Last week, I found myself deep in a Bilibili rabbit hole, captivated by an amazing tutorial on digital painting. It was just what I needed, but I realized I wouldn’t have a reliable internet connection later. I thought, “Wouldn’t it be awesome if I could save this video for offline viewing?” But then, the familiar questions arose—”Is it legal? Is it safe? Will I end up with a virus instead of my video?” If you’ve ever had similar thoughts, this guide is for you.
Bilibili, one of China’s leading video-sharing platforms, features everything from anime and gaming to educational content and vlogs. Unlike YouTube, Bilibili has a more restrictive environment when it comes to downloading videos, making it a bit more challenging to save content for offline use. That’s why it’s important to know the right methods, along with the legal and ethical considerations. In this guide, we’ll show you safe and effective ways to download Bilibili videos while respecting the rights of creators. So, whether you want to archive your favorite content or save an insightful tutorial, we’ve got you covered. Let’s break it down step by step, ensuring we stay on the right side of the law and keep things ethical.
First things First: Let’s Talk Legal & Ethics
Before we dive into how to download Bilibili videos, let’s discuss what’s acceptable and what’s not. Content creators invest a lot of time and effort into making these videos, so it’s crucial to respect their rights. Here’s when downloading is generally considered acceptable:
✔ If you are saving your own uploaded videos.
✔ If the video has a Creative Commons (CC) license that permits downloads.
✔ If you’re using it for personal offline viewing and not sharing it publicly.
✔ If the Bilibili app itself allows offline caching for a specific video.
Downloading copyrighted content without permission for redistribution is illegal in many areas, so always verify before you proceed. Now that we’re clear on that, let’s explore the best ways to save Bilibili videos safely.
How to use Bilibili Video Downloader?
Method 1: Online Bilibili Video Downloader
Steps:
- Copy the video’s URL from your browser.
- Open a reliable online downloader like BBDown.
- Paste the URL into the provided field.
- Select your preferred video quality.
- Click “Download” to save it to your device.
Pros:
✔ No software installation required.
✔ Easy to use and navigate.
Cons:
✘ Some sites can be unreliable—steer clear of those with too many pop-ups.
✘ Video quality might be restricted, and some may have watermarks.
Tip: Use well-known sites to steer clear of malware and annoying ads.
Method 2: Desktop Software
For frequent downloads, software like Downkyi, You-Get, or 4K Video Downloader provides superior quality and more options for subtitles and formats.
Steps:
Download and install Downkyi (or another tool) from its official site.
- Launch the software and paste your Bilibili video URL.
- Select the video quality and any additional options like subtitles.
- Click “Download” and wait for the process to complete.
Pros:
✔ Supports batch downloads.
✔ Includes subtitles and user comments.
✔ Offers better video quality than online downloaders.
Cons:
✘ Requires installation.
✘ May need regular updates.
✘ Some software might not be compatible with Mac.
Method 3: Browser Extensions
Tools: Bilibili extension, Chrome/firefox extensions
Steps:
- Install a Bilibili video downloader extension for Chrome or Firefox.
- Go to the Bilibili video you wish to save.
- Click the extension icon and select your desired format.
- Start the download.
Pros:
✔ No need to switch between different applications.
✔ Directly integrated into your browser.
Cons:
✘ Some extensions may not work well with ad blockers.
✘ Be careful—only use extensions that have good ratings and reviews.
Tip: Avoid extensions with low ratings and always check for the latest updates.
Method 4: Command-Line Tools (Advanced Users)
If you’re comfortable with command-line interfaces, tools like youtube-dl or yt-dlp can be used to download videos from Bilibili.
Steps:
- Install yt-dlp using Python/PIP.
- Open your command line or terminal.
- Enter the following command:
yt-dlp “BILIBILI_VIDEO_URL”
The video will be saved in your default download folder.
Pros:
✔ Enables downloading entire playlists.
✔ Supports high-quality downloads.
✔ Can extract audio if needed.
Cons:
✘ Requires some technical knowledge.
✘ Not very beginner-friendly.
Tip: If you’re not familiar with command-line tools, consider using the other methods.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
1. Problem: “I Can’t Find the Download Button.”
– Disable your ad blocker.
– Try using incognito mode.
2. Problem: “The Video Won’t Play After Downloading.”
– Convert it using VLC Media Player.
3. Problem: “Download Speeds Are Too Slow.”
– Check your internet connection.
– Try a different tool.
The Secret No one Tells You: Bilibili’s Offline Features!
Did you know that Bilibili allows offline downloads through its official app? It’s a simple and legal way to save videos.
- Open the Bilibili app.
- Locate the video and tap the download button.
- Enjoy watching it offline without any worries.
Note: Some videos may not have this option due to licensing restrictions.
Ethical alternatives of Bilibili Video Downloader
If you’re in search of alternative tools, here are some trustworthy options:
1. Jihosoft 4k Video Downloader
- ✔ Supports 4K and 1080p quality.
- ✔ Allows batch downloads.
- ✔ Compatible with YouTube, Nico Nico, and Bilibili.
Bonus: Let’s you extract audio as MP3.
2. Hit Paw Video Converter
✔ Features a sleek interface with a built-in Bilibili search.
✔ Downloads videos along with subtitles.
✔ Converts videos into multiple formats.
3. Y2mate Bilibili downloader
✔ Web-based—no need for installation.
✔ Supports 720p, 1080p, and 60FPS videos.
4. Bilibili Video Downloader by iTubeGo
✔ Enables downloading entire playlists or channels.
✔ Specifically designed for Bilibili—no additional settings required.
Advantage: Hoarding entire anime series legally with permission, of course.
5. Snaptube( mobile users only)
✔ Download Bilibili videos directly on Android devices.
✔ Supports background downloads.
✔ Fast and efficient.
Important Reminders:
- Always ensure you have permission before downloading. Respect content creators.
- Avoid tools that ask you for a Bilibili login- Sketchy!
- If you are unsure, use the app’s Bilibili official offline cache feature.
These tools keep things simple, safe and ethical.
Final Thoughts
You can download videos from Bilibili safely and ethically by following the right guidelines. Always prioritize official options, use only trusted tools, and respect the rights of content creators. If you’re ever in doubt, seek permission or stick to offline caching.
Ultimately, whether you’re saving a tutorial, a documentary, or a gaming highlight, ensure you do it the right way. Enjoy watching—responsibly!
Credit: Tait Lawton
