How to Download Videos from Bilibili (Step-by-Step Guide)

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Okay, here’s a comprehensive article on downloading videos from Bilibili, exceeding 5000 words and covering various methods, tools, and troubleshooting tips:

How to Download Videos from Bilibili (Step-by-Step Guide)

Bilibili (哔哩哔哩, often shortened to B站 in China), is a hugely popular Chinese video-sharing website themed around animation, comics, and games (ACG). It’s akin to a blend of YouTube, Twitch, and Crunchyroll, with a strong emphasis on community interaction and user-generated content. While Bilibili offers a fantastic platform for discovering and enjoying a wide variety of videos, downloading them for offline viewing isn’t always straightforward. The platform doesn’t have a built-in, universally accessible download button for all videos, primarily due to copyright protection and licensing agreements.

This guide provides a detailed, step-by-step approach to downloading videos from Bilibili, covering a range of methods, from browser extensions and online downloaders to dedicated software and mobile apps. We’ll discuss the pros and cons of each method, potential issues, and troubleshooting tips. We’ll also touch on legal and ethical considerations.

Important Disclaimer: Downloading copyrighted content without permission is illegal in many jurisdictions. This guide is for educational purposes only and should be used responsibly. Always respect the rights of content creators and only download videos that you have the legal right to access offline. Bilibili’s Terms of Service also discourage unauthorized downloading, and using these methods may violate those terms.

Table of Contents:

  1. Understanding Bilibili’s Video Structure and Download Challenges

    • Video Formats and Quality Options
    • DASH (Dynamic Adaptive Streaming over HTTP)
    • DRM (Digital Rights Management) and Encrypted Videos
    • Bilibili’s Anti-Download Measures

  2. Method 1: Browser Extensions (Chrome, Firefox, Edge)

    • 2.1 Video DownloadHelper (Chrome & Firefox)
      • Installation and Setup
      • Step-by-Step Download Guide
      • Pros and Cons
      • Troubleshooting
    • 2.2 Bilibili Evolved (Chrome & Firefox)
      • Installation and Setup
      • Step-by-Step Download Guide
      • Pros and Cons (Including its extensive feature set beyond downloading)
      • Troubleshooting
    • 2.3 Other Extensions (Consider with Caution)
      • Identifying Potentially Unsafe Extensions
      • Checking Permissions and Reviews

  3. Method 2: Online Video Downloaders

    • 3.1 General Online Downloaders (e.g., SaveFrom.net, Y2Mate, etc.)
      • How They Work (Generally)
      • Step-by-Step Guide (Using a Generic Example)
      • Pros and Cons (Including Security Concerns)
      • Troubleshooting
    • 3.2 Bilibili-Specific Online Downloaders (e.g., Parsevideo, etc.)
      • Step-by-Step Guide (Using a Specific Example)
      • Pros and Cons (Reliability and Updates)
      • Troubleshooting

  4. Method 3: Dedicated Download Software

    • 4.1 Internet Download Manager (IDM)
      • Installation and Setup (Including Browser Integration)
      • Step-by-Step Download Guide
      • Pros and Cons (Including Cost and Features)
      • Troubleshooting
    • 4.2 JDownloader 2
      • Installation and Setup
      • Step-by-Step Download Guide (Including Bilibili Plugin Configuration)
      • Pros and Cons (Open-Source and Powerful, but Complex)
      • Troubleshooting
    • 4.3 4K Video Downloader
      • Installation and Setup
      • Step-by-Step Download Guide
      • Pros and Cons (Simple Interface, but Limited Free Version)
      • Troubleshooting
    • 4.4 Any Video Converter
      • Installation
      • How to Download
      • Pros and Cons
    • 4.5 Free Download Manager (FDM)
      • Installation
      • How to use FDM
      • Pros and Cons

  5. Method 4: Mobile Apps (Android & iOS)

    • 5.1 Android Apps (Using APKs – Proceed with Extreme Caution)
      • Risks of Sideloading APKs
      • General Steps for Using a Bilibili Downloader APK (If Found and Trusted)
      • Security Recommendations
    • 5.2 iOS Apps (Limited Options Due to App Store Restrictions)
      • Potential Workarounds (Document Downloading Apps, Screen Recording – Limitations)
      • Why Dedicated Bilibili Downloaders are Rare on iOS

