# Vimeo Video Downloader (`serpdownloaders/vimeo-video-downloader`) Actor
Browser extension for saving Vimeo videos in original quality from public, embedded, and private authenticated pages for offline viewing.
- **URL**: https://apify.com/serpdownloaders/vimeo-video-downloader.md
- **Developed by:** [SERP Downloaders](https://apify.com/serpdownloaders) (community)
- **Categories:** Videos, Automation, Social media
- **Stats:** 2 total users, 1 monthly users, 100.0% runs succeeded, NaN bookmarks
- **User rating**: No ratings yet
## Pricing
Pay per usage
This Actor is paid per platform usage. The Actor is free to use, and you only pay for the Apify platform usage, which gets cheaper the higher subscription plan you have.
Learn more: https://docs.apify.com/platform/actors/running/actors-in-store#pay-per-usage
## What's an Apify Actor?
Actors are a software tools running on the Apify platform, for all kinds of web data extraction and automation use cases.
In Batch mode, an Actor accepts a well-defined JSON input, performs an action which can take anything from a few seconds to a few hours,
and optionally produces a well-defined JSON output, datasets with results, or files in key-value store.
In Standby mode, an Actor provides a web server which can be used as a website, API, or an MCP server.
Actors are written with capital "A".
## How to integrate an Actor?
If asked about integration, you help developers integrate Actors into their projects.
You adapt to their stack and deliver integrations that are safe, well-documented, and production-ready.
The best way to integrate Actors is as follows.
In JavaScript/TypeScript projects, use official [JavaScript/TypeScript client](https://docs.apify.com/api/client/js.md):
```bash
npm install apify-client
```
In Python projects, use official [Python client library](https://docs.apify.com/api/client/python.md):
```bash
pip install apify-client
```
In shell scripts, use [Apify CLI](https://docs.apify.com/cli/docs.md):
````bash
# MacOS / Linux
curl -fsSL https://apify.com/install-cli.sh | bash
# Windows
irm https://apify.com/install-cli.ps1 | iex
```bash
In AI frameworks, you might use the [Apify MCP server](https://docs.apify.com/platform/integrations/mcp.md).
If your project is in a different language, use the [REST API](https://docs.apify.com/api/v2.md).
For usage examples, see the [API](#api) section below.
For more details, see Apify documentation as [Markdown index](https://docs.apify.com/llms.txt) and [Markdown full-text](https://docs.apify.com/llms-full.txt).
# README
## Vimeo Video Downloader (Browser Extension)
> Browser extension that makes it simple to save Vimeo videos directly to your computer — in their original quality — for offline access anytime. Public, embedded, and private videos, from 240p up to 4K UHD.
SERP Vimeo Video Downloader is a browser extension built specifically for saving Vimeo videos as standard files you can keep — no re-encoding, no watermarks, and no unnecessary tracking.
- Save Vimeo videos in their original quality for offline viewing — lectures, tutorials, portfolios, or anything else you need access to
- Download public, embedded, and private (authenticated) Vimeo videos from 240p up to 4K UHD
- Skip unreliable online converters and shady download sites — this extension works right inside your browser with one-click downloads
- Privacy-first design with minimal permissions, no analytics, no telemetry, and no data sharing
Unlike generic tools that fail on Vimeo's streaming format, this extension auto-detects videos on any Vimeo page and provides a clean, one-click download experience.
### watch the video 👇
### 🔗 Links
- 🎁 Get it [**here**](https://serp.ly/vimeo-video-downloader)
- ❓ Check FAQs [**here**](https://github.com/orgs/serpapps/discussions/categories/faq)
- 🐛 Report bugs [**here**](https://github.com/serpapps/vimeo-video-downloader/issues)
- 🆕 Request features [**here**](https://github.com/serpapps/vimeo-video-downloader/issues)
- 📦 Latest release [**here**](https://github.com/serpapps/vimeo-video-downloader/releases)
- 🔒 View [**Permissions Justification**](PERMISSIONS.md)
- 📖 Installation instructions [**here**](https://github.com/serpapps/vimeo-video-downloader/blob/main/INSTALL-SETUP.md)
### Resources
- 💬 [**Community**](https://serp.ly/@serp/community)
- 💌 [**Newsletter**](https://serp.ly/@serp/email)
- 🛒 [**Shop**](https://serp.ly/@serp/store)
- 🎓 [**Courses**](https://serp.ly/@serp/courses)
### Why Vimeo Video Downloader
Vimeo delivers video through adaptive streaming (HLS/DASH) that prevents right-click saving. Direct video file URLs are never exposed on the page, and private or embedded videos add authentication layers that block generic download tools entirely. Even password-protected videos and domain-restricted embeds require specific handling that standard browser extensions cannot provide.
