What Reddit Save does
Reddit’s Save command adds the post to the Saved area of your Reddit profile. On desktop, you can find saved posts from your profile’s Saved tab. On mobile, Reddit places them under the Saved area in the profile menu.
What a file download does
A download creates a separate MP4 or other file in your device storage. That file can remain available outside Reddit, but you still need the right to copy and reuse the media.
When Save is the better choice
Use Reddit Save when you only want to return to a post, keep the discussion attached, follow later comments or avoid creating another copy of somebody else’s work.
When a download may be appropriate
A file download makes sense for your own upload, content the creator gave you permission to save, public-domain media, or another use you have a lawful right to make.
Where each result appears
A saved post stays in Reddit. A downloaded file normally appears in Files → Downloads on iPhone, Downloads on Android, and the browser Downloads folder on Windows or Mac.
Practical checklist
- Need to revisit the post later? Use Reddit Save.
- Need an authorised offline file? Use a download.
- Need the comments and context? Keep the Reddit bookmark.
- Need sound in a Reddit-hosted MP4? Use a process that checks and merges both streams.
Official resource: Read the platform help page ↗