Wanting to save a Vimeo video for offline viewing? Whether you need to watch content during your commute or want to keep a copy of an important tutorial, downloading videos from Vimeo can be incredibly useful. In this guide, I'll walk you through several methods to download Vimeo videos on both PC and iPhone.

While Vimeo doesn't offer a direct download button for all videos, there are several legitimate ways to save content when permitted by the creator. Let's explore your options and find the method that works best for you.

Is It Legal to Download Vimeo Videos?

Before we jump into the how-to, let's address the elephant in the room: legality. Downloading videos from Vimeo is legal only when:

• The video creator has enabled the download option
• You have permission from the content creator
• You're downloading for personal use only (not for redistribution or commercial purposes)
• You're the creator of the video

Remember that downloading and redistributing copyrighted content without permission violates Vimeo's terms of service and copyright laws. Always respect creators' rights when saving videos.

How to Check if a Vimeo Video is Downloadable

Not all Vimeo videos can be downloaded directly. Here's how to check if a video has the download option enabled:

1. Open the Vimeo video you want to download
2. Look for a download button beneath the video player
3. If present, the creator has allowed downloads
4. If absent, you'll need alternative methods (which we'll cover below)

Downloading Vimeo Videos on PC

Method 1: Using Vimeo's Built-in Download Option

The simplest way to download a Vimeo video is through the platform's native download feature—if the creator has enabled it.

1. Go to the Vimeo video you want to download
2. Look for the "Download" button below the video player
3. Click on it and select your preferred quality (HD, SD, etc.)
4. The video will begin downloading to your default downloads folder

Method 2: Using a Browser Extension

Browser extensions provide a convenient way to download Vimeo videos. Here's how to use them:

For Chrome Users:

1. Install the "Video DownloadHelper" extension from the Chrome Web Store
2. Navigate to the Vimeo video you want to download
3. Click on the extension icon in your browser toolbar
4. Select the video quality you prefer
5. Click "Download" and choose where to save the file

For Firefox Users:

1. Install the "Video DownloadHelper" add-on from Firefox Add-ons
2. Go to the Vimeo video page
3. Click the extension icon when it becomes colored (indicating it found downloadable content)
4. Choose your preferred quality
5. Download the video to your computer

Method 3: Using Online Video Downloaders

Online video downloaders are web-based services that can extract and download Vimeo videos. Here's how to use them:

1. Copy the URL of the Vimeo video you want to download
2. Visit a reputable online video downloader website like SaveFrom.net or Y2Mate
3. Paste the Vimeo video URL into the provided field
4. Click "Download" or "Extract"
5. Select your preferred video quality
6. Click the download button to save the video to your computer

Method 4: Using Desktop Software

Desktop software offers more features and reliability for downloading Vimeo videos:

Using 4K Video Downloader:

1. Download and install 4K Video Downloader from the official website
2. Copy the URL of the Vimeo video
3. Open 4K Video Downloader and click "Paste Link"
4. The software will analyze the video
5. Select your preferred format and quality
6. Click "Download" and wait for the process to complete

Using VLC Media Player:

1. Open VLC Media Player
2. Click on "Media" in the top menu
3. Select "Open Network Stream"
4. Paste the Vimeo video URL and click "Play"
5. Once the video starts playing, go to "Tools" > "Codec Information"
6. Find the "Location" field at the bottom and copy the URL
7. Paste this URL in your browser
8. Right-click on the video and select "Save Video As"
9. Choose a location on your computer and save the file

Downloading Vimeo Videos on iPhone

Method 1: Using the Vimeo App

If you have the Vimeo app installed and the video creator has enabled downloads:

1. Open the Vimeo app on your iPhone
2. Find the video you want to download
3. Tap the share icon (usually an arrow or three dots)
4. Look for the "Download" option
5. Select your preferred quality
6. The video will download to your Vimeo app for offline viewing

Method 2: Using Documents by Readdle

Documents by Readdle is a versatile file manager with a built-in browser that can download Vimeo videos:

1. Download and install Documents by Readdle from the App Store
2. Open the app and tap on the browser icon in the bottom right corner
3. Navigate to a Vimeo video downloader website like SaveFrom.net
4. Copy and paste the Vimeo video URL
5. Tap "Download" and select your preferred quality
6. The video will be saved to the Downloads folder in the Documents app
7. You can then move the video to your Photos app by selecting the file, tapping "Share," and choosing "Save to Photos"

Method 3: Using Shortcuts App

Apple's Shortcuts app provides an automated way to download Vimeo videos:

1. Make sure you have the Shortcuts app installed on your iPhone
2. Find a "Video Downloader" shortcut in the Shortcuts Gallery or create a custom one
3. Copy the Vimeo video URL
4. Run the shortcut
5. Follow the prompts to download the video
6. The video will be saved to your Photos app or Files app, depending on the shortcut configuration

Method 4: Using Third-Party Apps

Several third-party apps can download Vimeo videos on iPhone:

1. Search the App Store for video downloader apps (like MyMedia or Total Files)
2. Install a reputable app with good reviews
3. Open the app and navigate to its built-in browser
4. Go to the Vimeo video you want to download
5. Look for the app's download option or share button
6. Select the quality and download the video
7. The video will be saved within the app, and you can usually export it to your Photos app

