The 2025 Download Bible — Every Working Way to Save Any Video Online

Tutorials & Methods
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The Internet Won’t Let You Save It — But We Will.

:world_map: One-Line Flow:
Everything’s locked, DRM’s laughing, and you’re five clicks away from realizing “record the damn screen” was the only working downloader all along.

:light_bulb: Who’s This For & Why It’s Awesome:

  • For everyone who’s ever searched “how to download videos from any website” or begged Google for a “free, working video downloader” — this guide is your no-tech, all-truth playbook to save any stream, reel, or live video across every platform, without fake buttons or broken tools.

:brain: Lazy Game Plan

Pick a tool → Copy the link → Paste it → Hope it works
(If it doesn’t, scream once, then record the screen and go eat snacks.)

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:hammer_and_wrench: Tools That Actually Work

Tool What It Does Link
yt-dlp (EXE) The best command-line video thief yt-dlp.exe
yt-dlp GUI Same thief, fewer brain cells needed GUI Version
JDownloader 2 Paste a link, it does the rest jdownloader.org
Cobalt.tools Ad-free web downloader for 20+ platforms cobalt.tools
4K Video Downloader Batch downloads, playlists, GUI-friendly 4kdownload.com
FFmpeg Command-line beast for everything ffmpeg.org
M3U8 Vacuum Slices video into chunks and glues it back M3U8 Tool
Streamlink Plays livestreams in VLC like it’s still 2012 streamlink.github.io
OBS Studio Records your screen because websites are evil obsproject.com
Stream Recorder (Chrome) If it’s not locked, it’ll grab it Chrome Extension
DownloadHelper (Firefox) Sees what you see, downloads what it can Firefox Add-on
HLS Downloader (Chrome/Firefox) Browser extension that auto-grabs streams Chrome Web Store
NewPipe (Android) YouTube without the rules F-Droid Link
Seal (Android) Material Design yt-dlp wrapper GitHub Releases
YTDLnis (Android) Another yt-dlp Android GUI with terminal YTDLnis.com
VideoProc (Mac) All-in-one Mac video toolkit videoproc.com
QuickTime (Mac) Apple’s “meh” screen recorder Apple Support

:globe_with_meridians: Web-Based “Paste and Pray” Downloaders

No Software? No Problem

These work right in your browser. No install. No config. No excuses.

Tool Best For Link
Cobalt.tools YouTube, TikTok, Twitter, Instagram, Reddit cobalt.tools
SocialPlug.io Social media videos socialplug.io
BitDownloader Quick video grabs bitdownloader.io
SaveFrom.net Multi-platform support savefrom.net

How to use:

  1. Copy video link
  2. Paste into website
  3. Click download
  4. Done (or rage quit if it fails)

:rocket: What Normal People Should Try First

:green_circle: Easy Mode: Browser Extension

  1. Install Stream Recorder (Chrome) or DownloadHelper (Firefox)
  2. Play the video
  3. If the icon lights up, click it
  4. :tada: It either works or breaks your soul

:yellow_circle: Lazy Mode: JDownloader

  1. Open it
  2. Copy the video link
  3. It auto-detects the video
  4. Click “Start” → grab popcorn

:blue_circle: Semi-Geek Mode: yt-dlp GUI

  1. Unzip, launch yt-dlp interface.exe
  2. Paste your link
  3. Hit download
  4. Need login? Use “Import Cookies”
  5. Pray it doesn’t crash

:orange_circle: Web Mode: Cobalt.tools

  1. Open cobalt.tools
  2. Paste video URL
  3. Choose quality
  4. Download - no ads, no tracking

:red_circle: If Nothing Works: M3U8 Vacuum

  1. Open DevTools → Network
  2. Look for a .m3u8 file
  3. Copy it
  4. Drop it in N_m3u8DL-RE.exe
  5. Watch it stitch video chunks like Frankenstein

:mobile_phone: Phone Users, You’re Not Forgotten

Android:

Option 1: NewPipe

  • Install from F-Droid
  • Paste link → Tap download
  • Done. Go brag to your iPhone friends

Option 2: Seal (Most Popular in 2025)

  • Material You design, yt-dlp powered
  • Download from GitHub
  • Supports 1000+ platforms
  • Built-in aria2c for fast downloads

Option 3: YTDLnis

  • More advanced than Seal
  • Has built-in terminal for custom commands
  • Download from ytdlnis.com

iPhone:

Option 1: Screen Record

  • Swipe for Control Center
  • Tap the circle record button
  • Play the video fullscreen
  • Trim it later like a TikTok influencer

Option 2: Shortcuts App (The Hidden Gem)

  • Download R Download Shortcut or Ultimate Media Downloader
  • Copy video link
  • Run shortcut from Share menu
  • Redirects to downloader sites (YT5s, FDown, etc.)

