What types of video URLs work?

This tool works with direct video file URLs — links that end in .mp4, .webm, .ogg, .mov, etc. The video file must be publicly accessible without authentication.

Why doesn't it work with YouTube or Vimeo?

YouTube, Vimeo, and similar platforms stream video through JavaScript players and DRM protection — there is no direct file URL to download. Use a dedicated platform downloader for those.

Why does my video fail to load?

The hosting server may be blocking cross-origin requests (CORS). This is a browser security restriction — the server needs to allow cross-origin access. Try opening the URL directly in your browser to verify it's accessible.

Is this tool private?

Yes. The video is loaded directly in your browser from the source server — no files pass through SimplyUtils servers at any point.

URL to Video Downloader — Save MP4 & WebM Files Online

URL to Video Downloader — Save Any Direct Video Link

Need to save a video from a direct link? The SimplyUtils URL to Video Downloader lets you paste any publicly accessible video URL — MP4, WebM, OGG, MOV, and more — preview it in your browser, and download it instantly. No software, no sign-up, no watermarks.

How to Download a Video from a URL

Paste the direct video URL — This must be a link that points directly to a video file (e.g. https://example.com/clip.mp4).
Click "Load Video" — The video loads in a preview player so you can verify it's the right file before downloading.
Click "Download" — The file is saved to your device with its original filename. Nothing passes through our servers.

Supported Video Formats

Format

Extension

Common Use

Browser Support

MPEG-4

.mp4

Most common web video format

✓

WebM

.webm

Open web standard, smaller files

✓

OGG Video

.ogg / .ogv

Open source media

✓

QuickTime

.mov

Apple / camera recordings

Safari / limited

What URLs Work vs. What Won't

URL Type

Works?

Reason

Direct .mp4 / .webm URL

✓

File is publicly accessible, no JavaScript player

YouTube / Vimeo links

✗

Streamed via JavaScript & DRM — no direct file URL

Password-protected URLs

✗

Requires authentication the browser can't pass

CORS-restricted servers

✗

Server blocks cross-origin requests — try opening the URL directly

CDN-hosted video assets

✓

Most CDNs allow public access with correct CORS headers

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this work with YouTube, TikTok, or Instagram?

No. Those platforms serve video through JavaScript players and DRM protection — there is no plain direct URL to a video file. You'll need a dedicated platform-specific downloader for those sites.

Why does my video fail to preview?

The most common reason is CORS — the server hosting the video hasn't allowed cross-origin browser access. Try pasting the URL directly into your browser's address bar. If the video plays there but not here, it's a CORS restriction on that server.

Is the download private?

Yes. Your browser fetches the video directly from the source server. Nothing is routed through SimplyUtils servers. No URLs or file contents are logged.

The download triggers a new browser tab instead of saving — why?

When CORS prevents a direct blob fetch, the tool falls back to a standard anchor download. In that case, use your browser's "Save As" option (right-click the video or use the browser menu) to save the file locally.

Related: Video Frame Extractor Website Scroll Video YouTube Thumbnail Downloader

Privacy first: video files are fetched directly by your browser from the source. SimplyUtils servers are never involved in the transfer.