDatasetId).listItems();
items.forEach((item) => {
    console.dir(item);
});

// 📚 Want to learn more 📖? Go to → https://docs.apify.com/api/client/js/docs

```

## Python example

```python
from apify_client import ApifyClient

# Initialize the ApifyClient with your Apify API token
# Replace '<YOUR_API_TOKEN>' with your token.
client = ApifyClient("<YOUR_API_TOKEN>")

# Prepare the Actor input
run_input = { "startUrls": ["https://www.snapchat.com/spotlight"] }

# Run the Actor and wait for it to finish
run = client.actor("khadinakbar/snapchat-video-downloader").call(run_input=run_input)

# Fetch and print Actor results from the run's dataset (if there are any)
print(f"💾 Check your data here: https://console.apify.com/storage/datasets/{run.default_dataset_id}")
for item in client.dataset(run.default_dataset_id).iterate_items():
    print(item)

# 📚 Want to learn more 📖? Go to → https://docs.apify.com/api/client/python/docs/quick-start

```

## CLI example

```bash
echo '{
  "startUrls": [
    "https://www.snapchat.com/spotlight"
  ]
}' |
apify call khadinakbar/snapchat-video-downloader --silent --output-dataset

```

## MCP server setup

```json
{
    "mcpServers": {
        "apify": {
            "type": "http",
            "url": "https://mcp.apify.com/?tools=fetch-actor-details,khadinakbar/snapchat-video-downloader"
        }
    }
}
```

The hosted server signs you in with OAuth on first connect, so no API token belongs in this config. Clients without OAuth support can send an `Authorization: Bearer <APIFY_API_TOKEN>` header instead, using a token from API & Integrations in Apify Console (https://console.apify.com/settings/integrations).

## OpenAPI specification

Download the OpenAPI definition: https://api.apify.com/v2/actors/ZxqInhd9VhLFNd6Oh/builds/sgYQHdWcXX6B4yu6z/openapi.json