  6. Method 5: Command-Line Tools (Advanced Users)

    • 6.1 youtube-dl (and its fork, yt-dlp)
      • Installation (Python and pip Required)
      • Basic Usage for Bilibili Downloads
      • Advanced Options (Quality Selection, Subtitle Downloading)
      • Pros and Cons (Powerful and Flexible, but Requires Command-Line Knowledge)
      • Troubleshooting
    • 6.2 FFmpeg
      • How to use FFmpeg
      • Installation
      • Troubleshooting

  7. Troubleshooting Common Issues

    • Video Not Found or Download Error
    • Low Download Speeds
    • Audio and Video Out of Sync
    • Downloaded Video Doesn’t Play
    • Extension or Software Not Working After Bilibili Update
    • Dealing with Multi-Part Videos (P1, P2, etc.)
    • Handling Videos Requiring Login (Cookies)

  8. Legal and Ethical Considerations

    • Copyright and Fair Use
    • Bilibili’s Terms of Service
    • Respecting Content Creators

  9. Bilibili Premium Membership (大会员)

  10. Future-Proofing Your Downloads

  11. Alternatives to Downloading

  12. Conclusion

1. Understanding Bilibili’s Video Structure and Download Challenges

Before diving into the download methods, it’s essential to understand how Bilibili structures its videos and the challenges this presents for downloading.

  • Video Formats and Quality Options: Bilibili uses various video formats, primarily MP4 and FLV, but the underlying technology is more complex. Quality options range from low-resolution (e.g., 360p) to high-resolution (e.g., 1080p, 1080p+, 4K, and even 8K for some content). Higher quality options are often only available to logged-in users or those with a Bilibili Premium membership (大会员).

  • DASH (Dynamic Adaptive Streaming over HTTP): Like many modern video platforms, Bilibili uses DASH. This means the video isn’t delivered as a single, continuous file. Instead, it’s broken down into small segments (chunks) of a few seconds each. Your browser or video player requests these segments sequentially and seamlessly stitches them together for playback. This allows for adaptive bitrate streaming – the quality can adjust dynamically based on your internet connection speed. This is great for viewing, but it makes downloading more complex because you need a tool that can identify and download all the individual segments and then combine them.

  • DRM (Digital Rights Management) and Encrypted Videos: Some Bilibili content, especially officially licensed anime, movies, and TV shows, may be protected by DRM. DRM is a technology used to control access to digital content and prevent unauthorized copying. DRM-protected videos are encrypted, and you need a specific key to decrypt and play them. Standard download tools usually cannot bypass DRM.

  • Bilibili’s Anti-Download Measures: Bilibili actively implements measures to discourage unauthorized downloading. These measures can include:

    • Obfuscating video URLs: The actual URLs of the video segments are often hidden or dynamically generated, making them difficult to find manually.
    • Frequent updates: Bilibili frequently updates its website and video delivery system, which can break download tools that rely on specific URL patterns or code structures.
    • IP address restrictions: Bilibili might limit the number of downloads from a single IP address within a certain timeframe.
    • Account restrictions: Accounts suspected of excessive or automated downloading might be temporarily or permanently restricted.

2. Method 1: Browser Extensions (Chrome, Firefox, Edge)

Browser extensions are often the easiest and most convenient way to download videos from Bilibili, especially for casual users. They integrate directly into your browser and usually provide a simple download button or menu option.

  • 2.1 Video DownloadHelper (Chrome & Firefox)

    • Installation and Setup:

      1. Chrome: Go to the Chrome Web Store and search for “Video DownloadHelper.” Click “Add to Chrome” and then “Add extension.”
      2. Firefox: Go to the Firefox Add-ons website (addons.mozilla.org) and search for “Video DownloadHelper.” Click “Add to Firefox” and then “Add.”
      3. You might need to install a companion application for Video DownloadHelper to work correctly, especially for converting or merging video segments. The extension will prompt you if this is necessary. Follow the on-screen instructions to download and install the companion app.

