Online Video Download - Videos from the net to your computer

It’s annoying when you’ve planned to watch a video later, when there’s time – and then it’s no longer available in the media library or streaming portal. „I wish I’d made a quick copy beforehand!“ is what some people think. But is such an online video download legal at all, or are you moving in a legal grey area? We explain!

What does the law say about online video downloads?

Depending on the method you use to export a video and thus create a private copy, you are actually moving in a legal grey area. Or not! According to Section 53 of the Copyright Act (UrhG), individual copies of videos from a media library, for example, may be made for private use on any medium. However, these copies may not be resold or lent out for money. However, it becomes problematic if access to the source of the video – i.e. the streaming service or the media library – was not entirely legal. For example, if you have not taken out a valid subscription. It also depends on HOW the private copy is made. If the screen content is saved with special software such as Web Video Recorder Professional or Web Video Recorder Premium while the film is running, everything is okay. However, you can also export a video directly from the graphics card – and then it gets complicated. The legal situation here is not entirely clear.

How do I get the online video download onto my PC?

There are various ways to start an online video download so that you can watch videos later and no longer miss the „rejects“ from the streaming services or media libraries. With screen capture software, for example, you can film the entire screen while the video is running. Afterwards, the video can be exported. To do this, select the recording window after installing and starting the programme. This then shows the section of the screen that is to be recorded. Then select video quality and storage location, and the recording can be started.

More convenient, however, are special programmes for video recording such as Web Video Recorder Professional or Web Video Recorder Premium. These programmes already include a browser so that popular video platforms such as YouTube, Yahoo or Stream can be accessed directly. After installation and start, all you have to do is click on the film and select „Download from this page“. The video is then automatically saved in the file manager and the online video download can start. Further advantages of this software:

  • The videos can be exported to the computer, smartphone or tablet and watched at any time.
  • Thanks to the extensive database in these programmes, a targeted search for specific topics on the supported video portals is also possible.
  • The volume, size and speed of the recordings can be adjusted.
  • The user interface can be changed individually.
  • A download report is currently available.
  • You can create your own folders in the media library.
  • Automatic reminders so that no favourite programme is missed.
  • Depending on the version, the downloaded files can be converted.

Be sure to read the small print when using streaming services!

We have already mentioned that you may find yourself in a legal grey area with an online video download. This becomes very clear when you take a look at the small print in the general terms and conditions of the contracts with Netflix, for example. It says: „You agree not to archive, reproduce (…) content and information available on Netflix or obtained from or through the Netflix service. You also agree not to circumvent, remove, alter, disable, degrade or prevent any copy protection on the Netflix Service“. Amazon and other streaming services have very similar clauses in their contracts, according to which you are therefore basically liable to prosecution if you record their content. Even if copyright law basically contradicts this – whether you want to take the risk of being blocked by the provider and not being able to watch anything at all is something everyone has to decide for themselves.

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