Streaming videos are a convenient way to watch content – mostly because you don’t have to wait for the video to finish downloading before beginning to watch it. However as much as that one defining benefit has led to its immense popularity, it is also its main limitation. Because you aren’t actually downloading the video file, if you ever want to watch streaming videos again you’ll need to re-stream it. That means that you can’t save online streaming videos offline, and if you have a limit on your mobile data you may be wasting it.
If you were able to save online streaming videos you could overcome that limitation, but unfortunately, most platforms don’t provide that feature. It’s an obvious thing that video streaming services won’t provide such downloading or saving features. It costs a lot to construct and run online video streaming platform. Depending on the service provider and the type of package you choose, it costs around $20,000 for service like Twitch. But the good news is that there are ways around it – and in fact, there are several options you could consider to download online streaming videos.
Web-Based Services to Save Online Streaming Videos
These are like one of those downloaders where URL is more than enough for downloading videos or whatever. Such platforms have a custom script running at the backend. There are many web-based services to save online streaming videos. Most work in the same way, and all you need to do is enter the URL of the video that you want to save and then download it from the link that will be provided.
Each service does have limitations, however, normally in terms of the video quality, maximum duration or file size, and the platforms that it can download from. Because it requires a URL, videos from within apps are generally not able to be downloaded. The best example includes videos hosted by JW player. However, we have provided a guide on how to download JW player videos.
Most of these services are free, but some may require a fee to remove certain limitations. Many also contain lots of advertising and pop-ups, so using an ad-blocker may make it a more pleasant experience.
Browser Extensions or Add-ons
Browser extensions or add-ons are plugins that enhance the functions in your web-browser – particularly for Chrome and Firefox. It isn’t too hard to find extensions designed to let you save online streaming videos, but you should be aware they take on two main forms.
The first type of browser extension to save streaming videos will essentially link to and utilize a web-based service, and function exactly the same way. The second however will scan the webpage that you’re on and attempt to identify the source of any videos that are streaming there. Being able to download directly from the video source will mean that you won’t have limitations in terms of the quality or duration. However, sometimes the extensions may not be able to locate the source, as it may be hidden in various ways.
In short, while this is a convenient option for downloading videos as you browse the internet, it is not foolproof.
Screen Recorders
Instead of downloading the video, the other option that you can use to save streaming videos is to record them from your screen and then save them. That requires the use of a screen recorder, though there are built-in basic screen recorders in Windows 10, MacOS Mojave, and iOS 11 onwards.
Compared to the other options, using screen recorders will enable you to record and save streaming video from any platform whatsoever – including from within apps. The only caveat is that it will normally take longer than downloading the video would since you will need to record the full duration of the video. To make it a little bit more convenient, you may want to consider screen recorders with tools to automate the recording. For example, if you use Movavi Screen Recorder as a Vevo downloader you could set a timer to stop recording automatically when it’s done, and don’t need to ‘babysit’ the recording.
Final Words,
As you can see each of the options listed above has its pros and cons, and it is up to you to decide which one you prefer. Between them, it is safe to say that you should have no problem saving any online streaming video that you want to, however.
To be completely honest the best thing to do would be to try out each method so you get a better idea of how it works and its limitations. That way when you do want to actually save a video, you will be able to immediately figure out which option you want to use – and won’t have to feel your way through it.
