How to Download PBS Videos to Watch Offline (Passport & Kids Included)

I've donated, I have my passport, so why can't I download PBS videos? is something I've thought myself. I've seen this anger expressed in a huge number of online communities and groups, where people are frantically trying to save a much-loved show before it is taken down.

It's not as easy as it looks to watch PBS shows when you're not online. There are official rules, one big exception to those rules, and a number of unofficial ways to do things that run from being very complicated to being very easy.

My goal with this guide is to cut through all that confusion. We'll start by looking at what PBS officially allows, and then we'll walk through every viable method to download PBS video, step-by-step, so you can choose the one that's right for you.

Can You Download PBS Shows to Watch Offline? (The Technical Reality)

Many users confuse "Streaming Access" with "File Ownership." When we search can you download PBS shows to watch offline, we usually expect a feature similar to other major streaming platforms.

However, PBS operates differently. PBS Passport is an extended access benefit, not a file delivery service. According to their official help center, the streaming rights they negotiate often preclude them from offering offline downloads due to strict licensing agreements.

While the PBS Kids app offers a "download" feature, it is heavily restricted:

• Files are encrypted and hidden (you can't move them to a USB drive).
• Downloads expire after a set period.
• It is limited to specific children's programming.

For everything else—especially the high-quality dramas and documentaries adults watch—you need a different approach.

How to Download PBS Videos for Offline Viewing?

In this part, we'll show you different ways to download PBS videos. You can use an offline PBS downloader, an online PBS downloader, or a browser extension. Read on to find out the step-by-step instructions for downloading PBS videos using these methods.

Method 1: The Reliable Way – Using KeepStreams

KeepStreams for M3U8 is an all-in-one downloader that effortlessly downloads videos from M3U8 websites, including sites like PBS, Reelshort, Atresplayer, etc. Its success rate remains an outstanding 98.97%.

What's more, KeepStreams can automatically transfer the PBS downloads into a compatible MP4/MKV format, so that you can watch them offline on any device you like. A new user can enjoy the free trial to download 3 full high-quality videos, before making any purchase.

If you're a computer novice, you don't need to worry about the usage of KeepStreams. Thanks to the intuitive and user-friendly UI, KeepStreams is the best tool for you when you have no clue about how to download videos from PBS.

KeepStreams for M3U8

Download video from PBS in the highest quality, with metadata, subs, and additional services.

• Download effortlessly on both Windows and macOS
• Enjoy superior video and audio in PBS downloads
• Download PBS videos in MP4 or MKV formats
• Download multiple PBS videos simultaneously
• Add PBS videos to your download schedule
• Choose remuxed files or download SRT subtitles
• Enjoy uninterrupted PBS video downloads
• Experience swift speeds for a smooth viewing experience

 Free Trial  Free Trial

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So, how to download videos from PBS with KeepStreams? In fact, you only need to follow these simple steps below:

1. Download and install KeepStreams on your computer.

2. Launch KeepStreams and enter pbs.org into the top search bar, in order to get access to it with the built-in browser.

3. Sign into your PBS account and browse for your desired PBS video.

4. Play the video, and a download window will appear, allowing you to customize the download settings.

5. Click on the Download Now button to download the PBS videos immediately.

Now, you've successfully downloaded PBS videos on your Windows PC or Mac. You can feel free to enjoy when offline anytime you want. KeepStreams also allows you to download other M3U8 format videos.

Method 2: The "Tech-Savvy" Free Way – Using yt-dlp

If you are comfortable with command-line interfaces and want a completely free solution, the open-source community has a powerful answer: yt-dlp.

This is a command-line program that is widely respected in the data archiving community (DataHoarder subreddits). It's very strong, but it takes a long time to learn. The PBS download video tasks are taken care of by talking straight to the API.

The Steps:

1. Install yt-dlp: If you have Python installed, run pip install yt-dlp in your terminal.
2. Get the Link: Go to the PBS website and copy the URL of the video you want.
3. Run the Command: Type the following command: yt-dlp [PASTE_YOUR_URL_HERE]
4. Wait: The script will download the video and audio separately and then merge them.

If the video requires a login (Passport), yt-dlp requires you to export your browser cookies and pass them into the command using --cookies-from-browser chrome. This is where many beginners get stuck.

