How to Download LinkedIn Videos: The Definitive Guide for Savvy Professionals

Let’s cut to the chase: You cannot directly download videos from LinkedIn through the platform itself. LinkedIn doesn’t offer a built-in download button, primarily to protect content creators and maintain platform control. However, the good news is, there are several legitimate and ethical ways to grab those valuable LinkedIn videos for offline viewing, presentations, or personal reference. This guide delves into the most effective methods, weighing their pros and cons so you can choose what works best for you.

Understanding the Landscape: Why You Need to Download LinkedIn Videos

In today’s professional world, information is power. LinkedIn has transformed into a vibrant hub for expert insights, industry news, and compelling thought leadership, often delivered through video. Downloading these videos offers several key advantages:

• Offline Access: Watch videos during commutes, flights, or in areas with unreliable internet connectivity.
• Preservation of Valuable Content: Save insightful videos that may be removed or altered in the future.
• Educational Resources: Build a personal library of learning resources for skill development.
• Presentation Material: Use video clips in presentations or training sessions (with proper attribution, of course!).
• Note-Taking and Review: Easily pause, rewind, and replay videos for in-depth study and analysis.

However, always remember to respect the intellectual property rights of the video creator. Downloading and sharing videos without permission is unethical and potentially illegal. This guide focuses on methods for personal use and fair use, with the assumption that you’ll act responsibly.

Method 1: Utilizing Third-Party LinkedIn Video Downloaders

This is arguably the most common and straightforward approach. Numerous websites and browser extensions are specifically designed to download LinkedIn videos.

How it Works

1. Find a Reputable Downloader: Search online for “LinkedIn video downloader.” Look for options with positive reviews and a clear privacy policy. Some popular choices include ExpertsPHP LinkedIn Video Downloader, SaveTheVideo, and Downloader4.net. Be cautious and avoid sites that appear suspicious or request excessive permissions.
2. Copy the Video URL: On LinkedIn, navigate to the video you want to download. Copy the video’s URL from the address bar of your browser.
3. Paste the URL: Paste the copied URL into the designated field on the downloader website.
4. Choose Download Quality: Select the desired video quality (e.g., 720p, 480p). Keep in mind that higher quality videos will have larger file sizes.
5. Download the Video: Click the “Download” button, and the video will be saved to your device.

Pros and Cons

• Pros: Generally easy to use, no software installation required (for web-based downloaders), often supports multiple video qualities.
• Cons: Requires trusting a third-party website, potential for intrusive ads or malware (use caution!), download speed can vary, some downloaders may not work reliably.

Important Note

Always scan downloaded files with antivirus software before opening them to protect your device from potential threats. Also, some of these downloaders might violate LinkedIn’s terms of service, so use them at your own risk.

Method 2: Browser Extensions for a Seamless Experience

Browser extensions offer a more integrated and convenient downloading experience.

How it Works

1. Install a Browser Extension: Search your browser’s extension store (e.g., Chrome Web Store, Firefox Add-ons) for “LinkedIn video downloader extension.” Read the reviews and choose an extension with a good reputation. Video Downloader Plus and SaveFrom.net are popular options, but there are many others.
2. Enable the Extension: Once installed, enable the extension in your browser.
3. Browse LinkedIn: Navigate to the video you want to download on LinkedIn.
4. Download Button: The extension should add a “Download” button or icon directly on the LinkedIn video page.
5. Click and Download: Click the download button to save the video to your device.

Pros and Cons

• Pros: Convenient and integrated experience, direct download from LinkedIn pages, often offers multiple download options.
• Cons: Requires installing a browser extension, potential for privacy concerns (check the extension’s permissions), may slow down browser performance, some extensions may become outdated or unreliable.

Essential Tip

Regularly update your browser extensions to ensure compatibility and security. Be mindful of the permissions the extension requests and only install extensions from trusted sources.

Method 3: Screen Recording – A Reliable Backup Option

If the above methods fail or you prefer a more direct approach, screen recording can be a viable option.

How it Works

1. Choose a Screen Recording Software: Use built-in screen recording tools (e.g., Windows Game Bar, QuickTime Player on macOS) or third-party software like OBS Studio (free and open-source), Camtasia, or Wondershare Filmora.
2. Configure Recording Settings: Select the appropriate recording area (the video player) and audio source. Ensure the audio is clear and the video resolution is adequate.
3. Start Recording: Begin recording before starting the video playback.
4. Play the Video: Play the LinkedIn video from beginning to end.
5. Stop Recording: Stop the recording after the video has finished playing.
6. Edit (Optional): Use video editing software to trim any unnecessary sections from the recording.

