Downloading videos from SharePoint can sometimes feel like navigating a maze, especially when the native interface doesn’t offer straightforward options to save media locally. Luckily, with tools like FFmpeg, you can simplify the process by pulling video streams directly from a SharePoint-hosted site. This guide will walk you step-by-step through the process, so even with basic command-line knowledge, you’ll have the video on your local drive in no time.
TL;DR
If you want to quickly download a video from SharePoint but can’t find a download button, you can use FFmpeg, a powerful command-line tool. It captures the video stream from the SharePoint video link and saves it locally in your desired format. This method is especially handy when SharePoint only streams videos and doesn’t support direct downloads. All you need is the video’s actual URL or manifest file and a bit of command-line action.
What is FFmpeg?
FFmpeg is a free, open-source command-line tool used to process audio and video files. You can use it to download, convert, and manipulate multimedia content. It supports a wide range of formats, including streaming protocols like HLS (HTTP Live Streaming) and DASH, which are commonly used by web-based platforms including SharePoint.
Why SharePoint Makes Video Downloads Difficult
SharePoint is designed for secure file sharing and collaboration, which means it often uses streamed playback rather than making files easily downloadable. The videos are sometimes embedded in a player that doesn’t expose a conventional download URL. Plus, Microsoft’s reliance on Office 365 integrations adds more abstraction layers to video delivery.
This is where FFmpeg shines—it treats videos not as downloads, but as streams to be captured. This can help you do the job without needing admin access or backend permissions.
Prerequisites
Before diving into the process, make sure you have the following:
- FFmpeg Installed: You can download it from FFmpeg.org.
- Access to SharePoint: Ensure you have permission to view the video.
- The SharePoint Video URL: This could be a direct video link or a .m3u8 HLS playlist or .mpd DASH stream.
- Basic Command-Line Skill: Comfort using Command Prompt or Terminal on your OS.
Step-by-step Guide to Downloading Videos From SharePoint Using FFmpeg
Step 1: Locate the Video Stream URL
This is often the trickiest part. SharePoint doesn’t always provide the direct link to the video file. To find the video source:
- Open the page hosting the video in your browser.
- Right-click anywhere on the page and choose Inspect or press F12 to open the Developer Tools.
- Go to the Network tab and reload the video page.
- Start playing the video while watching the files populate in the Network tab.
- Look for files with extensions such as .m3u8, .mp4, or .mpd.
Right-click and copy the full URL of the playlist or video stream. This is the link you’ll use with FFmpeg.
Step 2: Confirm the Stream Type
Once you have the link, determine if it’s an HLS (ends with .m3u8) or DASH (ends with .mpd) stream. FFmpeg supports both, but the command syntax may slightly vary.
Step 3: Run the FFmpeg Command
Open your terminal or command prompt and use one of the following commands based on your stream type:
For HLS (.m3u8) streams:
ffmpeg -i "https://your.sharepoint.video/stream.m3u8" -c copy output.mp4For DASH (.mpd) streams:
ffmpeg -i "https://your.sharepoint.video/manifest.mpd" -c copy output.mp4Explanation:
-i: Specifies the input file or stream.-c copy: Tells FFmpeg to copy the video and audio streams without re-encoding, saving time.output.mp4: Your desired output file name.
Troubleshooting Tips:
In some cases, you may run into errors because of stream encryption or authorization tokens. Try the following:
- Make sure you copy the full, final video URL, including all parameters.
- You may need to include cookies or headers for authenticated access.
If required, FFmpeg allows you to include headers like:
ffmpeg -headers "cookie: your_cookie_value" -i "stream_url" -c copy output.mp4Alternatives: Browser Extensions and Download Managers
While FFmpeg is powerful, it isn’t the only way to get videos from SharePoint. A few browser extensions such as Video DownloadHelper, or tools like JDownloader, can attempt to extract streams from embedded videos.
However, they’re less reliable with enterprise environments like SharePoint and often lack the flexibility FFmpeg provides when dealing with encrypted or token-based streams.
Best Practices and Legal Considerations
Always ensure you have permission to download and distribute the video you’re accessing. SharePoint environments often host internal, confidential, or copyrighted content meant strictly for authorized users.
Follow your organization’s IT policy and legal regulations. Just because it’s technically possible doesn’t mean it’s ethically or legally permissible. When in doubt, consult your system administrator or legal advisor.
Conclusion
Downloading videos from SharePoint using FFmpeg is a powerful workaround when simple download buttons are absent. With a bit of research into the video’s streaming URL and the right command syntax, you can quickly grab the file you need for offline viewing or archiving.
Whether you’re a developer, IT admin, or just a savvy user looking to simplify your workflow, FFmpeg equips you with the tools to take control. Combine it with responsible usage, and you’ll have a reliable method that sidesteps SharePoint’s limitations without violating its purpose.
