With LinkedIn becoming an increasingly popular platform for sharing professional videos and content, many users want the ability to save or download these videos for offline viewing or sharing. However, LinkedIn does not provide a built-in download option for videos posted to the platform. This leaves many wondering if there is a third party app or workaround that allows downloading videos from LinkedIn.
Why Download LinkedIn Videos?
There are several reasons why someone may want to download a video from LinkedIn rather than simply watching it on the platform:
- To view the video offline when internet access is limited
- To share the video with others via email, messaging apps, etc.
- To archive or save important videos for future reference
- To edit or repurpose the video content
- To avoid losing access to the video if it is deleted from LinkedIn
For marketing professionals, downloading relevant videos can be useful for analyzing things like length, formatting, content, and more. For individuals, it allows saving influential and educational videos to revisit anytime. Overall, the ability to download LinkedIn videos provides more flexibility in how the content can be consumed.
LinkedIn’s Video Download Policy
LinkedIn’s user agreement specifically prohibits downloading or scraping content from the platform without permission. The relevant section states:
“You agree that you will not engage in any of the following prohibited activities: (i) copying, distributing, or disclosing any part of the Services in any medium, including without limitation by any automated or non-automated ‘scraping’; (ii) using any automated system, including without limitation ‘robots,’ ‘spiders,’ ‘offline readers,’ etc., to access the Services in a manner that sends more request messages to the LinkedIn servers than a human can reasonably produce in the same period of time by using a conventional on-line web browser…”
This means that even if a third-party app exists for downloading LinkedIn videos, using it would technically violate LinkedIn’s terms of service. Users who need to save LinkedIn videos for offline use should first seek permission from the video owner and credit them appropriately.
Workarounds for Downloading LinkedIn Videos
While outright downloading LinkedIn videos with a third-party app is not permitted, some workarounds exist for those who need access to the content offline:
Screen Recording
Screen recording software like QuickTime on Mac or Game Bar on Windows 10 can be used to record your screen while playing a LinkedIn video. The video can then be saved to your device. This results in a new video file that can be watched offline.
Browser Extensions
Some Chrome and Firefox extensions like Video DownloadHelper allow detecting and downloading embedded videos on web pages. However, browser extensions that download LinkedIn videos without permission could still be considered scraping.
Requesting Consent
The best approach is to ask the video owner for permission to download or screen record their content. Many are willing to provide the original video file for legitimate purposes if asked and credited properly. This is the only way to download LinkedIn videos that fully complies with their policies.
Third-Party Apps for Downloading LinkedIn Videos
While we do not recommend violating LinkedIn’s terms of service, here are some third-party apps claimed to allow downloading videos from LinkedIn:
| App Name | Platform | Download Method |
|---|---|---|
| SaveFromNet | Chrome Extension | Identifies and downloads embedded videos |
| GetFLV | Windows | Website video downloader |
| 4K Video Downloader | Windows, Mac, Linux | Downloads videos from many websites |
| Leonflix | Android | Saves videos from social apps |
Again, using any of these tools to download videos from LinkedIn without the owner’s consent violates their terms and conditions. We recommend getting permission first.
Legal Risks
Before attempting to use any workaround or third-party tool to download LinkedIn videos, it’s important to understand the potential legal risks:
- LinkedIn could terminate your account for violating their User Agreement
- The video owner could file a DMCA takedown notice if you repost their content without permission
- You may be liable for copyright infringement damages if you use the downloaded content commercially
- It sets a poor ethical example of disregarding content owners’ policies and preferences
The safest approach legally and ethically is always to obtain the video owner’s consent before downloading their content from LinkedIn or any other platform. When in doubt, reach out and ask first.
Ethical Considerations
Aside from strict legal concerns, there are some ethical implications to consider when downloading videos from LinkedIn:
- Downloaded videos could be taken out of context if shared widely
- The original creator misses out on potential visibility or advertising revenue
- It may compromise the privacy of video participants who did not consent to offline sharing
- Copyright and ownership rights should still be respected, even if workarounds exist
Always keep the original creator’s interests in mind. Make sure any use of their content beyond LinkedIn itself is with their explicit approval.
Safest Options for Offline Access
Based on LinkedIn’s policies, copyright law, and ethical principles, here are the best practices for saving LinkedIn videos:
Screen Record with Permission
The original video owner grants you permission to screen record the video for personal offline use. This preserves the content while respecting the creator’s rights.
Request a Direct Download
Ask the owner to provide the video file directly rather than screen recording. This provides the best quality and appropriately credits them.
Review Playlists
For your own videos, add them to LinkedIn playlists for easy reviewing later even without downloads.
Share Links
Rather than downloading a video, share the LinkedIn link with offline contacts so they can view it online.
Screenshot Key Moments
Take screenshots of important slides or graphics to reference offline, citing the original video.
Conclusion
While tools may exist that technically allow downloading LinkedIn videos, doing so without the owner’s explicit permission violates LinkedIn’s policies and copyright law. The safest approach legally and ethically is to obtain consent, screen record with permission, request direct downloads, or find other ways to respectfully reference the content offline. With the creator’s approval, downloading videos can be a legitimate way to enable offline access. However, their preferences should always be considered first.