Option 3: Story Saver Apps

  • InSaver, InstaDown for Instagram content
  • Available on App Store

:bullseye: Platform-Specific Quick Guides

TikTok (Without Watermark)

Web Tools:

How to:

  1. Open TikTok video
  2. Tap Share → Copy Link
  3. Paste in any tool above
  4. Download MP4 (watermark-free) or MP3

Instagram Reels

Web Tools:

How to:

  1. Open Reel
  2. Tap Share → Copy Link
  3. Paste into downloader
  4. Choose quality, download

Twitter/X Videos

Web Tools:

How to:

  1. Open tweet with video
  2. Share → Copy Link
  3. Paste into downloader
  4. Select quality, download

Facebook Videos

Web Tools:

Desktop Apps:

  • ByClick Downloader - Batch downloads
  • 4K Video Downloader - Reels and Stories

How to:

  1. Click Share on Facebook video
  2. Copy Link
  3. Paste into downloader
  4. Choose format, download

:desktop_computer: Mac-Specific Tools

Tool What It Does Free?
VideoProc Converter AI Downloads from 1000+ sites, AI upscaling Downloader free, extras paid
Downie Simple drag-and-drop $19.99
4K Video Downloader Playlist support, 3D/360° videos Free with limits
Airy YouTube-only, clean interface 2 free downloads
QuickTime Built-in screen recorder Free

:brain: Smart Tips for Your Sanity

Cookies = Your New Best Friend

  • Skip cookie headaches:
    yt-dlp --cookies-from-browser chrome <link>
  • Or use “Import Cookies” in GUI tools

M3U8 with Encryption

  • If .m3u8 uses a key:
    Add --key <KID>:<KEY> in M3U8 Vacuum

Livestreams

  • Use streamlink <url> best to pipe into VLC
  • Or just use OBS to record

Format Conversion

FFmpeg one-liners:

# MP4 to MP3
ffmpeg -i input.mp4 output.mp3

# MKV to MP4 (fast, no re-encode)
ffmpeg -i input.mkv -c copy output.mp4

# Extract audio only
ffmpeg -i video.mp4 -vn -acodec libmp3lame audio.mp3

# Batch convert all MP4s to MP3
for f in *.mp4; do ffmpeg -i "$f" "${f%.mp4}.mp3"; done

:warning: Dumb Moves to Avoid (But You’ll Do Anyway)

  • Changing .exo to .mp4 = digital heartbreak
  • “Free Netflix 4K Downloader.exe” = malware buffet
  • “This extension downloads ANYTHING!” = lies, lies, lies
  • Trusting sketchy APKs = say goodbye to your data

:test_tube: When Things Go Wrong (And They Will)

Problem Reality Slap Solution
360p only Site thinks you’re broke Import cookies so it knows you’re premium
Video dies halfway Your token expired. Congrats Refresh cookies and start over
M3U8 won’t download Missing headers or wrong URL Pass correct headers with --add-header
DRM/Widevine/FairPlay You’re out of luck See “For Sad People” section below
Geo-restricted Not available in your country Use VPN (NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Surfshark)
Age-restricted YouTube YouTube wants your ID Use yt-dlp with cookies or change URL to embed link
Private videos Owner blocked downloads Ask permission or screen record
Paywalled content Publisher wants money Clear cookies + incognito, use VPN, or archive sites
Expired download link Token timed out Refresh page, get new link, download faster

:unlocked: Bonus: Bypassing Restrictions

Geo-Restrictions (VPN Method)

  1. Get VPN (NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Surfshark)
  2. Connect to server in allowed country
  3. Download as normal
  4. Works with 4K Video Downloader + VPN combo

Age-Restricted Videos

Method 1: URL Trick

  • Change youtube.com/watch?v=VIDEO_ID
  • To: youtube.com/embed/VIDEO_ID

Method 2: NSFW Trick

  • Change youtube.com/...
  • To: nsfwyoutube.com/...

Method 3: yt-dlp with Cookies

yt-dlp --cookies-from-browser chrome <url>

Paywalled Articles/Videos

  1. Archive.is / Archive.org - View cached version
  2. 12ft.io - Removes most paywalls
  3. VPN - Reset article limits with new IP
  4. Incognito + Clear Cookies - Fresh start
  5. Bypass Paywalls Clean Extension - Find on GitHub

Private Videos

  • Some tools support private video downloads (GetfVid, FBDown for Facebook)
  • Otherwise: screen record or ask owner

:clapper_board: FOR SAD PEOPLE: The DRM/Protected Content Section

You want Netflix. You can’t afford Netflix. They won’t let you download it. Here’s what actually works in 2025.

