What you can download with OrbitDownloader
OrbitDownloader retrieves media from over 100 sources, covering the major platforms you’re likely to encounter. The tool handles embedded videos, direct links, and playlist extracts from:
- YouTube – public videos, shorts, and live streams (archived).
- TikTok – user posts, slideshows, and live replays (no login required).
- Instagram – feed posts, reels, and IGTV (public accounts only).
- Facebook – newsfeed videos, live broadcasts, and shared clips (public or unlisted).
- Reddit – native video and GIFs on subreddits or user profiles.
- Vimeo – publicly accessible uploads and showcases.
- X (formerly Twitter) – attached media from tweets, including native video and GIFs.
- Twitch – clips, highlights, and past broadcasts (when the creator does not block export).
- Pinterest – video pins from boards or search results.
- LinkedIn – company page and profile videos (that are not behind login gates).
- Dailymotion – standard and HD-available content.
- Bilibili – Chinese platform with public uploads (no age-restricted ones).
This list is not exhaustive – the service updates regularly as site structures change.
Pick the right format and quality for your use case
OrbitDownloader offers several output profile options. The choice depends on your playback device, storage constraints, and intended use (e.g., offline archive, editing source, mobile consumption). Below are the most common selections:
- MP4 with H.264 codec – Universal compatibility across Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and most smart TVs. Select this for 1080p at 30/60 fps, or go up to 4K if the source provides it. Bitrate is adaptive; typical 1080p ~8 Mbps.
- WebM with VP9 codec – Better compression for high-resolution content (4K, 8K) on browsers that support it. Lower file sizes at equivalent quality compared to H.264. Ideal for Chrome/Firefox users.
- MP3 audio at 320 kbps – Extracting audio from video sources (e.g., YouTube music, podcast clips). Constant bitrate ensures near-lossless quality for listening.
- GIF extraction – Animated sequences from short clips (up to 15 seconds). Resolution defaults to 480p along width; frame rate capped at 10 fps to limit size.
- No re-encoding option – Direct copy of the original stream (container may be MP4, WebM, or FLV) without transcoding. Fastest method, but codec support depends on your player.
When in doubt, MP4 H.264 is the safest fallback – it works on virtually everything. For archival purposes, consider the original stream copy to avoid generation loss.
What OrbitDownloader can NOT do (be honest)
No download tool is omnipotent. OrbitDownloader operates strictly within the boundaries set by each platform and legal frameworks. The following limitations exist:
Understanding DRM restrictions
Content protected by Widevine, FairPlay, or PlayReady (typically paid streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, Amazon Prime, or Apple TV+) cannot be downloaded. OrbitDownloader does not circumvent DRM – doing so would violate both copyright law and the service’s terms. If the browser can play it but the downloader fails, DRM is the likely culprit.
Other honest notes:
- Geo‑blocked content: If a video is restricted to a specific country (e.g., a UK‑only BBC iPlayer segment), you need a VPN that redirects to that region before pasting the link. OrbitDownloader does not include a built‑in proxy.
- Login‑gated media: Many platforms require a sign‑in to view certain content (e.g., private Facebook groups, age‑restricted YouTube videos, LinkedIn Learning courses). The tool cannot access these – it only works on publicly visible URLs.
- Age‑gated content on YouTube: Videos marked 18+ demand a signed‑in account. The downloader will either return an error or produce a blank result.
- Live streams still in progress: OrbitDownloader captures the final record once it ends, but cannot grab a currently‑airing stream. Wait until the broadcast concludes.
- Low‑quality sources don’t upscale: If the source video is 480p, OrbitDownloader will give you that same resolution – no AI enhancements. The output is as faithful as the input.
- Rate limiting and IP blocks: Excessive bulk downloading (e.g., hundreds of videos in minutes) may trigger platform anti‑scraping measures. Use the tool at a reasonable pace.
Being candid about these limits saves you time troubleshooting. If a download fails, first check whether the URL is publicly accessible and free of DRM. If you still need that protected material, contact the rights holder for authorized access.
Quick start:
Jump to one of our most popular downloaders —
Facebook Video Downloader,
Instagram Downloader or
Tiktok Downloader.