It's disappointing that we subscribe to our favorite creators on OnlyFans but have no official method to download OnlyFans video. With the updates of OnlyFans DRM, most extensions or downloaders don't work anymore, leaving only black screens or "parsing error" notifications.
Therefore, in this guide, I test several methods that still work in 2026 and analyze the safety, pros, and cons of each method. I'll show you exactly how to download OnlyFans videos safely—from bulk archiving on PC to a mobile solution, including which methods actually work, which ones you must avoid, and the honest truth about the risks involved.
Quick Guide - Jump to where you're interested:
- DRM prevents traditional recorders and most free tools. ➡️ Check Section 1
- How to Download OnlyFans video in 2026?
⚠️ Note: This guide shows you how to download OnlyFans videos safely while respecting creators' copyrights. Always prioritize ethical usage and comply with OnlyFans' ToS.
Why Can't We Download? OnlyFans DRM Protection (2026 Updated)
OnlyFans applied a sophisticated update to its fragmented encryption (FMP4), specifically designed to thwart generic media sniffers. According to recent technical benchmarks in the digital archiving community, over 85% of Chrome-based OnlyFans downloaders have seen their success rates drop below 20% this year. The reason is two-fold:
1. Widevine L3 to L1 Transition: OnlyFans has moved toward stricter DRM requirements for premium content. Most web extensions cannot handle the decryption keys required for these high-definition streams.
2. Session Token Expiration: The platform now rotates access tokens more frequently. If your downloader isn't refreshing these in real-time, the download will hang at 99%—a common frustration reported by many on Reddit's r/DataHoarder.
Is It Legal to Download from OnlyFans?
Generally, downloading from OnlyFans for your own personal, offline viewing falls into "Fair Use" in many regions. It's a kind of time-shifting method that works like a DVR. Also, neither the platform nor the creators will receive a notification when we download or record videos.
⚠️ But that doesn't mean we can just download and use the video however we want. We should be responsible for the downloads. Stick to OnlyFans' rules, respect creators' intellectual property, and never share or sell what you download—that's a breach of copyright.
Method 1: How to Download 1080p OnlyFans Videos on PC?
Most "OnlyFans downloaders" work by recording the video by analyzing the URL in the background. That's the reason why you found the videos look still blurry with a 1080p downloader. KeepStreams for OnlyFans breaks the traditional mode with its advanced tech. It can directly detect and download the original stream from the server.
It performs the best when handling DRM updates on OnlyFans among the tools introduced in this post. With frequent updates up to 3 times a month, KeepStreams can adapt to every major or minor update of OnlyFans encryption. Also, it supports bulk download of an OnlyFans playlist or all videos on a profile.
KeepStreams works by using a secure, built-in web browser. Because of it, the tool can detect video streams and download them directly. Here's how to use KeepStreams to download OnlyFans videos:
Avoid "Cracked" versions found on torrent sites. They often inject code that steals your OF account information. Ensure you get the right installation pack from the official site.
Click the OnlyFans logo, which will lead you to quickly access the official site of OnlyFans via the built-in browser.
KeepStreams can save OnlyFans videos into MP4/MKV files. It supports downloading OnlyFans purchases and videos from DM. That's the reason you need to log in first.
The analysis will be done in several seconds. And a settings window will pop up. You could customize download options here. These will include video resolution, audio track selection, and subtitle settings.
Click on Download. You can check the download progress in the "Downloading" section, and all videos will be saved in MP4 format by default on your PC. Downloads can be checked in the "Downloaded" section.
Note: KeepStreams has a "Schedule" feature. You can add a creator to your schedule, and the software will check daily for new uploads and download them automatically. It's like a DVR exclusive to OnlyFans.
Read Review of the Best OnlyFans Video Downloaders to get more recs.
Method 2: How to Download OnlyFans Videos for Free on PC?
Not everyone wants to pay for software, especially if you've already spent a lot on subscriptions, as I do. If you have more time than money—and a bit of technical patience—there are 3 free ways to do this.
- YT-DLP (command-line tool): Only for tech-savvy.
- Video DownloadHelper (browser extension): Best for DRM-free videos.
- OBS Studio (free recorder): Best for short clips.
Option A: Use YT-DLP (The "Hardcore" Way)
If you hang out on r/DataHoarder, you must know YT-DLP. It is a legendary command-line tool based on Python that can download videos from almost any site. Unless you are comfortable using a terminal, this is overkill. It breaks constantly when OnlyFans updates its API. It's powerful, but frankly, it's a headache for casual users.
- Totally free and safe
- Required certain PC tech knowledge
- Complex installation and operation
- Might fail after OnlyFans updates
The whole process is a little complex and requires certain PC knowledge. To begin with, follow these steps to install YT-DLP on your computer:
- Visit the yt-dlp GitHub repository: github.com/yt-dlp/yt-dlp, and download YT-DLP.