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:green_circle: Super Beginner-Friendly Tools (If You Have 2 Brain Cells)

Browser Extensions (Literally Just Click)

HLS Downloader (Chrome/Firefox/Edge)

The absolute easiest thing that exists. Seriously. You can’t fuck this up.

  • Setup Time: 30 seconds
  • Difficulty: :star: Easiest

What it does:

  • Automatically detects video streams
  • One-click download
  • Works on 90% of streaming sites

How to:

  1. Install from Chrome Web Store
  2. Navigate to video page
  3. Extension auto-detects stream (icon lights up)
  4. Click icon → Click “Download”
  5. MP4 magically appears in your Downloads folder

Works on: Twitch, YouTube Live, some streaming sites

Stream Recorder (Chrome)

If HLS Downloader doesn’t work, try this.

  • Setup Time: 30 seconds
  • Difficulty: :star: Easiest

How to:

  1. Install from Chrome Web Store (search “Stream Recorder”)
  2. Play video
  3. Click extension icon
  4. Select quality
  5. Click download
  6. Done

Pro tip: Works on M3U8 streams that other tools miss

Video DownloadHelper (Firefox)

Firefox’s secret weapon.

  • Setup Time: 30 seconds
  • Difficulty: :star: Easiest

How to:

  1. Install from Firefox Add-ons
  2. Visit page with video
  3. Click icon → lists available streams
  4. Select stream → click download
  5. Grab coffee while it downloads

Desktop GUI Apps (Zero Command-Line Bullshit)

Streamlink + VLC Player

If you can open two programs, you can do this.

  • Setup Time: 5 minutes
  • Difficulty: :star::star: Easy

Installation:

  • Windows: Download installer from streamlink.github.io, click through setup
  • Mac: brew install streamlink
  • Linux: sudo apt install streamlink

Usage:

streamlink <STREAM_URL> best

That’s it. It opens in VLC automatically. Press record. Done.

Best for: Twitch, YouTube Live, sports streams

MediaInfo (Right-Click Video Analysis)

Want to know what codec/quality you’re downloading? This is stupid easy.

  • Setup Time: 1 minute
  • Difficulty: :star: Easiest

How to:

  1. Download from mediaarea.net/MediaInfo
  2. Install (just click next)
  3. Right-click any video file
  4. Select “MediaInfo”
  5. See all codec/bitrate/resolution info instantly

Online version (no install):

yt-dlp for Beginners

Yes, it’s a “command line” tool. But you literally just:

  • Setup Time: 5 minutes
  • Difficulty: :star::star: Easy

Windows:

  1. Download yt-dlp.exe from GitHub
  2. Put it on your Desktop
  3. Make a .bat file with:
    yt-dlp [VIDEO_URL]
pause
  4. Run the .bat file
  5. Done

Mac:

brew install yt-dlp
yt-dlp [VIDEO_URL]

Linux:

sudo apt install yt-dlp
yt-dlp [VIDEO_URL]

Or just use the GUI: Download yt-dlp GUI instead of command line.

Network Analysis (Spy on Websites)

Wireshark (See What’s Being Downloaded)

It looks scary. It’s actually not.

  • Setup Time: 10 minutes
  • Difficulty: :star::star::star: Medium

What it does:

  • Shows every file your computer downloads
  • Can find video streams being loaded
  • You become a network wizard

Installation:

Super Simple Usage:

  1. Launch Wireshark
  2. Select your network interface (WiFi or Ethernet)
  3. Click “Start capturing packets”
  4. Play the video in your browser
  5. Click “Stop”
  6. Filter: type http in the filter box
  7. Look for .mp4, .m3u8, or .ts files
  8. Right-click → “Follow HTTP Stream”
  9. Save what you find

YouTube Tutorials: Search “Wireshark Beginner Tutorial 2025”

Mitmproxy (HTTPS Traffic Inspector)

Like Wireshark but for HTTPS (which is most things now).

  • Setup Time: 10 minutes
  • Difficulty: :star::star::star: Medium

Installation:

  • Windows: Download installer from mitmproxy.org
  • Mac: brew install mitmproxy
  • Linux: sudo apt install mitmproxy

Easiest Mode (Web Interface):

mitmweb

This opens a browser window automatically. Then:

  1. Configure your browser to use proxy: 127.0.0.1:8080
  2. Visit streaming site
  3. Watch traffic in web interface
  4. Find .m3u8 or .mp4 requests
  5. Copy URL
  6. Download with yt-dlp or M3U8 Vacuum

Tutorials:

Simple Analysis Tools

FFmpeg (Swiss Army Knife)

Not just for downloading. Also for converting/fixing downloads.

