LinkedIn Learning, formerly known as Lynda, is an e-learning platform that offers a vast library of video courses taught by industry experts on topics like business, technology, creative skills, and more.
However, LinkedIn Learning does not allow downloading videos directly. So in this comprehensive guide, we will cover different methods and workarounds to download LinkedIn Learning videos for free.
Table of Contents
Overview of Methods to Download LinkedIn Videos
There are several methods you can use to download videos from LinkedIn Learning:
- Browser extensions like DownloadHelper and VideoDownloadHelper
- Online video downloaders
- Screen recording software like OBS Studio
- Premium LinkedIn Learning Downloaders (paid services)
The easiest options are browser extensions, which allow fast one-click downloads. Online video downloaders also work well.
For mobile devices, screen recording apps are the best way to capture LinkedIn Learning videos offline.
Also read: How to Download Video from LinkedIn in 2024 – A Step-by-Step Guide
Why Download LinkedIn Learning Videos?
Here are some of the top reasons you may want to download videos from LinkedIn Learning:
- Watch offline – View courses without an internet connection, like on a plane or commute
- Save for later – Keep videos after your LinkedIn Learning subscription ends
- Learn at your own pace – Review sections over and over at your convenience
- Avoid streaming costs – Especially helpful for those with limited mobile data
- Take notes – Easier to annotate and highlight downloaded videos
- Share with others – Send videos to classmates or colleagues
Keep in mind that downloading content you don’t own is technically against LinkedIn’s terms of service. We’ll go over how to stay safe, but use these techniques responsibly!
Key Things to Know About Downloading From LinkedIn
Before diving into the step-by-step instructions, here are some key things to know:
- Downloading videos from LinkedIn Learning violates their Terms of Service. You assume all risks.
- Some download methods only work on desktop browsers, not mobile devices.
- Video quality depends on your internet connection speed. Faster is better.
- You need the direct video URL to download – this guide covers how to find it.
- Some download helpers are blocked on LinkedIn, so multiple methods may be needed.
How to download LinkedIn Learning videos on Windows
For desktop web browsers, browser extensions provide the easiest way to download LinkedIn Learning videos. Here are instructions using the DownloadHelper extension:
Step 1: Install DownloadHelper Browser Extension
The DownloadHelper extension is available for Chrome, Firefox, Opera, and Edge. Simply search “DownloadHelper” in your browser’s extension marketplace and click Add to install.
Step 2: Get a Direct Video URL
Navigate to the LinkedIn Learning video page and click the Share button below the video. In the pop-up, copy the video URL:
This is the direct video link needed to download.
Step 3: Paste Video URL in DownloadHelper
A DownloadHelper icon will appear in your browser toolbar. Click it, paste the video URL into the search box, and hit Enter.
Step 4: Select Download Format
DownloadHelper will analyze the video and show available download formats. Select your preferred file type – MP4 is recommended.
Step 5: Download Video
Click the ‘Download’ button and save the video file to your computer. That’s it!
If DownloadHelper is blocked, try alternate extensions like VideoDownloadHelper. Or use an online downloader site by entering the video URL.
How to Download LinkedIn Learning Videos on Mac
The process for downloading videos from LinkedIn Learning on Mac is similar to using browser extensions:
Step 1: Install Extension
Install a download helper like DownloadHelper for Safari. Restart the browser after installing.
Step 2: Copy the Video URL
Follow the steps above to locate and copy the direct video URL from the LinkedIn Learning video page.
Step 3: Paste the URL in the Extension
Click the new extension icon in your toolbar, paste the URL, and analyze.
Step 4: Download Video File
Select MP4 as download format and click Download. Save the video file to your Mac.
Alternatively, you can use online downloaders if extensions don’t work. Or record videos directly using QuickTime Player.
How to Download LinkedIn Learning Videos
Downloading LinkedIn videos directly on mobile devices takes a few extra steps since browser extensions generally don’t work in mobile apps.
Here are some options…
Method 1: Download with Chrome Extensions
Currently one of the easiest ways to download LinkedIn Learning videos is by using Google Chrome browser extensions. Here are some of the most popular ones:
LinkedIn Learning Downloader
This is a dedicated Chrome extension specifically for saving LinkedIn Learning videos.
Steps:
- Install LinkedIn Learning Downloader from the Chrome Web Store.
- When on a LinkedIn Learning video, click the extension icon in your toolbar.
- Select video quality and MP4 or WebM format.
- Click “Download”. The file will save to your computer.
Rate limits: Can download up to 10 videos per day for free. Can unlock more downloads through paid plans.
Video DownloadHelper
Video DownloadHelper is a popular Chrome extension for downloading videos from many major websites.