    • Step-by-Step Download Guide:

      1. Navigate to the Bilibili video page you want to download.
      2. Start playing the video.
      3. The Video DownloadHelper icon (usually three colored balls) in your browser’s toolbar should become active (animated).
      4. Click the Video DownloadHelper icon. It will show a list of detected video streams, often with different resolutions and formats.
      5. Select the desired quality and format.
      6. Choose a download option:
        • Quick Download: Downloads the video directly using the browser’s built-in download manager.
        • Download: Allows you to choose a download location and filename.
        • Download & Convert: Allows you to convert the video to a different format (e.g., MP4, AVI) during the download process (requires the companion app).
      7. The download will begin.

    • Pros and Cons:

      • Pros:
        • Easy to use and install.
        • Supports a wide range of websites, not just Bilibili.
        • Offers multiple download options and quality choices.
        • Can convert videos to different formats (with companion app).
      • Cons:
        • The companion app may require a paid license for some features (e.g., high-resolution downloads, certain conversions).
        • Can sometimes be unreliable, especially after Bilibili website updates.
        • May not be able to download DRM-protected content.
        • The free version may have limitations on download speed or the number of concurrent downloads.

    • Troubleshooting:

      • Icon not active: Make sure the video is playing. Refresh the page. Try restarting your browser.
      • No video streams detected: The video might be DRM-protected or use a format not supported by the extension. Try a different download method.
      • Download fails: Check your internet connection. Try a different quality option. Make sure the companion app is installed and running correctly.
      • Companion app issues: Ensure you have the latest version of the companion app. Check the Video DownloadHelper website for troubleshooting tips specific to the companion app.

  • 2.2 Bilibili Evolved (Chrome & Firefox)

    • Installation and Setup:
      1. GitHub: Bilibili Evolved is primarily hosted on GitHub. You can find it by searching for “Bilibili Evolved GitHub.”
      2. Manual Installation (Recommended):
        • Download the latest release as a ZIP file from the GitHub releases page.
        • Unzip the downloaded file.
        • Chrome: Go to chrome://extensions/. Enable “Developer mode” (usually a toggle in the top right corner). Click “Load unpacked.” Select the unzipped Bilibili Evolved folder.
        • Firefox: Go to about:debugging. Click “This Firefox” on the left. Click “Load Temporary Add-on…” Select the manifest.json file inside the unzipped Bilibili Evolved folder.
      3. Userscript Manager (Alternative): Bilibili Evolved can also be installed as a userscript using a userscript manager like Tampermonkey (Chrome) or Greasemonkey (Firefox). This method is generally less recommended for beginners.

    • Step-by-Step Download Guide:

      1. Navigate to the Bilibili video page.
      2. Bilibili Evolved automatically enhances the page with additional features, including a download button. The download button is usually located near the video player, often below it or to the side. It might look like a downward-pointing arrow or a cloud icon.
      3. Click the download button.
      4. You’ll usually be presented with options for selecting the video quality.
      5. Choose the desired quality and click download.
      6. Bilibili Evolved may automatically combine video and audio segments if necessary.

    • Pros and Cons (Including its extensive feature set beyond downloading):

      • Pros:
        • Specifically designed for Bilibili, resulting in higher reliability and better compatibility.
        • Offers a wide range of features beyond downloading, such as:
          • Theme customization.
          • Danmaku (bullet comments) filtering and management.
          • Video playback enhancements (e.g., speed control, picture-in-picture).
          • Automatic video quality selection.
          • Ad blocking.
          • And many more!
        • Open-source and actively maintained.
      • Cons:
        • Requires manual installation, which can be slightly more complex than installing from a web store.
        • May not be able to download DRM-protected content.
        • The extensive feature set might be overwhelming for users who only want to download videos.