Pros and Cons

• Pros: Works on virtually any video platform, independent of LinkedIn’s policies, allows recording of streaming content.
• Cons: Requires playing the video in real-time, can be time-consuming, video quality may be slightly lower than the original, requires editing to remove unnecessary sections.

Important Considerations

Minimize distractions during recording to ensure a clean and professional result. Close other applications and disable notifications. Also, be aware of the screen recording software’s system requirements to ensure smooth performance.

Method 4: Inspect Element – For the Technically Inclined

This method is for users comfortable with browser developer tools.

How it Works

1. Open the Video Page: Navigate to the LinkedIn video in your browser.
2. Inspect Element: Right-click on the video and select “Inspect” or “Inspect Element” from the context menu. This will open the browser’s developer tools.
3. Find the Video Source: In the developer tools, navigate to the “Network” tab.
4. Filter by Media: Filter the network requests by “Media” or “MP4.”
5. Locate the Video URL: Look for a network request that corresponds to the video file (usually ends with .mp4).
6. Copy the URL: Copy the URL of the video file.
7. Download the Video: Paste the URL into a new browser tab and the video should start playing. Right-click on the video and select “Save video as…” to download it.

Pros and Cons

• Pros: No need to rely on third-party software or extensions, accesses the video directly from LinkedIn’s servers.
• Cons: Requires technical knowledge of browser developer tools, can be time-consuming to find the correct video URL, may not always work reliably.

Crucial Warning

Be extremely careful when using the developer tools. Avoid making any changes to the website’s code, as this could potentially break the website or compromise your security.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is it legal to download LinkedIn videos?

Downloading LinkedIn videos for personal, non-commercial use and fair use is generally acceptable. However, distributing, selling, or using downloaded videos for commercial purposes without the content creator’s permission is illegal and unethical. Always respect copyright laws and intellectual property rights.

2. Can I download videos from LinkedIn Learning?

Downloading videos from LinkedIn Learning typically requires a premium subscription and is subject to LinkedIn’s terms of service. The availability of download options may vary depending on the course and the instructor’s settings.

3. Will LinkedIn know if I download a video?

LinkedIn doesn’t explicitly notify users when someone downloads their video. However, repeated or excessive downloading activities might trigger security measures.

4. What video quality can I expect when downloading from LinkedIn?

The video quality depends on the original video resolution and the capabilities of the downloader you are using. Most downloaders offer options for various resolutions, such as 720p, 480p, and 360p.

5. Are there any risks associated with using LinkedIn video downloaders?

Yes. Risks include malware, viruses, intrusive ads, privacy breaches, and potential violations of LinkedIn’s terms of service. Use reputable downloaders with positive reviews and strong security measures.

6. Can I download videos from LinkedIn groups?

Yes, the same methods described above can be used to download videos from LinkedIn groups, provided you have access to the group and the video is publicly visible within the group.

7. How can I ensure I’m using a LinkedIn video downloader safely?

Read reviews, check the website’s security certificate (HTTPS), scan downloaded files with antivirus software, and avoid downloaders that request excessive permissions.

8. What should I do if a LinkedIn video downloader doesn’t work?

Try a different downloader, update your browser, clear your browser’s cache and cookies, or use a screen recording method as an alternative.

9. Can I download live videos from LinkedIn?

Downloading live videos directly is often difficult. Screen recording is usually the most reliable option for capturing live streams.

10. Are there any mobile apps for downloading LinkedIn videos?

Yes, there are mobile apps available for both Android and iOS that claim to download LinkedIn videos. However, exercise extreme caution when using these apps, as they may pose security risks.

11. What are the ethical considerations when downloading LinkedIn videos?

Always respect the creator’s rights, use downloaded videos for personal use only, and avoid distributing or sharing the videos without permission.

12. Can I download subtitles or captions along with the LinkedIn video?

Some LinkedIn video downloaders offer the option to download subtitles or captions along with the video. Look for this feature when selecting a downloader. Alternatively, you can often extract the subtitles separately using online tools.

By understanding these methods and FAQs, you can ethically and effectively download LinkedIn videos to enhance your professional development and stay informed in today’s fast-paced world. Remember, responsible usage and respect for intellectual property are paramount.