This extension was engineered from the ground up for Vimeo. It detects videos automatically on any Vimeo page — including embedded players, showcases, channels, and private links — extracts all available quality options, and saves them directly to your computer. No re-encoding, no quality loss, no external software.
### Features
- **Auto-detect videos** — Finds videos on any Vimeo page automatically, including embedded players and showcases
- **Original quality preserved** — Downloads from 240p up to 4K UHD depending on source video, with no re-encoding or quality loss
- **Public, embedded & private video support** — Works with public videos, embedded players, and private (authenticated) Vimeo videos
- **Thumbnail preview & metadata** — Shows video thumbnail and metadata before you download
- **Fast & reliable** — Files are saved directly without re-processing or waiting in queues
- **Download progress bar** — Track your download progress in real time
- **Privacy-first design** — No analytics, no telemetry, no data sharing. Only minimal permissions needed.
- **Zero ads** — Clean interface with no advertisements
- **Regular updates** — Community-supported with ongoing updates and bug fixes
- **Cross-browser support** — Works on Chrome, Edge, Brave, Opera, and Firefox
### How It Works
1. **Install** — Add SERP Vimeo Video Downloader to your browser from the [product page](https://serp.ly/vimeo-video-downloader), or download the latest version from [GitHub Releases](https://github.com/serpapps/vimeo-video-downloader/releases) and load it manually
2. **Browse Vimeo** — Navigate to any Vimeo page — public video, embedded player, showcase, channel, or private link
3. **Pick your quality** — Click the extension icon. It shows all available resolutions from the source video with thumbnail preview
4. **Save** — Click Download and the video saves directly to your computer in its original quality
### Supported Formats
- **Video output:** Original format preserved (MP4, no re-encoding)
- **Quality range:** 240p, 360p, 480p, 720p, 1080p, 1440p, up to 4K UHD depending on source
- **Video types:** Public videos, embedded players, showcases, channels, groups, and private (authenticated) videos
### Step-by-Step Tutorial: How to Download Vimeo Videos
Downloading from Vimeo is tricky because the platform uses adaptive streaming and does not expose direct file URLs. Private and embedded videos add authentication layers that block standard tools. This extension handles all of that automatically.
**What you need:** A supported browser — Chrome, Edge, Brave, Firefox, or Opera — and an internet connection. For private videos, you need to be logged in to a Vimeo account with access.
**Step 1 — Install the extension.** Download the latest `.zip` file from [GitHub Releases](https://github.com/serpapps/vimeo-video-downloader/releases). Extract the ZIP file, open Chrome and go to `chrome://extensions/`, enable "Developer mode" (top right toggle), click "Load unpacked" (top left button) and select the extracted folder. See full [installation instructions](https://github.com/serpapps/vimeo-video-downloader/blob/main/INSTALL-SETUP.md) for other browsers.
**Step 2 — Activate your license.** Click the extension icon for the first time and enter your email and license key associated with the extension. You can find your license key in your email confirmation from purchasing.
**Step 3 — Find your video.** Navigate to any Vimeo page — it works on standard video pages, embedded players on third-party sites, showcases, channels, and private links. The extension auto-detects the video.
**Step 4 — Download.** Click the extension icon, preview the thumbnail and metadata, select your preferred quality from all available resolutions, and hit Download. The file saves directly to your computer in its original quality.
**Tips:** For the best quality, select the highest resolution available. The extension preserves original quality with no re-encoding. For private videos, make sure you are logged in to Vimeo with an account that has access. Desktop notifications alert you when downloads complete.