    • Troubleshooting:

      • Download button not appearing: Make sure you’ve installed the extension correctly and enabled it. Refresh the page. Check the Bilibili Evolved settings to ensure the download feature is enabled.
      • Download fails: Check your internet connection. Try a different quality option. Check for updates to Bilibili Evolved on GitHub.
      • Conflicts with other extensions: Try disabling other extensions to see if they are interfering with Bilibili Evolved.

  • 2.3 Other Extensions (Consider with Caution)

    There are many other video downloader extensions available, but you should exercise extreme caution when choosing them. Many extensions are poorly maintained, contain malware, or violate user privacy.

    • Identifying Potentially Unsafe Extensions:

      • Low number of users or reviews: Be wary of extensions with very few users or no reviews.
      • Poorly written descriptions or excessive permissions: If the extension description is vague, contains grammatical errors, or requests unnecessary permissions (e.g., access to your browsing history, passwords), avoid it.
      • Unknown or untrustworthy developers: Research the developer of the extension. If they have a history of creating malicious or low-quality software, avoid their extensions.

    • Checking Permissions and Reviews:

      • Always review the permissions an extension requests before installing it. Grant only the permissions that are absolutely necessary for the extension to function.
      • Read user reviews carefully. Look for reports of problems, bugs, or suspicious behavior.

3. Method 2: Online Video Downloaders

Online video downloaders are websites that allow you to paste a video URL and download the video without installing any software. They work by analyzing the video page, extracting the video URLs, and providing download links. However, online downloaders come with significant security and reliability caveats.

  • 3.1 General Online Downloaders (e.g., SaveFrom.net, Y2Mate, etc.)

    • How They Work (Generally):

      1. You copy the Bilibili video URL from your browser’s address bar.
      2. You paste the URL into the input field on the online downloader website.
      3. The website analyzes the page and extracts the video URLs.
      4. It presents you with download links, often with different quality options.
      5. You click a download link, and the video is downloaded to your computer.

    • Step-by-Step Guide (Using a Generic Example):

      1. Go to the Bilibili video page and copy the URL.
      2. Go to a general online video downloader website (e.g., SaveFrom.net, but be aware of the risks mentioned below).
      3. Paste the Bilibili URL into the input field on the downloader website.
      4. Click the “Download” button (or similar).
      5. The website will process the URL and display available download options (quality, format).
      6. Click the desired download link. Be careful of pop-up ads or redirects.
      7. The video will download to your computer.

    • Pros and Cons (Including Security Concerns):

      • Pros:
        • No software installation required.
        • Usually free to use.
        • Simple and straightforward interface.
      • Cons:
        • Security risks: Many online video downloaders are riddled with ads, pop-ups, redirects, and even malware. They may try to trick you into downloading unwanted software or visiting malicious websites.
        • Privacy concerns: These websites may track your activity and collect your data.
        • Reliability: Online downloaders are often unreliable and may stop working after Bilibili updates its website.
        • Limited quality options: They may not offer all the quality options available on Bilibili.
        • Slow download speeds: Download speeds can be slow, especially for high-resolution videos.
        • May not support all Bilibili videos: They may not be able to download DRM-protected or longer videos.

    • Troubleshooting:

      • “Video not found” error: The downloader may not support Bilibili or the specific video. Try a different downloader or method.
      • Download fails: Check your internet connection. Try a different quality option.
      • Redirects or pop-ups: Close unwanted tabs or windows immediately. Use an ad blocker.
      • Slow download speeds: This is often a limitation of the downloader itself. Try a different downloader or a different method.

  • 3.2 Bilibili-Specific Online Downloaders (e.g., Parsevideo, etc.)

    Some online downloaders are specifically designed for Bilibili. These may be more reliable than general downloaders, but they still carry the same inherent risks.

    • Step-by-Step Guide (Using a Specific Example – Parsevideo):

      1. Go to the Bilibili video page and copy the URL.
      2. Go to a Bilibili-specific online downloader website (e.g., Parsevideo). Note: The availability and reliability of these sites change frequently. Always exercise caution.
      3. Paste the Bilibili URL into the input field.
      4. Click the “Parse” or “Download” button.
      5. The website will analyze the URL and display available download options (quality, format).
      6. Click the desired download link. Be careful of pop-ups or redirects.
      7. The video will download to your computer.

