Yes, it is possible to save a video from LinkedIn for offline viewing or sharing. LinkedIn allows users to upload and share videos as part of their posts, which can contain valuable educational or promotional content. While LinkedIn does not have a built-in feature to download videos directly, there are a few methods users can use to save LinkedIn videos to their device.
In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide on the different ways to save a video from LinkedIn. The main options include using a web browser extension, copying the video URL to download the video file, or using a third-party website downloader. Each method has its pros and cons which we will discuss in detail. Readers will also learn how to save the videos in the optimal format for sharing and offline access.
Methods to Save a LinkedIn Video
There are three main methods you can use to save a video from LinkedIn:
1. Use a Browser Extension
The easiest way to save a LinkedIn video is by using a browser extension or add-on designed for downloading online videos. Most major browsers like Chrome, Firefox, Opera, and Edge have extensions that allow saving videos with just a click.
Some popular LinkedIn video downloader extensions include:
– Video DownloadHelper – Works on Chrome, Firefox and Edge. Automatically detects videos on a webpage. Lets you download the videos in different formats and quality. Free version available.
– FastestTube – For Chrome. Can download entire YouTube and Facebook playlists. Simple click and save interface. Free browser extension.
– Nimbus Capture – For Chrome and Firefox. Allows screencasting and advanced video/audio downloads from many sites. Has a free version with limited downloads.
To use a browser extension to download LinkedIn videos:
- Install the extension on your web browser.
- Go to the LinkedIn video post you want to save.
- The extension button will appear on top. Click it to scan the page.
- Select the download format and quality if prompted.
- Click the extension’s download button. The video will be saved to your computer.
The advantage of using a browser extension is it’s quick and easy. Just one click enables downloading videos not just from LinkedIn but any website. Extensions work on mobile browsers too. The downside is you have to install new software and learn how a particular extension works. Some free versions have limited functionality.
2. Copy Video URL to Download
Rather than install new software, you can use your web browser itself to save LinkedIn videos with these steps:
- Go to the LinkedIn video you want and play it.
- Copy the video’s URL from the address bar.
- Go to a free online video downloader like SaveFrom.net, Online Video Converter or KeepVid.
- Paste the LinkedIn video URL into the downloader website.
- Select a download format like MP4 and click Download.
- The video file will be saved to your device.
This method works because the video URL contains the location of the actual video file. Online downloaders simply fetch this video file and let you save it. An advantage here is no extension installation required. Just copying and pasting the video link is enough. The limitation is having to go through additional websites to download each video.
3. Use a Third-Party Website Downloader
There are also dedicated third-party websites and tools you can use to download videos from many major platforms including LinkedIn. Examples include websites like SnapSave, SaveVideo, GetFvid and more.
To use these LinkedIn video savers:
- Go to the site and paste the LinkedIn video URL into the prompted field.
- Select the desired download format e.g. MP4 and video quality.
- Click the website’s Download button and the video will begin downloading.
- Some sites may require completing a CAPTCHA or clicking an ad before downloading.
The process is very similar to using an online downloader. The advantage of video saver websites is you don’t need to install any additional software. The drawback is slower and more interrupted downloads due to ads and bandwidth limits on free versions.
Factors to Consider When Saving LinkedIn Videos
When using any of the above methods to download LinkedIn videos, keep these important factors in mind:
Video Format
Always try to save the videos in MP4 format. MP4 provides the best balance of quality and file size. This format is supported by almost all media players and devices. Other formats to consider are WEBM and MOV. Avoid FLV, WMV or other proprietary formats with limited device support.
Video Resolution
Choose the highest resolution available like 720p or 1080p for the best quality. Higher resolution has sharper image quality but results in larger file sizes. For sharing shorter clips on social media, 480p or 720p is sufficient.
Audio Quality
Download the videos with the source audio quality intact. Avoid files that re-encode or compress the audio, making it sound flat or distorted from the original.
Subtitles and Captions
Many LinkedIn videos have subtitles or closed captions available. Try to download the videos with this included as an SRT file or embedded captions if the option is available.
File Size Limitations
Some download methods impose a cap on maximum file size, only allowing videos shorter than 10-15 minutes to be saved. Longer videos may need a premium account. Breaking up lengthy videos into multiple parts can also help get around size limits.
Copyright Issues
While downloading your own LinkedIn videos is usually fine, saving others’ content without permission raises copyright concerns. Avoid re-uploading other users’ videos without express consent.
How to Share and Watch Saved LinkedIn Videos
After downloading LinkedIn videos to your computer or device, there are several ways you can access and share them:
Play Videos Locally
Use your device’s default media player app like Windows Media Player, QuickTime or VLC. You can also play the MP4 files on any smartphone. For easy access, create a designated “LinkedIn Videos” folder and move files there.
Watch on Mobile Devices
Transfer saved videos to phones or tablets using a USB cable or cloud storage service like Google Drive. The MP4 format will play smoothly in iOS and Android media apps. You can also store the files offline on the device.
Upload to Media Sites
Upload downloaded LinkedIn videos to platforms like YouTube and Vimeo to embed them on your website or share with wider audiences. Just ensure you have the legal right to redistribute the content.
Share through Email & Messaging
Email MP4 video files directly as attachments. Share shorter clips through messaging apps like WhatsApp by sending the video file. However, compression may reduce quality. Use cloud links for full-quality sharing.
Post on Social Media
You can upload saved LinkedIn videos to Facebook, Twitter and other social networks. Their compression may lower video quality, so sharing clips under 60 seconds long is ideal.
View Offline
Watch saved videos anytime without an internet connection. This helps preserve mobile data usage. Useful when traveling or with limited connectivity.
Other FAQs about Saving LinkedIn Videos
Here are some additional commonly asked questions about downloading videos from LinkedIn:
Is it illegal to download LinkedIn videos?
Generally, no. Downloading your own LinkedIn videos that you have permission to access is perfectly legal. However, downloading or re-sharing other users’ content without approval may violate copyright. Always check the video owner’s sharing preferences first.
Can I download an entire LinkedIn Learning course?
Usually not, unless you use specialized software to simulate course access. LinkedIn Learning intentionally limits video downloads to protect its premium content. You can only save them one video at a time.
Does LinkedIn notify someone if you save their video?
No, LinkedIn does not sent notifications when another user downloads or shares your public videos. The original uploader will not know if their content gets saved by someone else privately.
What are the limits on video length I can download?
Most LinkedIn download methods work reliably for videos up to 20-30 minutes long. Beyond that, you may need to split files or use a premium tool. Length limits depend on the website and your account status.
Can I download private LinkedIn videos shared only with me?
Generally no – private videos are restricted by LinkedIn from downloads to protect content owners’ rights. You would need specialized software to capture streamed video before encryption.
Is there any way to batch download multiple LinkedIn videos?
Yes, some premium downloader tools like 4K Video Downloader or DVDFab support batch downloading entire playlists or channels. Browser extensions can also automate queuing of multiple video URLs.
Conclusion
In summary, LinkedIn users have several options to save videos posted on the platform for personal use. Browser extensions provide quick single-click downloads while online converters let you paste video URLs to save files. Dedicated third-party tools offer advanced quality control but may have ads or size limits.
Always aim to preserve the original video quality as much as possible. MP4 is the best format for portability and device support. Avoid copyright issues by only downloading your own content or respecting others’ sharing preferences. The saved LinkedIn videos can then be conveniently watched offline, uploaded to media sites or shared through email and messaging apps.