Common Issues When Downloading Vimeo Videos

Problem: Download Button Not Appearing

If you don't see a download button, it's likely because the video creator has disabled downloads. In this case, try:

• Contacting the creator directly to request download permission
• Using one of the alternative methods mentioned above
• Checking if you can purchase the video if it's premium content

Problem: Download Fails or Gets Stuck

If your download fails or gets stuck:

• Check your internet connection
• Try a different browser or downloader
• Clear your browser cache and cookies
• Try downloading at a lower quality
• Restart your device and try again

Problem: Poor Video Quality After Download

If the downloaded video quality is poor:

• Make sure you're selecting the highest available quality before downloading
• Some downloaders might only offer lower quality options
• Try a different downloader that supports HD or 4K downloads
• Check if the original video is available in higher quality

Tips for Managing Downloaded Vimeo Videos

Organizing Your Downloaded Videos

Keep your downloaded videos organized:

• Create dedicated folders for different categories or projects
• Rename files with descriptive names including the creator and date
• Use a media management tool if you download videos frequently
• Back up important videos to cloud storage or external drives

Converting Video Formats

Sometimes you might need to convert the downloaded video format:

• Use free tools like HandBrake or VLC to convert between formats
• For PC, consider Format Factory or Any Video Converter
• For iPhone, use apps like Video Converter or Media Converter
• Choose the right format based on where you'll be playing the video (MP4 is generally the most compatible)

Saving Storage Space

Downloaded videos can take up significant storage space. Here are some tips to manage this:

• Download only the quality you need (720p is often sufficient for mobile viewing)
• Delete videos after you've watched them if they're not needed long-term
• Use cloud storage services to store videos you don't need immediate access to
• Consider external storage solutions for large video collections

Legal Alternatives to Downloading Vimeo Videos

If downloading isn't an option, consider these alternatives:

Vimeo's Official Offline Viewing

Vimeo offers official ways to watch content offline:

• Vimeo Premium, Plus, and PRO accounts allow offline viewing in the mobile app
• This lets you watch videos without downloading the actual file
• Content syncs automatically when you're back online

Ask for Permission

When in doubt, ask the creator:

• Many Vimeo creators are happy to share download links upon request
• Send a polite message explaining why you need to download the video
• Offer to credit them if you plan to use the video for any purpose

Embed Instead of Download

For sharing purposes, embedding is often better than downloading:

• Click the "Share" button on a Vimeo video
• Copy the embed code
• Paste it into your website or blog
• This respects the creator's rights while still allowing you to share the content

Downloading Vimeo Videos for Different Purposes

For Educational Use

If you're downloading videos for educational purposes:

• Check if the content falls under fair use guidelines
• Consider reaching out to the creator for permission
• Document the educational context in which you'll use the video
• Always attribute the source appropriately

For Personal Archives

If you're building a personal archive:

• Focus on quality over quantity to save space
• Create a good metadata system with tags and descriptions
• Consider using media server software like Plex to organize your collection
• Implement a backup strategy to prevent loss

For Professional Use

If you need videos for professional purposes:

• Always obtain proper permissions or licenses
• Consider purchasing content directly from creators
• Keep records of all permissions granted
• Look into Vimeo's stock footage options for commercial use

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.

Conclusion

Downloading videos from Vimeo can be straightforward once you know the right methods. Whether you're using a PC or iPhone, there are multiple ways to save content for offline viewing. Just remember to respect copyright laws and creators' wishes in the process.

For PC users, options range from built-in download buttons to specialized software like 4K Video Downloader. iPhone users can take advantage of the Vimeo app's offline features or use third-party solutions like Documents by Readdle.

Always prioritize legal and ethical downloading practices. When in doubt, reach out to content creators directly—many are willing to provide download links upon request, especially for educational or personal use.

Now that you're equipped with these methods, you can enjoy your favourite Vimeo content anytime, anywhere, without needing an internet connection.

FAQs About Downloading Vimeo Videos

Can I download any video from Vimeo?

No, you can only legally download videos if the creator has enabled the download option or given you permission. Some videos are protected against downloading due to copyright restrictions or creator preferences.

Will Vimeo know if I download their videos using third-party tools?

Vimeo itself doesn't typically track individual downloads made through third-party tools. However, using such tools might violate Vimeo's terms of service if you're downloading content without permission.

What's the best quality I can download from Vimeo?

The maximum quality depends on what the uploader has made available. Vimeo supports up to 8K resolution, but most videos are available in 1080p or 4K. Third-party downloaders might be limited to lower resolutions.

Can I download Vimeo videos on Android devices?

Yes, you can download Vimeo videos on Android using similar methods to iPhone. The official Vimeo app allows offline viewing for eligible videos, or you can use browser-based downloaders and third-party apps.

Is it possible to download password-protected Vimeo videos?

Generally, password-protected videos are more difficult to download. You would need access to the video (the password) first, and even then, many downloaders won't work with protected content. Always respect creators who have taken steps to protect their work.