    • Pros and Cons (Reliability and Updates):

      • Pros:
        • Potentially more reliable for Bilibili videos than general downloaders.
        • May offer more Bilibili-specific features (e.g., downloading danmaku).
      • Cons:
        • Still carries the same security and privacy risks as general online downloaders.
        • Reliability is highly dependent on the website’s maintenance. These sites often disappear or stop working.
        • May not support all Bilibili videos.

    • Troubleshooting:

      • Same issues and solutions as general online downloaders. The key is to be very cautious about the websites you use.

4. Method 3: Dedicated Download Software

Dedicated download software provides a more robust and feature-rich solution for downloading videos from Bilibili. These programs are installed on your computer and often offer better download speeds, more control over quality and format, and support for batch downloads.

  • 4.1 Internet Download Manager (IDM)

    • Installation and Setup (Including Browser Integration):

      1. Download the IDM installer from the official website (internetdownloadmanager.com). Note: IDM is a paid software, but it offers a free trial.
      2. Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions.
      3. During installation, IDM will usually ask to integrate with your browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, etc.). Allow this integration for easier downloading.
      4. You may need to enable the IDM extension in your browser’s extension settings.

    • Step-by-Step Download Guide:

      1. Navigate to the Bilibili video page.
      2. Start playing the video.
      3. IDM should automatically detect the video and display a download button or panel, usually near the video player. The button might say “Download this video” or have a similar label.
      4. Click the IDM download button.
      5. IDM will show a dialog box with download options (quality, format, download location).
      6. Choose your desired options and click “Start Download.”

    • Pros and Cons (Including Cost and Features):

      • Pros:
        • Very fast download speeds.
        • Supports a wide range of websites and video formats.
        • Browser integration for easy downloading.
        • Batch downloads (download multiple videos at once).
        • Download scheduler.
        • Resume broken downloads.
        • Built-in video converter.
      • Cons:
        • Paid software (though a free trial is available).
        • Can be a bit overwhelming for beginners due to its many features.

    • Troubleshooting:

      • IDM button not appearing: Make sure the IDM extension is enabled in your browser. Restart your browser and IDM. Check for updates to IDM.
      • Download fails: Check your internet connection. Try a different quality option. Make sure IDM has the necessary permissions to access the internet and save files.
      • Integration issues: Try reinstalling the IDM browser extension. Check the IDM documentation for troubleshooting tips specific to your browser.

  • 4.2 JDownloader 2

    • Installation and Setup:

      1. Download the JDownloader 2 installer from the official website (jdownloader.org). JDownloader 2 is free and open-source.
      2. Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions. Java is required, so if you don’t have it installed, the installer will prompt you to download and install it.
      3. Bilibili Plugin Configuration: JDownloader 2 uses plugins to support different websites. You’ll need to ensure the Bilibili plugin is enabled and configured correctly.
        • Open JDownloader 2.
        • Go to “Settings” (usually a gear icon).
        • Go to “Account Manager.”
        • Click “Add” and search for “bilibili.com.”
        • If you are downloading videos that require a login, enter your Bilibili username and password here. Note: Be cautious about entering your credentials into third-party software. Consider using a dedicated, less-important account if you have privacy concerns.
        • Go to “Plugin Settings” and search for “Bilibili.” Make sure the plugin is enabled.

    • Step-by-Step Download Guide:

      1. Copy the Bilibili video URL.
      2. JDownloader 2 should automatically capture the URL from your clipboard (if “Clipboard Monitoring” is enabled). If not, click the “Add New Links” button and paste the URL.
      3. JDownloader 2 will analyze the link and display the available download options in the “LinkGrabber” tab.
      4. Right-click on the video(s) you want to download and select “Start Downloads.”

    • Pros and Cons (Open-Source and Powerful, but Complex):

      • Pros:
        • Free and open-source.
        • Extremely powerful and customizable.
        • Supports a vast number of websites (through plugins).
        • Batch downloads.
        • Download scheduler.
        • Automatic file extraction (for archives).
        • Can handle complex download scenarios (e.g., multi-part videos, password-protected links).
      • Cons:
        • Can be quite complex and overwhelming for beginners.
        • The interface is not as user-friendly as some other download managers.
        • Requires Java.