- Open your Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (macOS/Linux)
- Install YT-DLP directly using the following command to get all optional dependencies:
pip install yt-dlp.[dev, muxer, qt, torrent, http, downloader, hls, dash, ffmpeg, postprocessor, metadata, hardsub] - It's recommended to install dependencies like ffmpeg for better processing.
- Run the command
yt-dlp --version, in order to confirm yt-dlp was installed correctly. - If yt-dlp is successfully installed, it should display the currently installed version number.
Now, you can download videos from OnlyFans with YT-DLP with these steps:
- Use an add-on such as "EditThisCookie" or "Cookie Quick Manager" to export your OnlyFans cookies.
- Save the cookie file in Mozilla/Netscape format (a
.txtor.cookiesfile). - Open your Command Prompt or Terminal and run the command
yt-dlp --cookies /path/to/onlyfans_cookies.txt, replacing the placeholders with your actual details (https://onlyfans.com/username/video/video_id).
The OnlyFans videos will be saved to the current directory where you run the command by default.
Note: The 3 points when using YT-DLP
-
--cookiesallows yt-dlp to use your authenticated session. - Replace
/path/to/onlyfans_cookies.txtwith the actual path to your cookie file. - Replace the video URL with the actual OnlyFans video URL you want to download.
Option B: Use Video DownloadHelper (Browser Extension)
If you don't want to install a program, here is also an alternative: a browser extension. Most add-ons work by detecting videos hidden in the HTML code of the webpage. It is quite similar to online video downloaders. Therefore, you might see many options with similar names in the detection list sometimes. Video DownloadHelper is one of these extensions.
Since Google Web Store applies a stricter rule than Firefox, such video downloading add-ons will be removed soon after they're published. It makes it difficult to find a truly reliable one.
To bypass the official review of Google, some add-ons can only be accessed through the official site it builds (such as StreamFork). You should always be cautious when visiting and getting an installation package from a third-party site other than the Google Web Store or Firefox Add-ons.
- Convenient
- Often free
- Easy to use
- Security risk
- Unstable download
- Low success rate
- Limited features
Take Video DownloadHelper as an example (I used it and succeeded). Here is how to download OnlyFans videos with extensions:
- Download the extension from the web store and add it to Chrome.
- Open OnlyFans and launch any video that you wish to download.
- The extension will detect the download link and provide you with the download icon.
- Click on it, and the video will be downloaded.
Please be extremely careful when using add-ons. Ensure that the extension you're using is trusted by most users (check store rating or review site) and has positive recent reviews.
Note: Be cautious with browser extensions or "online downloaders" that claim to download paywalled content—many malware fake the truth to steal your personal information.
Read the Review of Extensions for OnlyFans Video Download for more recs.
Option C: Use OBS Studio or Other Screen Recorder
OBS Studio is the best free software for recording the screen of your computer. It captures exactly what you see. But if you've tried this, you probably ran into the "Black Screen" issue, where the player is dark but the audio works.
So, before recording OnlyFans videos from the browser, follow the 3 steps to fix the possible "black screen" problem:
- Go to Chrome Settings > System. (Also for Microsoft Edge)
- Turn OFF "Use graphics acceleration when available."
- Relaunch Chrome. Now OBS can see the video.
Then, follow these steps to use OBS to record the screen of your PC:
- Click on + and add a Window Capture.
- Choose the browser playing OnlyFans videos as the Window, and click "OK."
- Find "Start Recording" in the Controls section at the bottom right and click it.
Note: Always turn off graphics acceleration before you use any tools to record the screen. Also, recording is re-encoding the screen. So the quality will never be the original 1080p source file.
Comparison of 4 Methods to Download OnlyFans Videos
You might be wondering, "Why pay for software when I can just use a free extension?" I've broken down the data below. The difference isn't just about convenience—it's about account safety and video quality.
The table below should give you a good idea of the best comparison between each of these methods to download OnlyFans videos:
| Tool/Feature | Professional Tool | YT-DLP | Browser Extension | Screen Recorder |
| Supported OS | Windows and Mac | Windows | Chrome, Firefox | iPhone, Windows, and Android |
| Safety & Privacy | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| Highest Video Quality | 720p-1080p | 720p | 480p-720p | 720p/480p |
| Supported Output Format | MP4, MP3 and MKV | MP4 | MP4 and MP3 | MP4 |
| Download Speeds | Fastest | Medium | Faster | Lowest |
| Success Rate | 98%+ | May fail at times | High failure rate | Failure most likely |
| Cost | Paid | Free | Free or paid | Free or paid |
| Batch Download | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Schedule Download | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| My Verdict | Versatile and Recommended | Recommended for PC experts | Use with Extreme Caution | Good for saving short videos |
If you want to ensure the highest download success rate, a new tool that updates its service frequently is necessary. Based on the discussion on Reddit, some online video downloaders and add-ons no longer support DRM-protected OnlyFans videos. So, please check the update history before using a tool.
