TL;DR
You can't download on Discovery Plus with ads. Discovery Plus disables the download function for the ad-supported tier. Read Section 1️⃣ to understand why the "Download" button is missing and the limitations of the Ad-Free upgrade. If you want to keep a cheaper plan to watch Discovery+ offline, you need a dedicated tool like KeepStreams for Discovery Plus. See Section 3️⃣ for the technical solution.
Last Tuesday, I was stuck on a commuter rail outside of Philadelphia. The train had stopped due to "signal issues." I had my iPad, I had my noise-canceling headphones, and I had my Discovery Plus account ready to catch up on Deadliest Catch. But what I didn't have was a signal. The public Wi-Fi was struggling to load a text email, let alone stream video.
I realized then that my thrifty decision to stick with the $4.99 "Ad-Supported" plan had backfired. I wasn't just saving four dollars; I was selling my ability to access content on my own terms. If you are frustrated by the inability to download on the basic tier, you are not alone. Here is a breakdown of the Discovery Plus download limits and how to save Discovery Plus titles offline regardless of your plan.
Discovery Plus Ad-Supported vs. Ad-Free
If you are on the historical U.S. entry price for the ad-supported tier, the $4.99/month Ad-Lite plan, the download functionality is hard-coded to be inactive in regions where Discovery+ offers offline downloads.
Can you Download Discovery Plus Videos with Ad-Supported Plan?
Discovery, now part of the Warner Bros. Discovery ecosystem, utilizes a tiered model common in the industry. They view offline viewing not as a utility, but as a premium perk. Only ad-free subscribers in supported regions can download shows for offline viewing, and not all countries have any download/offline feature regardless of plan.
| Plan | Ad-Supported | Ad-Free |
| Current Price | $5.99/mo | $9.99/mo |
| Historic Price | 4.99 | 8.99 |
| Offline Downloads | ❌ | ✔️ |
| Ads | ✔️ | ❌ |
| Internet Required | Always | If streaming only |
| *The data source is from the official Discovery+ U.S. help pages, as of November 20, 2025. | ||
The math is simple, but the usability gap is wide. By locking downloads behind the $8.99 tier, the platform ensures that if you want convenience, you must pay nearly double the monthly fee. For many users, this feels like a penalty for being budget-conscious.
The "Ad-Free" Plan Download Limits
It is tempting to simply hit "Upgrade" and pay the $8.99. However, as someone who reads the fine print for a living, I have to warn you: paying more does not grant you ownership of the content.
Even on the Ad-Free plan, you are renting the ability to watch offline, subject to severe Discovery Plus download limits. The restrictions are aggressive.
Essentially, you are paying a premium for a feature that stops working if you don't adhere to their specific timeline. Also note that while the U.S. "Ad-Free" tier removes traditional mid-roll ads on on-demand content, some regions and content types may still carry sponsor messages, promos, or network branding. "Ad-free" is not always absolutely ad-less.
Can I Just Screen Record Discovery Plus Instead?
I have seen countless queries about how to screen record Discovery Plus streams using standard software like Audials One.
Steve
To be blunt. In most normal setups and with common screen-recording tools, this will usually not work as you expect.
Discovery Plus uses High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection (HDCP) and DRM (Digital Rights Management) encryption. If you attempt to screen record in a typical configuration, the audio may capture, but the video window will often turn completely black. See the Reddit forum discussion:
This is a copyright protection mechanism designed specifically to prevent what you are trying to do, though technical behavior can vary by device, OS, and software, and platforms continually update their protections.
For a deeper explanation of this technology, see my notes on DRM protected content on Discovery Plus.
How to Watch Discovery+ Offline with an Ad-Supported Plan?
Note: "Only functional solution" here reflects a practical standpoint for users who want true offline files while remaining on an ad-supported plan. It is not a legal or moral endorsement. Your best option will depend on your risk tolerance and local law.
From a cost-efficiency perspective, sticking to the $4.99 plan and using a tool like KeepStreams for Discovery Plus makes more sense than upgrading.
Why Choose KeepStreams to Watch Discovery+ Offline with an Ad-Supported Plan?