    • Troubleshooting:

      • Link not recognized: Make sure the Bilibili plugin is enabled and configured correctly. Check for updates to JDownloader 2 and its plugins.
      • Download fails: Check your internet connection. Try a different quality option. Make sure JDownloader 2 has the necessary permissions.
      • Plugin issues: Try reinstalling the Bilibili plugin. Check the JDownloader 2 forums or documentation for troubleshooting tips.

  • 4.3 4K Video Downloader

    • Installation and Setup:

      1. Download the 4K Video Downloader installer from the official website (4kdownload.com).
      2. Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions.

    • Step-by-Step Download Guide:

      1. Copy the Bilibili video URL.
      2. Open 4K Video Downloader.
      3. Click the “Paste Link” button.
      4. 4K Video Downloader will analyze the link and display download options (quality, format, subtitles).
      5. Choose your desired options and click “Download.”

    • Pros and Cons (Simple Interface, but Limited Free Version):

      • Pros:
        • Very easy to use, with a clean and intuitive interface.
        • Supports downloading videos in high quality (up to 4K and 8K).
        • Can download entire playlists and channels.
        • Can extract audio from videos.
        • Supports subtitles.
      • Cons:
        • The free version has limitations on the number of downloads per day, playlist downloads, and other features. A paid license is required to unlock all features.
        • Not as feature-rich as IDM or JDownloader 2.

    • Troubleshooting:

      • Link not recognized: Make sure the URL is correct. Try restarting 4K Video Downloader.
      • Download fails: Check your internet connection. Try a different quality option. Make sure you haven’t exceeded the download limits of the free version.
      • Limited Free Version Try restarting.

  • 4.4 Any Video Converter

    • Installation:

      1. Download Any Video Converter (AVC) from its official website.
      2. Run the installer.

    • How to Download

      1. Copy the URL of the video
      2. Click the dropdown arrow next to the “Add URL(s)” button and select “Download Music Files” (Yes, even for videos).
      3. Click the green + sign and paste the URL.
      4. Click “Start Download!”

    • Pros and Cons

      • Pros
        • Simple to install and use.
        • Versatile, with many additional features, as its name implies.
      • Cons
        • The free version adds watermarks.
        • Download speeds can be slow.

  • 4.5 Free Download Manager (FDM)

    • Installation:

      1. Download Free Download Manager (FDM) from its official website.
      2. Install.

    • How to use FDM

      1. Copy the URL of the video
      2. Click the Blue + sign
      3. Paste and click OK.

    • Pros and Cons:

      • Pros:
        • It’s free and open source.
        • Built-in BitTorrent Client.
      • Cons
        • Less user-friendly.

5. Method 4: Mobile Apps (Android & iOS)

Downloading Bilibili videos on mobile devices is generally more challenging than on computers, especially on iOS.

  • 5.1 Android Apps (Using APKs – Proceed with Extreme Caution)

    On Android, it’s technically possible to find and install Bilibili video downloader apps in the form of APK files (Android Package Kits). However, this is extremely risky and not recommended.

    • Risks of Sideloading APKs:

      • Malware: APKs downloaded from unofficial sources (i.e., not the Google Play Store) can easily contain malware, viruses, spyware, or other malicious code. This can compromise your device’s security and steal your personal data.
      • Untrustworthy developers: You have no guarantee of the app’s quality, security, or privacy practices when downloading from unknown sources.
      • Lack of updates: APKs downloaded outside the Play Store often don’t receive automatic updates, leaving you vulnerable to security exploits.

    • General Steps for Using a Bilibili Downloader APK (If Found and Trusted):

      1. Find a reputable source (extremely difficult). This is the most challenging and dangerous part. Do not download APKs from random websites.
      2. Enable “Install from Unknown Sources” in your Android settings. This setting is usually found in the “Security” or “Apps” section of your settings. Be aware that enabling this setting makes your device more vulnerable to malware.
      3. Download the APK file.
      4. Open the APK file and install the app.
      5. Open the app and follow its instructions to download Bilibili videos.