  • Setup Time: 5 minutes
  • Difficulty: :star::star::star: Medium

Installation:

  • Windows: Download from ffmpeg.org, add to PATH
  • Mac: brew install ffmpeg
  • Linux: sudo apt install ffmpeg

Copy-Paste Commands:

# Convert format (auto codec selection)
ffmpeg -i video.mp4 output.webm

# Extract audio only
ffmpeg -i video.mp4 -vn audio.mp3

# Get video info
ffprobe video.mp4

# Batch convert all MP4s to MP3
for f in *.mp4; do ffmpeg -i "$f" "${f%.mp4}.mp3"; done

# Re-encode with lower bitrate (smaller file)
ffmpeg -i video.mp4 -b:v 2M compressed.mp4

# Extract specific time range
ffmpeg -i video.mp4 -ss 00:05:00 -to 00:10:00 -c copy clip.mp4

Tutorials:

:yellow_circle: When Streaming Gets Serious (DRM Screen Recording)

You’ve tried everything. Netflix still won’t let you download. Here’s the nuclear option.

EaseUS RecExperts (Windows/Mac)

Records protected content without the black screen bullshit.

  • Price: Free (basic), $20-40 (full features)
  • Setup Time: 2 minutes
  • Difficulty: :star: Easiest

How to:

  1. Download from recorder.easeus.com
  2. Launch app
  3. Select “Enhanced mode” (records DRM without black screen)
  4. Play Netflix/Disney+/HBO+ video
  5. Click “REC”
  6. Records in 8K quality
  7. No watermarks, no time limits
  8. Built-in video editor included

This is literally the easiest DRM solution.

Record it! (iPhone)

iPhone’s secret DRM recording weapon.

  • Price: Free (basic), $9.99 (Pro)
  • Setup Time: 30 seconds
  • Difficulty: :star: Easiest

How to:

  1. Install “Record it!” from App Store
  2. Open app
  3. Tap “Record”
  4. Open Netflix/streaming app
  5. Play video
  6. Records WITHOUT black screen (magic)
  7. Tap “Stop”
  8. Edit and save

This actually works. Try it.

OBS Studio (Free, All Platforms)

Open-source, free, no watermarks.

  • Price: Free
  • Setup Time: 5 minutes
  • Difficulty: :star::star: Easy

How to:

  1. Download from obsproject.com
  2. Launch OBS
  3. Add “Display Capture” source
  4. Play protected video
  5. Click “Start Recording”
  6. Records video + audio
  7. Free, no limits, no watermarks

Caveat: You’re recording your entire screen. Works but not elegant.

:purple_circle: Advanced Network Inspection (For Real Nerds)

Shaka Player (Browser-Based DASH/HLS Testing)

If you have a DASH or HLS manifest URL, test it here.

  • Price: Free
  • Setup Time: 0 seconds
  • Difficulty: :star: Easiest

How to:

  1. Open shaka-player-demo.appspot.com
  2. Paste DASH/HLS manifest URL
  3. Click play
  4. Open browser DevTools (F12)
  5. See DRM debug info in console
  6. Check if file is downloadable or protected

Video.js (HTML5 Player with DRM)

Test video streams with DRM support.

:mobile_phone: Mobile DRM Hacks

All Video Downloader 2025 (Android)

Works on social media videos with one tap.

  • Price: Free
  • Setup Time: 30 seconds

Features:

  • HD/4K quality downloads
  • No watermark
  • Built-in video player
  • Batch downloads
  • 100+ sites supported

Download: Play Store

Kingshiper Screen Recorder (Android Screen Mirroring)

Record DRM on Android by mirroring to PC.

  • Price: Free
  • Setup Time: 5 minutes

How to:

  1. Install Kingshiper on phone + PC
  2. Connect both to same WiFi
  3. Mirror phone screen to PC
  4. Record on PC while playing on phone
  5. Bypasses mobile DRM restrictions

:bar_chart: Quick Reference: Pick Your Weapon

Your Situation Use This Difficulty
“I just want the video” HLS Downloader or Stream Recorder :star:
“It’s a livestream” Streamlink + VLC :star::star:
“Nothing works with browser” Wireshark or Mitmproxy :star::star::star:
“Netflix won’t budge” EaseUS RecExperts or OBS :star:
“I’m on iPhone” Record it! app :star:
“I’m on Android” All Video Downloader 2025 :star:
“I need analysis” MediaInfo or FFprobe :star:
“DRM is unbreakable” Record your screen :star::star:
“I found an M3U8 file” M3U8 Vacuum or yt-dlp :star::star:
“I need everything at once” yt-dlp GUI or 4K Video Downloader :star::star:

:books: Recommended Learning Path (For Sad People)

Day 1: Browser Extensions

  • Install HLS Downloader or Stream Recorder
  • Try on any streaming site
  • Works? Congratulations, you’re done.