Steps:
- Install Video DownloadHelper
- Play a video on LinkedIn Learning. A download icon will appear on toolbar.
- Click it to choose the MP4 format and quality.
- The video file will download.
Rate limits: Can download 3 videos per day for free before hitting limits.
So with Chrome extensions, downloading LinkedIn Learning videos becomes very easy. Just install one, play a video, and download it! Next up, let’s look at methods for other browsers and devices.
Method 2: Use Online Tools
If you are not using Google Chrome or want an approach that works across devices, you can utilize some free online tools:
SaveFrom.net
SaveFrom.net is an online tool for downloading videos and playlists from major streaming platforms.
Steps:
- Go to SaveFrom.net while playing a LinkedIn Learning video
- Paste the video URL into the box
- Select MP4 format and quality
- Click “Download” and the file will save
Rate limits: Can download up to 3 videos per day for free.
ClipConverter.cc
ClipConverter.cc works very similarly:
- Go to ClipConverter.cc with the LinkedIn video open
- Paste video URL
- Choose MP4 output
- Click “Start” to download
These online tools offer quick options to grab LinkedIn Learning videos without installing anything. But next, let’s go over the steps for manually downloading on both desktop and mobile devices.
Method 3: Manually Save Videos – Desktop
With a few handy tools built into Windows and Mac, you can also manually download LinkedIn Learning videos:
Windows 10/11
Modern versions of Windows 10 and 11 have a native “Save As” feature for videos built into Microsoft Edge and Google Chrome browsers.
Steps on Windows:
- In Edge/Chrome, open the DevTools panel (Ctrl+Shift+I)
- Go to the Network tab
- Play the LinkedIn Learning video
- Locate the .mp4 file in the list
- Right-click it and choose “Save As”
- Save video file to computer
While manual, this method works reliably to grab the direct video file stream on PCs.
MacOS
On Macs, the approach is very similar using the Safari browser:
- Enable the Develop menu in Safari
- Open Develop Tools (Develop > Show Web Inspector)
- Go to the Network tab
- Play video on LinkedIn Learning
- Find the .mp4 file and right-click “Save As…”
- Choose a location on Mac to save the video
So with just the built-in browser tools on desktop systems, you can easily save LinkedIn Learning videos offline.
Method 4: Download Videos on Mobile Devices
You can also save LinkedIn Learning videos directly on your iPhone, iPad, or Android mobile device:
iOS/iPad
On iOS and iPad:
- Open video in Safari
- Tap on the “AA” button to access the menu > Request Desktop Website
- Refresh the page and play the video
- Tap the Download icon to save the video locally
Switching to desktop mode enables the Safari download button. You can then directly save videos from the LinkedIn Learning mobile website.
Android Devices
The steps are mostly similar on Android:
- Use Chrome browser
- Go to LinkedIn Learning video
- Tap menu > Request desktop site
- Refresh and play video
- Tap 3-dot menu > Download
- Video will save locally
This method works on both Android phones and tablets. Just toggle the desktop view in Chrome to access video downloads.
So with the manual mobile browser instructions above, you can easily get any LinkedIn video while on your phone or tablet too!
Method 5: Screen Record Videos
To save LinkedIn Learning videos offline:
- Open video in the LinkedIn Learning app
- Start a screen recorder like DU Recorder
- Record the video as you play it
- Stop recording and save the video file
Just be sure to watch the full video before recording to get the complete footage.
The benefit of recording is it saves videos directly on your device storage. Video quality depends on your device’s display resolution.
Troubleshooting Tips on LinkedIn
Here are some troubleshooting tips if you have issues downloading LinkedIn Learning videos:
- If browser extensions don’t work, try a different one or online downloaders
- Refresh the page and re-copy the URL if unable to analyze the video
- Check browser privacy/security settings if blocked
- For mobile, enable storage permissions to save downloaded files
- Connect to reliable high-speed Wi-Fi for the best results
- Screen record instead of downloading if you keep facing problems
Also read: Grab attention with LinkedIn GIFs: Level-Up Your Profile with GIFs
Legal Alternatives to Downloading LinkedIn Videos
While the methods above describe how to download videos from LinkedIn Learning, it does technically violate their Terms of Service.
Some legal alternatives to consider:
Premium LinkedIn Learning Downloaders
There are a couple of premium software tools like Recovery Toolbox for LinkedIn and Softtote LinkedIn Downloader that claim to legally let you download LinkedIn Learning videos for offline viewing.
However, always double-check LinkedIn’s policies before purchasing any software tools.
Screenshot Important Information
Instead of downloading full videos, consider taking screenshots of slides/notes/code containing information you need to retain for future reference. Perfectly legal.