**Troubleshooting:** If a video is not detected, refresh the page and try again. For embedded videos on third-party sites, make sure the extension is enabled. Check that Developer mode is still on in your browser's extension settings. For private videos, verify you are logged in with the correct Vimeo account.
### Who It's For
- 🎓 **Students & educators** — Save lecture replays or course videos before they expire
- 🎥 **Content creators** — Back up portfolios, demo reels, or client projects
- 🧑💼 **Professionals** — Keep access to training, onboarding, or event recordings
- 📚 **Researchers & archivists** — Organize video libraries with meaningful filenames
- 🌍 **Everyday users** — Enjoy your favorite videos offline while traveling or on slow connections
### Solving These Problems
- Paid courses disappear before you finish them
- Videos buffer, freeze or fail on slow internet
- Private video links expire without warning
- Need to rewatch videos offline but there is no download button
- Platforms that do not let you organize lessons
- Courses with good content but terrible video naming
### Common Use Cases
- Save lecture recordings and course videos for offline study before they expire or get taken down
- Back up your own Vimeo portfolio, demo reels, or client project videos
- Download training, onboarding, or event recordings for offline access
- Save embedded Vimeo videos from third-party sites and learning platforms
- Archive private Vimeo videos you have access to before links expire
- Watch downloaded videos offline while traveling or on slow connections
### What Makes Vimeo Video Downloader Different
Generic downloaders fail on Vimeo because the platform uses adaptive streaming (HLS/DASH) with authentication layers that block standard download approaches. This extension handles all of that natively.
- **Original quality** — No re-encoding, no watermarks, no quality loss. Files are saved exactly as the source provides them.
- **Private video support** — Works with authenticated, password-protected, and domain-restricted Vimeo videos
- **Embedded player support** — Detects videos in embedded Vimeo players on third-party sites, not just on Vimeo itself
- **All quality levels** — From 240p up to 4K UHD, every resolution the source video provides is available
- **Privacy-first** — No analytics, no telemetry, no data sharing. Minimal permissions, fully transparent.
- **No external software** — Everything runs inside your browser. No desktop apps, no command line, no third-party websites.
- **Lightweight & transparent** — Open source, minimal permissions, and no hidden data collection
### Permissions & Privacy
We believe in transparency and minimal permissions. Our extension only requests the permissions absolutely necessary for core functionality:
- **Privacy First**: No data tracking, no analytics, no personal information collection
- **Minimal Permissions**: Only 12 permissions required, each with clear justification
- **Local Storage**: Your preferences and download history stay on your device
- **Transparent**: Full documentation of why each permission is needed
**📋 [View detailed permission justifications](PERMISSIONS.md)** — See exactly why each permission is required and how it's used.
Our commitment: We only access what we need to download your videos, nothing more.
#### Permission Details
- **downloads** — Required to programmatically initiate and manage video file downloads to your computer
- **activeTab** — Needed to access and analyze the currently active Vimeo tab to detect video content and extract metadata
- **storage** — Used to persist user preferences, download history, and activation status across browser sessions
- **scripting** — Required to inject content scripts into Vimeo pages for video detection and data extraction
- **offscreen** — Used to create offscreen documents for complex video processing tasks (HLS parsing, format conversion)
- **cookies** — Needed to access Vimeo authentication cookies for downloading private or password-protected videos
- **host_permissions** — Grants access to Vimeo domains and associated CDN services to extract video streams and handle authentication
### Trial & Pricing
Purchase a license key to get started. For pricing and license details, visit the [product page](https://serp.ly/vimeo-video-downloader).
[](https://serp.ly/vimeo-video-downloader)
- Works on Chrome, Edge, Brave, Opera, and Firefox
- All processing happens locally in your browser
- No analytics, no telemetry, no data sharing
- Regular updates and community support
### Screenshots
### Installation Instructions
1. "Star ⭐" this repository click the button that looks like this
2. Download the latest `.zip` file from [](https://github.com/serpapps/vimeo-video-downloader/releases)
3. Extract the ZIP file (aka double click it)
4. Open Chrome and go to `chrome://extensions/`
5. Enable "Developer mode" (top right toggle)
6. Click "Load unpacked" (top left button) and select the extracted folder
7. When you click on the extension for the first time, you will need to enter your `email` & `license key` associated with the extension
> Note: You can find your license key in your email confirmation from purchasing the product
### FAQ
#### Q: What quality options are available?
The extension detects all available qualities from the source — from 240p up to 4K UHD depending on what the video provides. Original quality is preserved with no re-encoding.