Day 2: If Extensions Failed

  • Try MediaInfo (understanding your file)
  • Download yt-dlp GUI (easiest command-line tool)
  • Copy-paste video URL into GUI, hit download

Day 3: When Everything Fails

  • Open DevTools (F12) → Network tab
  • Play video
  • Find .m3u8 or .mp4 request
  • Copy URL
  • Use yt-dlp or M3U8 Vacuum on that URL

Day 4: Advanced Inspection

  • Learn basic Wireshark (see all traffic)
  • Or use Mitmproxy web interface (easier)
  • Find video URLs in HTTPS traffic

Day 5: DRM Content

  • Accept that Widevine/FairPlay can’t be broken
  • Use EaseUS RecExperts or Record it! instead
  • Record screen like it’s 2010

All tools have video tutorials on YouTube - Search “[tool name] beginner tutorial”

:compass: The Reality Flowchart (Your Actual Workflow)

Try HLS Downloader
  ↓
Works? → DONE ✅
  ↓
No ↓
Try Stream Recorder
  ↓
Works? → DONE ✅
  ↓
No ↓
Open yt-dlp GUI
  ↓
Works? → DONE ✅
  ↓
No ↓
Open DevTools → Network tab
Play video
Look for .m3u8 or .mp4
  ↓
Find it? → Copy URL → Use M3U8 Vacuum → DONE ✅
  ↓
No ↓
Use Wireshark or Mitmproxy
  ↓
Still nothing? → Accept defeat
Record screen with OBS
  ↓
DONE ✅ (but sad)

:balance_scale: Legal Reminder

Don’t be an idiot:

  • Only download content you have rights to
  • Don’t redistribute copyrighted material
  • Don’t download Netflix/Disney+/HBO (they have lawyers)
  • Use for personal backup/offline viewing
  • Support creators when possible

:safety_pin: Final Thought (Reality Edition)

You’ll try the simple stuff
You’ll rage in DevTools
You’ll break your keyboard
Then you’ll record the screen
And eat snacks while it saves in real-time

And yes… that’s the correct workflow.

Last Updated: November 2025
Works On: Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS
Your Mileage May Vary: 1000%
Netflix’s Lawyers Hate This Guide: Confirmed

20 Likes
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I appreciate the author’s willingness to share their time and effort to make things easier for us

2 Likes
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i also appreciate the author, But if we get a tutorial, it would be very useful

5

Is this works on Netflix or not?

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This method doesn’t work on Netflix — Netflix uses heavy DRM protection (Widevine) which blocks all normal downloaders like yt-dlp, ffmpeg, browser extensions, and even DevTools tricks.

For Netflix, the only consistent method is screen recording (e.g., OBS), but even that might give a black screen unless you disable hardware acceleration in your browser.

:locked_with_key: If you still want to download from Netflix directly, you’ll need a specialized tool that works within legal limits, like this:
:backhand_index_pointing_right: StreamFab Netflix Downloader

It handles DRM internally by working through your login session and allows downloads for personal offline use (with language/subtitle settings, too).

But yeah — when the guide says “DRM-Locked & Evil”… it’s 100% talking about Netflix :sweat_smile:

4 Likes
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how to download klips from klap.app? unlimited or bypass?

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Method update! :woman_dancing:

2 Likes
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Whole topic updated! :woman_dancing: :people_with_bunny_ears:

2 Likes
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@srz wich one is the best for linkedin ?

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The topic of downloading videos from various websites remains incredibly interesting and extremely useful. During my research and testing, I attempted to create a universal script capable of downloading videos from most platforms. Unfortunately, a fully universal solution proved to be unfeasible due to the wide variety of content protections, stream formats, and DRM restrictions.

However, I did manage to develop a Tampermonkey script that works on about 70% of websites. It automates the process of extracting video links, but still needs improvement and doesn’t handle protected streams well.

This area continues to inspire further experimentation. Based on my experience so far, I plan to develop a more powerful and flexible tool that can handle a broader range of scenarios — including complex M3U8 streams, HLS, and even partially protected content.

1 Like