And always remember, avoid tools that claim to bypass DRM or paywalls because they raise legal, privacy, and account-security risks.
[Bonus] How to Download OnlyFans Videos on Android & iPhone?
There are no safe, reliable, or official apps in the Google Play Store or Apple App Store for downloading OnlyFans content. Most of these apps are just shells. Their only goal is to redirect you to other software or websites to drive traffic for them.
Solution 1: Move the MP4 Files into Mobile Devices
No one wants to waste ten minutes, end up with nothing, and be tricked into downloading a bunch of weird apps. But don't worry. If you have the OnlyFans videos in MP4, everything will become easy.
Yes, just use Method 1 (Desktop Software) to save OnlyFans videos in MP4/MKV format, and move the compatible files to your mobile phone via an SD Card or personal cloud storage.
Solution 2: Record the OnlyFans Videos (Might Fail)
Another safe method is to directly record the screen, but it might not be available for videos that are DRM-protected. Here is how to do it on Android phones (iOS devices are built in with a recorder too):
- Open your Quick Settings menu by swiping from the top. You should see the Screen Recorder icon in your quick settings.
- Tap on the Screen Record icon and customize your sound and video settings.
- Open OnlyFans and launch the video that you wish to download.
- When you are ready, tap on the Start icon on your screen recorder. Play the video, and that does it.
- You will need to keep the video on and playing until the end. The tool will record the screen and all the content on it. Tap on Stop when the video ends.
Advanced Tips: How to Download OnlyFans DM Video?
Sometimes, you might want to download videos from DMs (Direct Messages) on OnlyFans. These are the expensive "Pay-Per-View" (PPV) videos you unlock for $20 or $50. Can you download OnlyFans DM videos? Yes, but only with a tool that can download DRM videos.
Most Chrome extensions and recorders fail if the creator enables "DRM video protection". But professional downloaders like KeepStreams for OnlyFans won't. It can download nearly all videos that you can play on OnlyFans.
Here's how to do it with KeepStreams:
- Navigate to your "Messages" tab within the built-in browser.
- Open the chat with the creator.
- The software will detect the unlocked video stream just like a regular post and add it to your download queue.
FAQs
Q1. Does OnlyFans notify the creator when I download a video?
A1. No. OnlyFans does not have a feature to alert creators of downloads or screen recordings. When you use a tool like KeepStreams or OBS, the platform simply sees it as you "watching" the video. The download happens on your end (client-side), so it is invisible to the creator.
Q2. Is it illegal to download OnlyFans videos?
A2. It depends on how you use them.
- ✅ Legal: Downloading content you legally paid for to create a personal offline backup (archiving) is generally considered fair use in many jurisdictions.
- ⚠️ Illegal: Sharing, re-uploading, or selling that content is piracy. It violates copyright laws and will get you banned and potentially sued.
Q3. Why did my free "OnlyFans Downloader" Chrome extension stop working?
A3. Because OnlyFans updated its DRM (Digital Rights Management) in late 2024. Most free extensions are simple script scrapers—they look for a basic .mp4 link. When OnlyFans encrypted the stream with Widevine L1, these scripts broke instantly. To fix this, you need a decryptor (like KeepStreams for OnlyFans), not just a link grabber.
Q4. How can I download videos on my phone (iPhone/Android)?
A4. As mentioned above, the only safe method is to download the videos on a computer first and then transfer the MP4/MKV files to your phone. Do not trust any apps that claim to download directly on your mobile device if you don't want the risks.
Q5. Can I download videos I haven't paid for (Locked Posts)?
A5. There is no "hack" to watch OnlyFans for free. Any tool claiming to "unlock" paid posts is a scam designed to steal your credit card info. KeepStreams can only download content that you have valid access to (subscribed timeline posts or purchased PPV messages).
Q6. Can I save the downloaded OnlyFans videos forever?
A6. Of course. The methods mentioned in this article are all able to help you download videos from OnlyFans and save them forever. Namely, if you can download the video successfully, there is no DRM.
Concluding Thoughts
For serious, safe, and high-quality downloading, a dedicated desktop software or the YT-DLP tool are 2 choices worth considering. It's a small investment for peace of mind and reliability.
For the "Casual Viewer": If you just want to save one 30-second clip and don't care about quality, stick with OBS Studio. It's free, safe, and gets the job done, even if it's slow.
For the "Data Hoarder": If you have hundreds of videos, expensive PPV messages, or want to archive a creator's entire career before they retire, KeepStreams for OnlyFans is the only serious option. It's the only tool that guarantees 1080p source quality, bulk downloading, and account safety against the new DRM updates.