Method 3: The Official Way – PBS Kids App (Mobile Only)

If your goal is simply to keep your children entertained during a car ride, you might not need external tools. The PBS KEY app allows for limited offline viewing.

How to do it:

1. Open the PBS KIDS Video app on iOS or Android.
2. Tap on a show (e.g., Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood).
3. Look for the "Download" icon (a downward arrow) next to specific episodes.
4. Once downloaded, these can be viewed without Wi-Fi via the app interface.

The Limitations:

• Can you download PBS shows from the main catalog (like Nature)? No. This is strictly for Kids content.
• Storage: You cannot move these files to an SD card or a computer.
• Your access to downloaded content is temporary. Full episodes typically expire and are removed from your device after 14 days, while shorter clips last for 90 days.

For parents, this is often good enough. But for anyone wanting to save general audience programming or archive shows in high definition, this official solution won't work.

Method 4: The "No-Install" Way – Youtube4KDownloader (Online)

When I search for "how to download a PBS video" on Google, it always pops up many online video downloaders, and many of them are free, such as Youtube4KDownloader.

For users who are on a public computer or strictly refuse to install any software, online web-based downloaders like Youtube4KDownloader are an option. The usage of such an online video downloader is simple, but you need to pay attention to the pop-up ads during the download process.

I follow these simple steps to download PBS videos with Youtube4KDownloader:

1. Visit pbs.org and sign in to your account.

2. Browse PBS for your desired video and copy its URL from the address bar.

3. Open a new tab and go to youtube4kdownloader.com. Paste the copied video URL into the Enter video link here... box.

4. Wait for Youtube4KDownloader to analyze the video. If it shows the "Couldn't fetch download links at the moment, please try again" warning, click on the Download button to retry.
5. Check the output format, and choose from Video, Sound Only, or Video without Sound.

6. Then, click on the Download button. This will redirect you to a new page. In this page, click on the three-dot button in the lower right corner of the player and select Download.

While convenient, these sites rely on ad revenue. Expect pop-ups. More importantly, their servers often get blocked by PBS. If the video is "Geo-blocked" or requires a login (Passport), this method will fail 90% of the time because the website's server cannot log in as you.

Method 5: The "Quick Clip" Way – Video DownloadHelper (Extension)

If you prefer a more convenient method than the program or online tool, Video DownloadHelper can be your next choice. This browser extension is compatible with Chrome, Firefox, and Edge, enabling convenient video downloads directly from your browser.

However, the download success rate will be relatively lower if you choose a browser extension. Based on our test of 5 videos from PBS, Video DownloadHelper could only detect 4 of them, and successfully downloaded 2 720p videos from PBS. The success rate is only 40%.

The convenience is undeniable, though. So if you want to try to rip videos from PBS in this way, follow the steps using Chrome as an example to download PBS videos with Video DownloadHelper:

1. Visit the Chrome Web Store and search for Video DownloadHelper.

2. Add Video DownloadHelper to Chrome and pin it in the Extensions.

3. Download and install the Video DownloadHelper Companion App.
4. Go to pbs.org and locate the video you wish to download.

5. Play the video to allow Video DownloadHelper to detect the files.
6. Choose from the available options and click on the right arrow next to your selection.

7. Choose the download choices you want to start, and there are more settings you can change to make the download even better. Installing the Video DownloadHelper Companion App will be asked of you now if it wasn't already in the previous steps.

Comparing Your Options: Which PBS Download Method Is Right for You?

I have tested all methods above. Here is a table that breaks down the pros and cons of each method. You can use it to find the solution that best fits your technical skill level, budget, and viewing needs.

A dedicated, professionally maintained downloader like KeepStreams is designed to solve these specific problems. A team of developers works to keep the software updated, ensuring that it works even when PBS changes its site structure.

Conclusion

This article offers easy solutions to download PBS videos on your computer or to download PBS videos online. 

• Go with KeepStreams if you want to save time. It's the only tool that allows you to log in to your Passport account and download a whole season of Masterpiece in high quality without technical headaches.
• Go with yt-dlp if you are technically proficient and want a free, open-source solution.
• Use Youtube4KDownloader only for quick, public news clips where quality doesn't matter much.

If you're also curious about other streaming services, continue to read how to download Udemy courses for offline viewing, and download Gaia videos on computers.