The Ad-Free plan costs an additional $48 per year at the old $4.99/$8.99 pricing. With the newer $5.99/$9.99 U.S. pricing, the annual gap is even larger. To visualize the value proposition, consider the long-term access versus cost.
| Feature | Ad-Supported Plan ($4.99) | Ad-Free Plan ($8.99) | Ad-Supported + KeepStreams |
| Monthly Cost | $5.99 | $9.99 | $5.99 (+ One-time software fee) |
| Offline Viewing | ❌ | ✔️ (App Only) | ✔️ (Any Device) |
| Ad Removal | ❌ | ✔️ | ✔️ (Ads removed in download) |
| Expiration | N/A | 48 Hours / 30 Days | Never |
| *Price verified as of November 20, 2025; pricing and features differ by region and change over time. | |||
Investing that money in KeepStreams For Discovery Plus allows you to:
As of November 20, 2025, all ad removal, MP4/MKV output, and service compatibility capabilities are based on the downloader vendors’ own documentation and third-party reviews, not on any endorsement or guarantee from Discovery+ or Amazon.
If you are evaluating tools, I recommend checking a comparative best Discovery Plus downloader review to see how speed and bitrate handling differ across software. Keep in mind these reviews often rely on testing at a specific point.
How to Use KeepStreams to Watch Discovery+ Offline with an Ad-Supported Plan?
Here is the workflow I use to archive Discovery+ documentaries without upgrading subscription.
Step 1: Download KeepStreams & Access the Discovery Plus Module
Launch KeepStreams. On the left-hand navigation bar, locate "VIP Services." This serves as the hub for all premium streaming platforms. Scroll through the supported services and click on the Discovery+ icon.
Step 2: Log In to Your Ad-Supported Account & Play Your Video
You will be taken to the official Discovery Plus homepage inside the KeepStreams window. Log in with your standard credentials. Click play just as you would on a regular browser. KeepStreams will immediately detect the video playback and pause it to analyze the metadata.
Step 4: Configure Output Settings, Download or Add to Queue
Once analysis is complete (usually 3–5 seconds), a settings window will appear. This is where you customize Video Quality, Audio Track, subtitles, Titles, Schedule the Date, etc. Use "Download Now" for a single movie or episode. If you are grabbing an entire season. You can Add multiple seasons to the Queue and let the software run in the background.
Once the download finishes, the file is stored in your local folder as a .MP4 or .MKV file. You can transfer this file to an iPad, laptop, or USB drive without an internet connection and without commercials.
Check the KeepStreams Youtube Channel for video Tutorial on how to use KeepStreams for Discovery Plus:
FAQs
Q1. If I upgrade to Ad-Free for one month to download shows, can I watch them after I downgrade back to the $4.99 plan?
A1. No. Access to downloaded content within the official app is tied to subscription status. Once your billing cycle reverts to the Ad-Supported tier, the app will lock or delete the downloads stored on your device.
This behavior is consistent with how most major streaming services handle encrypted offline downloads. Discovery+ does not publicly promise that downloads will remain playable after you downgrade.
Q2. Does KeepStreams work with the Discovery+ channel on Amazon Prime Video?
A2. According to the KeepStreams documentation, it supports downloading from the Discovery+ standalone platform as well as from some Prime Video channels, including Discovery+ where available.
Reported by some users as more stable because Amazon's bitrate delivery can be higher than the standalone app's web player, but there is no official guarantee of higher quality from Amazon or Discovery+. Compatibility and quality may change at any time due to updates by Amazon, Discovery+, or the downloader itself.
Q3. Why can't I download 90 Day Fiancé even though I have the Ad-Free plan?
A3. Specific episodes or spin-offs are greyed out. This is a licensing issue. Even if you pay for Ad-Free, Discovery does not own the full distribution rights for every piece of content globally. A third-party downloader removes the limitation by capturing the stream directly, rather than requesting a "download" permission token.
Q4. Is it illegal to download content if I have the version with ads?
A4. This falls under the concept of "Fair Use" regarding personal archiving. If you are paying for a subscription, you have paid for access to the content. Using a tool to format-shift that content for personal offline viewing and not distribution is a standard practice for consumers. View more detail of Copyright Compliance.
Nothing in this article constitutes legal advice. If you are concerned about legality, consult a qualified lawyer in your jurisdiction.
Conclusion
The streaming industry is betting that you will pay extra for the convenience of pressing a "Download" button. However, for the $4.99 subscriber, the inability to watch offline is a massive functionality gap.
Rather than letting a lack of Wi-Fi dictate your entertainment schedule, utilizing a tool like KeepStreams for Discovery Plus restores control to the user permanently. But you still need to be aware that the downloaded files are for personal use only before using any third-party downloader.
DISCLAIMER
Content available on Disney+® is protected by copyright. Unauthorized redistribution of this content may violate copyright laws in the United States and other countries. KeepStreams is an independent company that is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or associated with Disney+® or its parent company. The information on this page is provided for informational purposes only and does not imply any endorsement of KeepStreams products by any third party.
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