Bilibili has become one of the most popular video platforms, especially for anime, gaming, and other content. But what happens when you want to save a video to watch offline? In this guide, I'll show you 3 reliable ways to download Bilibili videos without any technical headaches.

Whether you're traveling to an area with poor internet connection or simply want to keep your favorite videos safe, these methods will help you download content from Bilibili quickly and easily.

Why You Might Need to Download Bilibili Videos

Before diving into the methods, let's talk about why you might want to download videos from Bilibili:

• Watch videos offline during travel
• Save videos before they potentially get removed
• Create a personal collection of your favorite content
• Access videos in areas with unstable internet connections
• Study content that requires repeated viewing

Now let's get into the actual download methods!

Method 1: Using Online Bilibili Video Downloaders

Online downloaders are the quickest way to grab videos from Bilibili without installing any software. These web-based tools work right in your browser and can process most Bilibili videos.

Step-by-Step Guide to Using Online Downloaders

Here's how to use online downloaders to save Bilibili videos:

1. Find and Copy the Video URL

First, you need to get the URL of the Bilibili video you want to download:

• Go to Bilibili.com and find your video
• Click on the video to open it
• Copy the complete URL from your browser's address bar

2. Choose a Reliable Online Downloader

Several online services can download Bilibili videos. Some popular options include SaveFrom.net, Y2Mate, and KeepVid. For this example, I'll use a generic online downloader process:

• Open your browser and go to the downloader website
• Look for the input field where you can paste a URL
• Paste the Bilibili video URL you copied earlier

3. Select Video Quality and Format

After pasting the URL and clicking the download or analyze button:

• Wait for the downloader to process the video
• Choose your preferred video quality (480p, 720p, 1080p, etc.)
• Select the format you want (MP4 is usually the most compatible)

4. Download the Video

Once you've selected your preferences:

• Click the download button
• Choose where to save the file on your device
• Wait for the download to complete

Pros and Cons of Online Downloaders

Pros	Cons
No software installation required	May have limitations on video length
Works on any device with a browser	Quality options might be limited
Usually free to use	Can be blocked or shut down unexpectedly
Simple and quick for occasional downloads	May display intrusive ads

Method 2: Using Desktop Software for Bilibili Downloads

Desktop software offers more features and reliability compared to online tools. These programs are perfect if you download videos regularly or need advanced options.

Step-by-Step Guide to Using Desktop Software

Let's look at how to use desktop software to download Bilibili videos:

1. Choose and Install a Video Downloader

Several desktop applications can download Bilibili videos. Popular options include:

• 4K Video Downloader
• Internet Download Manager (IDM)
• VideoProc Converter
• XDM (Xtreme Download Manager)

For this example, I'll use 4K Video Downloader:

• Go to the official website of your chosen downloader
• Download the installer appropriate for your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux)
• Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions
• Launch the program after installation

2. Copy the Bilibili Video URL

Just like with online methods:

• Go to Bilibili and find your video
• Click on the video to open it
• Copy the complete URL from your browser's address bar

3. Paste the URL into the Software

In your downloaded software:

• Look for a "Paste URL," "Add URL," or similar button
• Click this button and the software will analyze the video
• Wait for the analysis to complete (this may take a few seconds)

4. Choose Download Options

After the software analyzes the video:

• Select your preferred video quality (many desktop tools offer more quality options than online downloaders)
• Choose your preferred format (MP4, MKV, etc.)
• Select the download location on your computer
• Choose audio options if available (some software allows downloading just audio)

5. Download and Save the Video

Finally:

• Click the download button
• Monitor the download progress in the software
• Once complete, you can find the video in your chosen download location

Pros and Cons of Desktop Software

Pros	Cons
Higher reliability for large downloads	Requires installation on your device
More quality and format options	Some programs may cost money
Batch downloading capabilities	Uses system resources
Download management features	May need updates to work with Bilibili changes
Often works with more video platforms	Learning curve for some applications

Method 3: Using Browser Extensions to Download Bilibili Videos

Browser extensions offer a middle ground between online tools and desktop software. They integrate directly with your browser for a seamless downloading experience.

Step-by-Step Guide to Using Browser Extensions

Here's how to use browser extensions to download videos from Bilibili:

1. Find and Install a Suitable Extension

First, you need to add a video downloader extension to your browser:

• Go to your browser's extension store (Chrome Web Store, Firefox Add-ons, etc.)
• Search for "video downloader" or "Bilibili downloader"
• Read reviews and choose a reputable extension
• Click "Add to Chrome" or the equivalent for your browser
• Confirm the installation when prompted

Some popular extensions include Video DownloadHelper, Tampermonkey (with scripts), and Video Downloader Professional.

