- How to download a Vimeo video
- Which file size to choose
- The catch: no Download button means the owner said no
- How to download your own Vimeo videos
- How to let people download your videos (or stop them)
- Should you allow downloads?
- Downloading more than one video
- Saving videos for offline viewing
- My verdict
- Frequently asked questions
To download a Vimeo video, open the video's page on vimeo.com, select the Download button below the player, pick a file size and click the download icon. The button only appears if the video's owner has allowed downloads. You can't download from a Vimeo player embedded on another website.
Vimeo is where a lot of businesses host course videos, client walkthroughs, webinars and showreels. Sometimes you need a copy: to watch offline on a flight, to drop into a presentation or simply to back up your own work. Vimeo makes that easy when the owner allows it, and here's how it works from both sides.
How to download a Vimeo video
- Open the video's page on vimeo.com (not an embedded player on another site).
- Select the Download button below the player.
- Choose the file size you want in the window that appears.
- Select the download icon next to that version.
- Save the file to your device.
If the video opens in a new tab instead of downloading, Vimeo's help centre suggests right-clicking the link and choosing Save as on Windows, or holding Control, clicking the link and choosing Download linked file on a Mac.
Which file size to choose
| Use | Choose |
|---|---|
| Presenting on a big screen | The highest quality version |
| Watching on a phone or laptop | A medium version |
| Sending to someone quickly | A smaller file |
| Archiving your own work | The source file, if available |
To download the original source file of a public video, Vimeo says you need to be logged in.
The catch: no Download button means the owner said no
This is the part people find frustrating, but it's deliberate. Vimeo lets each creator choose whether viewers can download their videos. If there's no Download button below the player, the owner hasn't allowed downloads, and Vimeo won't give you another official way to save it. Vimeo also says viewers can't download from an embedded player at all, only from the video's own page on vimeo.com. So if you're watching a video embedded on a course or company website, look for a link to the Vimeo page or ask the owner.
Please don't reach for third-party downloader sites to get round it. Those videos belong to someone else, often a course creator or a business, and the polite route is to ask for a copy.
How to download your own Vimeo videos
If it's your video, you'll always see the Download button on its page, whatever your settings. You can also save your videos from the mobile apps:
| App | How |
|---|---|
| Vimeo iOS app | Overflow button (three dots), then Save to Camera Roll |
| Vimeo Android app | Overflow button, then Save to device |
| Vimeo Create app | My Videos, the three dots, then Save to Camera Roll |
How to let people download your videos (or stop them)
- Go to your Library and select the video.
- Select Share in the top-right corner.
- Under Viewer permissions, switch Downloads on or off.
To change the setting for future uploads, go to Upload Defaults in your account settings and tick or untick Download them. Vimeo also lets you apply that choice to all your existing videos in one go.
Should you allow downloads?
- Allow for client deliverables, press kits and videos you want shared widely.
- Block for courses you sell, members-only content and anything you'd rather keep on your platform.
- Remember that viewers can still screen record, so don't rely on it as security for sensitive material.
Downloading more than one video
Vimeo's help centre says bulk downloading isn't supported, so you'll need to download videos one at a time. If you're backing up a whole library of your own work, plan a bit of time for it.
Saving videos for offline viewing
If you just want to watch a video on a plane or somewhere with poor signal, check whether the owner offers downloads before you travel, and download the smaller file to save space on your phone or laptop. Vimeo's own advice is to choose a higher-quality file for presentations and a smaller one for quick playback or sharing. Store downloaded files somewhere private too. Vimeo reminds people to keep downloaded files secure to prevent unauthorised sharing, which matters a lot if a client has sent you a confidential walkthrough or a course creator has trusted you with their content.
When you're finished with a downloaded video, delete it rather than leaving copies scattered across devices. It keeps your storage tidy and respects the creator's content.
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My verdict
Go to the video's page on vimeo.com, select Download below the player, pick a size and save it. If there's no Download button, the owner hasn't allowed downloads, and the right move is to ask them. For your own videos, control downloads from Share, Viewer permissions, and set a default for future uploads. If you're weighing up where to host your videos, my roundup of Vimeo alternatives compares the options, and my picks for screen recording software help you create the videos in the first place.
Frequently asked questions
What do I do if a Vimeo video opens in a new tab instead of downloading?
On Windows, right-click the link and choose Save as. On a Mac, Control-click it and choose Download linked file.
Why can't I see a download button on Vimeo?
The owner hasn't allowed downloads, or you're watching an embedded player instead of the video's page on vimeo.com.
Can I download a Vimeo video embedded on another website?
No. Vimeo says viewers can only download from the video's page on vimeo.com.
Do I need an account to download Vimeo videos?
You need to be logged in to download the source file of a public video. Other versions may be available without logging in if the owner allows downloads.
How do I download my own Vimeo videos?
Open the video page and select Download, or use Save to Camera Roll or Save to device in the Vimeo mobile apps.
Can I download several Vimeo videos at once?
No. Vimeo says bulk downloading isn't supported.
How do I stop people downloading my Vimeo videos?
Open the video, select Share and switch off Downloads under Viewer permissions.
