In recent years, artists from STARTO have been actively offering live broadcasts and online events. It makes fans closer to their favorite idols in this digital era. But the most frequently asked question by FC members is: How to download videos from FAMILY CLUB?
Yes, there is no official download button on the FC platform. If you like to archive FC videos from FAMILY CLUB before they expire, or from other video services provided by STARTO, an extra tool is necessary. This post will introduce the most effective way to download FAMILY CLUB videos in 1080p, to help ensure you can keep those precious moments on your device for personal viewing, anytime and anywhere.
Understanding DRM on FAMILY CLUB
If you've ever tried to record a FAMILY CLUB Online (formerly known as Johnny's Net) video using your phone or OBS, you’ve likely encountered the "Black Screen" issue. This is because the platform uses Digital Rights Management (DRM), a tech like Widevine or PlayReady, to encrypt the stream.
According to recent tech reports on streaming security, DRM acts as a digital lock that prevents unauthorized "stream ripping" on most streaming services now. While this protects the artists' intellectual property, it poses a challenge for fans who simply want to re-watch the videos they purchased later.
How to Download Videos from FAMILY CLUB Online?
To bypass the black screen and download videos from FAMILY CLUB, you need a professional tool that can do a "direct handshake" with the stream and save it in a standard MP4 format.
Tool Required: KeepStreams for FAMILY CLUB
Because of FC's unique nature, demand from its fanbase is smaller than that of giants like Netflix, resulting in a lack of specialized FAMILY CLUB downloaders. Seeing this, KeepStreams introduced a dedicated tool (KeepStreams for FAMILY CLUB) for downloading broadcasts and videos to solve fans' offline viewing challenges.
Unlike standard screen recorders that often trigger the black screen, KeepStreams functions as a dedicated browser-based downloader. It interacts directly with the M3U8 and MPD streaming protocols used by the FAMILY CLUB Official Site, and thus keeps account risk to an absolute minimum.
Here's how I use KeepStreams to download videos from FAMILY CLUB:
Step1
Visit FAMILY CLUB Site
Step2
Log in to My Account to Access the Videos
Step3
Find the Video/Broadcast I Want to Download
⚠️ Note: KeepStreams doesn't provide any DRM removal service. Please ensure you have the legal right to access the video you want to archive in advance.
Step4
Customize Videos and Download Now
KeepStreams analyzes the video when it's playing. And then a settings window will appear, just like the following pic shows. After choosing my preferred video, audio, subtitle, codec, and other options, click on "Download Now". The video will be saved as an MP4 file on my PC.
KeepStreams also supports other video sites of STARTO Entertainment, such as Johnny's Jr. Official Website. Bt directly pasting the video URL to the address bar in KeepStreams, we can also download videos from there. (The required KeepStreams service might be different.)
Note: KeepStreams is intended to help you download videos for personal use only, and downloading copy-protected content is not recommended. You should take full responsibility for your behavior and respect copyright.
[Bonus] Where to Find STARTO Videos Online?
To provide more targeted services, STARTO Entertainment distributes its live streams, videos, performances, and FC content across different platforms.
1. FAMILY CLUB Online: Paid live streams and limited-time archives. Most ticketed concerts are hosted here.
2. FAMILY CLUB Official Site (Member-only): Exclusive "FC Videos" (birthday messages, behind-the-scenes). These are often shorter but highly encrypted.
3. Johnny's Jr. Official (New Website): Following the closure of ISLAND TV in late 2023, all junior-related content has migrated to their new official portal. These videos often use M3U8 protocols.
4. Official YouTube Channels: Groups like Snow Man and SixTONES frequently upload music videos and variety content here.
Important Notes for STARTO Fans
Before you start archiving your favorite performances, please keep in mind a few practical and ethical "ground rules."
Respect the Copyright
These downloads are strictly for your personal, offline enjoyment. Distributing, selling, or uploading these videos to social media platforms violates copyright laws and the ToS of the FAMILY CLUB. Let's support the idols by keeping our collections private.
The "Black Screen" Reality Check
If you still prefer a standard screen recorder or DVR, just a reminder: the DRM will likely trigger a black screen. It's a high-level security feature and do not take it as a bug. Using a dedicated downloader is the standard way to avoid this frustration.
FAQs
Q1. Is it legal to download videos from FAMILY CLUB Online?
A1. According to copyright guidelines, downloading protected content for commercial distribution is illegal. However, many users choose to save copies for personal offline viewing (such as watching on a commute) to avoid losing access when an archive expires. Always respect the artists and use official channels to purchase your tickets first.
Q2. Why can't I screen record on FAMILY CLUB Online?
A2. This is due to DRM. Most Japanese streaming platforms use high-level encryption that detects screen-capture software and triggers a black screen to prevent piracy. Using a specialized FAMILY CLUB video downloader like KeepStreams is one way to bypass this technical block.
Q3. Can I watch the downloaded MP4 files on my TV?
A3. Yes! Since the videos are saved in standard MP4 or MKV format, you can transfer them to a USB drive, use Plex, or AirPlay them from your Mac/PC to your Smart TV for a full-screen concert experience. It's totally possible to watch FAMILY CLUB videos on TV.
Q4. Do I need a VPN to download FAMILY CLUB videos if I live outside Japan?
A4. FAMILY CLUB has both Japanese and English pages. While the downloader can handle the file archiving, you may still need a VPN to access and play the video on the FAMILY CLUB website if the content is region-restricted to Japan.
Conclusion
Saving your favorite idol's memories shouldn't be a technical headache. While the official FAMILY CLUB (formerly Johnny's) platforms don't offer a native download button, tools like KeepStreams for FAMILY CLUB provide a bridge for fans who want to enjoy their purchased content without the fear of expiration or internet lag.
If you want to download FAMILY CLUB videos for later offline viewing, give it a shot and use the free trial to save 3 videos in advance to test functionalities.
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