#### Q: Does this work with private Vimeo videos?
Yes. The extension supports public videos, embedded players, and private (authenticated) Vimeo videos. For private videos, you need to be logged in to a Vimeo account with access.
#### Q: Does this work with embedded Vimeo videos on other sites?
Yes. The extension detects Vimeo videos in embedded players on third-party sites, not just on Vimeo itself.
#### Q: Does this work on Firefox?
Yes — supports Chrome, Edge, Brave, Opera, and Firefox.
#### Q: Is my data safe?
Yes. The extension has a privacy-first design with no analytics, no telemetry, and no data sharing. Only minimal permissions are required, and all preferences are stored locally on your device. See the full [permissions justification](PERMISSIONS.md).
#### Q: Why isn't the extension detecting my video?
Refresh the page and try again. For embedded videos, make sure the extension is enabled. For private videos, verify you are logged in with the correct Vimeo account. Check that Developer mode is still on in your browser's extension settings.
### Important Notes
This extension is intended for downloading content you own or have permission to save. Users are responsible for ensuring they have the right to download any content. Respect copyright and intellectual property rights. Quality options depend on what the source video provides. An active internet connection is required during the download process.
### Keywords
`vimeo downloader` `vimeo video downloader` `download vimeo` `vimeo mp4` `vimeo browser extension` `save vimeo videos` `vimeo private video downloader` `vimeo 4k downloader`
### License
This repository is distributed under the proprietary SERP Apps license in the [LICENSE](LICENSE) file. Review that file before copying, modifying, or redistributing any part of this project.
### Get It
- **Start here:** [SERP Vimeo Video Downloader](https://serp.ly/vimeo-video-downloader)
---
### More Ways to Download Vimeo Videos
#### How to Download Vimeo Videos for Free — Mac Version
#### How to Download Vimeo Videos for Free — Windows Version
---
Vimeo R&D
### Related
- https://github.com/serpapps/vimeo-video-downloader
- https://gist.github.com/devinschumacher/a189434fc9f374965888ca2dc793953e
- https://gist.github.com/devinschumacher/8024bc4693d79aef641b2c281e45d6cb
- [How to Download Password Protected Vimeo Videos](https://gist.github.com/devinschumacher/d28b419be2b349b9730dee1137b292da)
- https://gist.github.com/devinschumacher/8095f410a01494bc04ebf6c6440ce25d
## Vimeo Video Download Research & Implementation Guide
This guide provides detailed technical insights into Vimeo's video infrastructure and practical implementation strategies for video downloading. The information should be used responsibly, respecting copyright laws, terms of service, and privacy considerations.
**Disclaimer**: This guide is for educational and research purposes. Always comply with applicable laws, terms of service, and respect content creators' rights.
# Actor input Schema
## `listingNotice` (type: `string`):
Optional informational field only. This actor currently serves as the public listing surface for the browser extension and does not yet expose a finalized runtime API contract.
## Actor input object example
```json
{
"listingNotice": "No runtime input is required yet. See the README and product page for the current extension workflow."
}
````
# API
You can run this Actor programmatically using our API. Below are code examples in JavaScript, Python, and CLI, as well as the OpenAPI specification and MCP server setup.
## JavaScript example
```javascript
import { ApifyClient } from 'apify-client';
// Initialize the ApifyClient with your Apify API token
// Replace the '' with your token
const client = new ApifyClient({
token: '',
});
// Prepare Actor input
const input = {};
// Run the Actor and wait for it to finish
const run = await client.actor("serpdownloaders/vimeo-video-downloader").call(input);
// Fetch and print Actor results from the run's dataset (if any)
console.log('Results from dataset');
console.log(`💾 Check your data here: https://console.apify.com/storage/datasets/${run.defaultDatasetId}`);
const { items } = await client.dataset(run.defaultDatasetId).listItems();
items.forEach((item) => {
console.dir(item);
});