    • Security Recommendations:

      • Avoid sideloading APKs unless absolutely necessary. It’s generally much safer to use apps from the Google Play Store.
      • If you must sideload an APK, do extensive research on the app and its developer. Look for reviews, forum discussions, and any information about its reputation.
      • Use a reputable antivirus app on your Android device.
      • After installing the APK, disable “Install from Unknown Sources” again.
      • Be extremely cautious of apps with negative reviews

  • 5.2 iOS Apps (Limited Options Due to App Store Restrictions)

    Due to Apple’s strict App Store policies, finding dedicated Bilibili video downloader apps on iOS is extremely difficult, if not impossible. Apple generally prohibits apps that facilitate the unauthorized downloading of copyrighted content.

    • Potential Workarounds (Document Downloading Apps, Screen Recording – Limitations):

      • Document Downloading Apps: Some apps that are primarily designed for downloading and managing documents might be able to download videos from Bilibili, but this is not their primary function, and success is not guaranteed. These apps often work by acting as a web browser with download capabilities.
      • Screen Recording: iOS has a built-in screen recording feature. You can use this to record the Bilibili video as it plays, but this is not a true download. The quality will be limited by your screen resolution, and you’ll need to record the entire video in real-time. This also consumes a lot of storage space.
      • Third Party Apps (Not Recommended): There may be apps that can be downloaded outside of the App Store that can directly download videos. However, these carry extreme security risks.

    • Why Dedicated Bilibili Downloaders are Rare on iOS:

      • App Store restrictions: Apple’s strict policies make it difficult for developers to create and distribute apps that violate copyright rules.
      • Security concerns: iOS is a more closed ecosystem than Android, making it harder for apps to access and manipulate video streams.
      • Limited demand: The risk and complexity may outweigh the demand.

6. Method 5: Command-Line Tools (Advanced Users)

For advanced users comfortable with the command line, tools like youtube-dl and yt-dlp offer a powerful and flexible way to download videos from Bilibili. These tools are not graphical; they are operated entirely through text commands in a terminal or command prompt.

  • 6.1 youtube-dl (and its fork, yt-dlp)

    youtube-dl is a popular open-source command-line tool for downloading videos from YouTube and many other websites, including Bilibili. yt-dlp is a fork of youtube-dl that is actively maintained and often includes faster updates and support for new features. yt-dlp is generally recommended over the original youtube-dl due to its more active development.

    • Installation (Python and pip Required):

      1. Python: You need to have Python installed on your computer. You can download Python from the official website (python.org).
      2. pip: pip is the package installer for Python. It’s usually included with Python installations.
      3. Installation:
        • Windows: Open a command prompt (search for “cmd” in the Start menu). Type pip install yt-dlp (or pip install youtube-dl for the original) and press Enter.
        • macOS/Linux: Open a terminal. Type pip3 install yt-dlp (or pip3 install youtube-dl) and press Enter. You might need to use sudo before the command (e.g., sudo pip3 install yt-dlp) if you encounter permission errors.

    • Basic Usage for Bilibili Downloads:

      1. Open a terminal or command prompt.
      2. Copy the Bilibili video URL.
      3. Type yt-dlp "PASTE_THE_URL_HERE" (replace PASTE_THE_URL_HERE with the actual URL) and press Enter. For example:
        bash
        yt-dlp "https://www.bilibili.com/video/BVxxxxxxxxxx"
      4. yt-dlp will download the video in the best available quality by default.

    • Advanced Options (Quality Selection, Subtitle Downloading):

      • List available formats: yt-dlp -F "URL" (uppercase F)
      • Download a specific format: yt-dlp -f format_code "URL" (replace format_code with the code from the -F output). For example:
        bash
        yt-dlp -f 137+140 "https://www.bilibili.com/video/BVxxxxxxxxxx"
        This would download video format code 137 (likely a high-resolution video) and audio format code 140 (

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