2. Navigate to the Bilibili Video

After installing the extension:

• Go to Bilibili.com
• Find and open the video you want to download
• Wait for the video to load completely

3. Use the Extension to Download

The exact process varies by extension, but generally:

• Look for the extension icon in your browser toolbar
• Click on the icon while on the Bilibili video page
• The extension should detect the video and show available download options
• Select your preferred quality and format

4. Complete the Download

To finish the process:

• Click the download button in the extension
• Choose where to save the file if prompted
• Wait for the download to complete
• Access your downloaded video from your computer's download folder

Pros and Cons of Browser Extensions

Pros	Cons
Integrates directly with your browsing experience	Browser-specific (needs different versions for Chrome, Firefox, etc.)
One-click downloading in many cases	May slow down browser performance
No need to copy and paste URLs	Some extensions request extensive permissions
Works across multiple video sites	May break with browser or website updates
Usually free to use	Limited features compared to desktop software

Comparison of All Three Methods

Let's compare all three methods to help you choose the right one for your needs:

Feature	Online Downloaders	Desktop Software	Browser Extensions
Ease of Use	Very easy	Moderate	Easy
Installation Required	No	Yes	Yes (browser only)
Download Speed	Varies (often slower)	Fast	Moderate
Quality Options	Limited	Extensive	Moderate
Batch Downloads	Rarely	Yes	Sometimes
Works Offline	No	Yes (after installation)	No
Best For	Occasional downloads	Regular downloaders	Frequent browser users

Common Issues When Downloading Bilibili Videos

You might encounter some problems when trying to download videos from Bilibili. Here are solutions to common issues:

Video Not Available for Download

Some Bilibili videos may be protected against downloading. If you encounter this:

• Try a different download method
• Check if the video has regional restrictions
• Consider using screen recording as a last resort

Low Download Speed

If your downloads are too slow:

• Check your internet connection
• Try a different download method
• Download during off-peak hours
• Close other applications using your network

Download Fails Midway

For downloads that stop before completing:

• Use software with resume capability like IDM
• Try downloading in smaller segments if possible
• Check your storage space
• Make sure your internet connection is stable

Poor Video Quality

If the downloaded video quality is disappointing:

• Make sure to select the highest quality before downloading
• Check if the original video is available in higher quality
• Try a different download method that offers better quality options

Legal Considerations When Downloading Bilibili Videos

Before downloading any content from Bilibili, consider these important legal points:

• Only download videos for personal use, not for redistribution
• Respect copyright and intellectual property rights
• Be aware that Bilibili's terms of service may prohibit downloading certain content
• Different countries have different laws regarding content downloading
• Consider supporting content creators through official channels

Quick Tip to ensure your videos never go missing

Videos are precious memories and all of us never want to lose them to hard disk crashes or missing drives. PicBackMan is the easiest and simplest way to keep your videos safely backed up in one or more online accounts. 

Simply download PicBackMan (it's free!), register your account, connect to your online store and tell PicBackMan where your videos are - PicBackMan does the rest, automatically. It bulk uploads all videos and keeps looking for new ones and uploads those too. You don't have to ever touch it.

Tips for Managing Your Downloaded Bilibili Videos

Once you've downloaded some videos, here's how to keep them organized:

Create an Organized Folder Structure

Keep your downloads tidy with a logical folder system:

• Create main folders by category (Anime, Gaming, Music, etc.)
• Use subfolders for series or creators
• Name files consistently with useful information

Back Up Your Favorite Videos

Protect your collection from loss:

• Save important videos to an external hard drive
• Consider cloud storage for backup
• Use multiple backup locations for critical content

Convert Videos for Different Devices

Make your downloads more versatile:

• Use video converter software to change formats if needed
• Create lower-resolution versions for mobile devices
• Extract audio from music videos if you just want the song

Conclusion

Downloading videos from Bilibili doesn't have to be complicated. Whether you prefer the simplicity of online downloaders, the power of desktop software, or the convenience of browser extensions, you now have three reliable methods to save your favorite Bilibili content.

Remember to respect copyright laws and use your downloaded videos for personal purposes only. With the right approach, you can build a collection of your favorite Bilibili content to enjoy anytime, anywhere—even without an internet connection.

Each method has its strengths and weaknesses, so choose the one that best fits your specific needs. For occasional downloads, online tools might be perfect. For regular downloading, desktop software offers the most features. And for convenience while browsing, extensions can't be beaten.

Now you're ready to start downloading Bilibili videos with confidence!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I download Bilibili videos on my smartphone?

Yes, you can download Bilibili videos on smartphones. For Android users, apps like ADM (Advanced Download Manager) can help. iOS users can use shortcuts or specialized apps. Alternatively, you can use mobile browsers to access online downloader websites. Just be aware that mobile downloads might offer fewer quality options compared to desktop methods.

2. Why do some Bilibili videos fail to download with any method?

Some Bilibili videos can't be downloaded because they're protected with special encryption or DRM (Digital Rights Management). Premium content, newly released videos, or content from certain creators might have additional protection. In these cases, you might need to use screen recording software as an alternative, though the quality won't be as good as a direct download.

3. Is it possible to download only the audio from Bilibili music videos?

Yes, many desktop download programs and some browser extensions offer an "audio only" option. This lets you extract just the audio track from music videos on Bilibili. The files are typically saved in MP3 or AAC format, making them perfect for creating playlists or listening on audio-only devices. This is especially useful for music performances or song covers.

4. How can I download Bilibili videos with subtitles?

To download Bilibili videos with subtitles, you'll need software that supports subtitle extraction. Programs like 4K Video Downloader or VideoProc Converter can often download the video with embedded subtitles. For videos with hardcoded subtitles (where the text is part of the video itself), any download method will preserve them. For separate subtitle files, you might need to download them separately and combine them later.

5. What should I do if downloaded Bilibili videos won't play on my device?

If your downloaded Bilibili videos won't play, first try a different media player like VLC or MPC-HC which support more formats. If that doesn't work, you might need to convert the video to a more compatible format using a video converter. Common issues include codec problems, incomplete downloads, or file corruption. For mobile devices, make sure the video resolution and format are supported by your specific device model.