// 📚 Want to learn more 📖? Go to → https://docs.apify.com/api/client/js/docs
```
## Python example
```python
from apify_client import ApifyClient
# Initialize the ApifyClient with your Apify API token
# Replace '' with your token.
client = ApifyClient("")
# Prepare the Actor input
run_input = {}
# Run the Actor and wait for it to finish
run = client.actor("serpdownloaders/vimeo-video-downloader").call(run_input=run_input)
# Fetch and print Actor results from the run's dataset (if there are any)
print("💾 Check your data here: https://console.apify.com/storage/datasets/" + run["defaultDatasetId"])
for item in client.dataset(run["defaultDatasetId"]).iterate_items():
print(item)
# 📚 Want to learn more 📖? Go to → https://docs.apify.com/api/client/python/docs/quick-start
```
## CLI example
```bash
echo '{}' |
apify call serpdownloaders/vimeo-video-downloader --silent --output-dataset
```
## MCP server setup
```json
{
"mcpServers": {
"apify": {
"command": "npx",
"args": [
"mcp-remote",
"https://mcp.apify.com/?tools=serpdownloaders/vimeo-video-downloader",
"--header",
"Authorization: Bearer "
]
}
}
}
```
## OpenAPI specification
```json
{
"openapi": "3.0.1",
"info": {
"title": "Vimeo Video Downloader",
"description": "Browser extension for saving Vimeo videos in original quality from public, embedded, and private authenticated pages for offline viewing.",
"version": "0.0",
"x-build-id": "tiIgLIcmwAeyZ45ha"
},
"servers": [
{
"url": "https://api.apify.com/v2"
}
],
"paths": {
"/acts/serpdownloaders~vimeo-video-downloader/run-sync-get-dataset-items": {
"post": {
"operationId": "run-sync-get-dataset-items-serpdownloaders-vimeo-video-downloader",
"x-openai-isConsequential": false,
"summary": "Executes an Actor, waits for its completion, and returns Actor's dataset items in response.",
"tags": [
"Run Actor"
],
"requestBody": {
"required": true,
"content": {
"application/json": {
"schema": {
"$ref": "#/components/schemas/inputSchema"
}
}
}
},
"parameters": [
{
"name": "token",
"in": "query",
"required": true,
"schema": {
"type": "string"
},
"description": "Enter your Apify token here"
}
],
"responses": {
"200": {
"description": "OK"
}
}
}
},
"/acts/serpdownloaders~vimeo-video-downloader/runs": {
"post": {
"operationId": "runs-sync-serpdownloaders-vimeo-video-downloader",
"x-openai-isConsequential": false,
"summary": "Executes an Actor and returns information about the initiated run in response.",
"tags": [
"Run Actor"
],
"requestBody": {
"required": true,
"content": {
"application/json": {
"schema": {
"$ref": "#/components/schemas/inputSchema"
}
}
}
},
"parameters": [
{
"name": "token",
"in": "query",
"required": true,
"schema": {
"type": "string"
},
"description": "Enter your Apify token here"
}
],
"responses": {
"200": {
"description": "OK",
"content": {
"application/json": {
"schema": {
"$ref": "#/components/schemas/runsResponseSchema"
}
}
}
}
}
}
},
"/acts/serpdownloaders~vimeo-video-downloader/run-sync": {
"post": {
"operationId": "run-sync-serpdownloaders-vimeo-video-downloader",
"x-openai-isConsequential": false,
"summary": "Executes an Actor, waits for completion, and returns the OUTPUT from Key-value store in response.",
"tags": [
"Run Actor"
],
"requestBody": {
"required": true,
"content": {
"application/json": {
"schema": {
"$ref": "#/components/schemas/inputSchema"
}
}
}
},
"parameters": [
{
"name": "token",
"in": "query",
"required": true,
"schema": {
"type": "string"
},
"description": "Enter your Apify token here"
}
],
"responses": {
"200": {
"description": "OK"
}
}
}
}
},
"components": {
"schemas": {
"inputSchema": {
"type": "object",
"properties": {
"listingNotice": {
"title": "Listing notice",
"type": "string",
"description": "Optional informational field only. This actor currently serves as the public listing surface for the browser extension and does not yet expose a finalized runtime API contract.",
"default": "No runtime input is required yet. See the README and product page for the current extension workflow."