Delete Videos After Use
You can choose to download videos temporarily using the steps above, view the content offline, and then delete the videos which removes them from your device storage. This limits potential copyright issues.
Tips for Downloading LinkedIn Learning Videos
When downloading videos from LinkedIn Learning, keep these top tips in mind:
- Don’t share downloads – Only use personally and avoid distributing content you didn’t create.
- Don’t overload downloads – Space out large downloads to avoid bandwidth throttling.
- Use private browsing – Download in incognito/private mode and avoid logging into your LinkedIn account.
- Clear cookies – Wipe cookies after downloading to avoid tracking downloads.
- Try a VPN – Use a virtual private network to hide your IP and identity if needed.
- Proxy method – MinerProxy is the stealthiest method with original quality.
- Check ToS – Technically against LinkedIn’s terms, so download responsibly.
- Use alt accounts – Consider creating a separate LinkedIn account just for downloading.
Following these tips will help avoid account bans or limitations when downloading LinkedIn Learning videos. Use an approach that matches your use case and technical comfort level.
Getting Around LinkedIn Learning Download Limits
Like many streaming platforms, LinkedIn Learning tries to prevent downloading videos available only to paid subscribers. If you encounter download issues, here are some tricks to bypass their protections:
- Use a VPN or proxy like MinerProxy to mask your identity and prevent throttling.
- Clear cookies and browse in private/incognito mode to stop tracking.
- Try downloading early in the morning or late at night when traffic is lower.
- Use “Allow Direct Download” extensions in your browser settings to bypass blocks.
- Use desktop software like 4K Video Downloader that contain link decryption technology.
- Rotate between the various download methods so you don’t trigger any single service’s limits.
With the right combination of tools and techniques, you can reliably download content from LinkedIn Learning for personal offline viewing.
Getting the Most Out of Downloaded LinkedIn Learning Videos
Once you’ve successfully downloaded videos for offline viewing, here are some ways to get the most value from them:
- Take notes – Jot down timestamps and highlights on a notepad as you watch.
- Speed up playback – Many desktop video players let you increase playback speed.
- Extract subtitles/transcripts – Use sites like HappyScribe to get English subtitles.
- Curate a library – Organize downloaded courses into a learning playlist or collection.
- Learn on the go – Sync videos to mobile devices to watch on planes, commutes, etc.
- Review efficiently – Skip and skim to the most relevant parts instead of full rewatches.
- Share privately – Respect copyright, but you can send portions to close contacts.
- Supplement courses – Combine with web articles, documentation, assignments, etc.
Treat downloaded videos as a toolbox for learning. Use the convenience of offline access to take control of your education.
FAQs About Downloading from LinkedIn Learning
Do you have questions about saving LinkedIn Learning videos offline? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
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Is It Illegal to Download LinkedIn Learning Videos?
Technically yes – downloading videos from the platform violates LinkedIn’s Terms of Service and could expose you to copyright violation claims if shared/distributed. While they don’t heavily crack down, some risks/liabilities depend on your jurisdiction’s laws. Proceed at your own discretion.
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Why Do I Need the Video URL to Download?
The direct video URL allows download helpers to locate, identify, and obtain the video file from LinkedIn Learning’s servers. Without it, they won’t know which video you want to save offline. Generating this URL to use is covered in the steps above.
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Are Downloaded Videos the Same Quality?
For the most part – as long as you have a sufficiently fast/stable internet connection. Faster speeds allow full HD downloads generally. If intermittent connectivity or bandwidth issues, lower resolutions may result.
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Can I Download Full Courses or Playlists?
Most LinkedIn video downloader browser extensions and tools only allow downloading one video at a time. So far, there isn’t an automated way to batch download entire LinkedIn Learning courses or playlists offline. You’d have to manually save each video individually.
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Where Do Downloaded Videos Save To?
On desktop web browsers, you can choose the download location, usually via a popup prompt. Videos are generally saved to the default “Downloads” directory. On mobile devices, downloaded files are saved to internal device storage – location varies by OS, but usually in Download or Video folders which you access from your Files app.
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How do I resume a failed LinkedIn Learning video download?
Browser extensions and downloader tools will automatically resume partial downloads. Just retry the download.
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What is the best video format to download from LinkedIn Learning?
MP4 provides the best quality and compatibility. Avoid formats like WebM or proprietary WMV.
Conclusion
I hope this complete guide covered everything you need to know about downloading videos from LinkedIn Learning for offline viewing and use! While it does violate their ToS, having videos for reference does make it easier to retain information.
Just be aware of the potential legal risks based on your local copyright laws and restrictions. Use your best judgment before saving these videos long-term.
Let me know if you have any other questions!