}
}
},
"runsResponseSchema": {
"type": "object",
"properties": {
"data": {
"type": "object",
"properties": {
"id": {
"type": "string"
},
"actId": {
"type": "string"
},
"userId": {
"type": "string"
},
"startedAt": {
"type": "string",
"format": "date-time",
"example": "2025-01-08T00:00:00.000Z"
},
"finishedAt": {
"type": "string",
"format": "date-time",
"example": "2025-01-08T00:00:00.000Z"
},
"status": {
"type": "string",
"example": "READY"
},
"meta": {
"type": "object",
"properties": {
"origin": {
"type": "string",
"example": "API"
},
"userAgent": {
"type": "string"
}
}
},
"stats": {
"type": "object",
"properties": {
"inputBodyLen": {
"type": "integer",
"example": 2000
},
"rebootCount": {
"type": "integer",
"example": 0
},
"restartCount": {
"type": "integer",
"example": 0
},
"resurrectCount": {
"type": "integer",
"example": 0
},
"computeUnits": {
"type": "integer",
"example": 0
}
}
},
"options": {
"type": "object",
"properties": {
"build": {
"type": "string",
"example": "latest"
},
"timeoutSecs": {
"type": "integer",
"example": 300
},
"memoryMbytes": {
"type": "integer",
"example": 1024
},
"diskMbytes": {
"type": "integer",
"example": 2048
}
}
},
"buildId": {
"type": "string"
},
"defaultKeyValueStoreId": {
"type": "string"
},
"defaultDatasetId": {
"type": "string"
},
"defaultRequestQueueId": {
"type": "string"
},
"buildNumber": {
"type": "string",
"example": "1.0.0"
},
"containerUrl": {
"type": "string"
},
"usage": {
"type": "object",
"properties": {
"ACTOR_COMPUTE_UNITS": {
"type": "integer",
"example": 0
},
"DATASET_READS": {
"type": "integer",
"example": 0
},
"DATASET_WRITES": {
"type": "integer",
"example": 0
},
"KEY_VALUE_STORE_READS": {
"type": "integer",
"example": 0
},
"KEY_VALUE_STORE_WRITES": {
"type": "integer",
"example": 1
},
"KEY_VALUE_STORE_LISTS": {
"type": "integer",
"example": 0
},
"REQUEST_QUEUE_READS": {
"type": "integer",
"example": 0
},
"REQUEST_QUEUE_WRITES": {
"type": "integer",
"example": 0
},
"DATA_TRANSFER_INTERNAL_GBYTES": {
"type": "integer",
"example": 0
},
"DATA_TRANSFER_EXTERNAL_GBYTES": {
"type": "integer",
"example": 0
},
"PROXY_RESIDENTIAL_TRANSFER_GBYTES": {
"type": "integer",
"example": 0
},
"PROXY_SERPS": {
"type": "integer",
"example": 0
}
}
},
"usageTotalUsd": {
"type": "number",
"example": 0.00005
},
"usageUsd": {
"type": "object",
"properties": {
"ACTOR_COMPUTE_UNITS": {
"type": "integer",
"example": 0
},
"DATASET_READS": {
"type": "integer",
"example": 0
},
"DATASET_WRITES": {
"type": "integer",
"example": 0
},
"KEY_VALUE_STORE_READS": {
"type": "integer",
"example": 0
},
"KEY_VALUE_STORE_WRITES": {
"type": "number",
"example": 0.00005
},
"KEY_VALUE_STORE_LISTS": {
"type": "integer",
"example": 0
},
"REQUEST_QUEUE_READS": {
"type": "integer",
"example": 0
},
"REQUEST_QUEUE_WRITES": {
"type": "integer",
"example": 0
},
"DATA_TRANSFER_INTERNAL_GBYTES": {
"type": "integer",
"example": 0
},
"DATA_TRANSFER_EXTERNAL_GBYTES": {
"type": "integer",
"example": 0
},
"PROXY_RESIDENTIAL_TRANSFER_GBYTES": {
"type": "integer",
"example": 0
},
"PROXY_SERPS": {
"type": "integer",
"example": 0
}
}
}
}
}
}
}
}
}
}
```