As of June 30, 2026, RTL+ in Germany had 7.603 million paid subscriptions, up 19.5% year over year. The service supports official offline downloads for selected content through eligible mobile plans, while Windows and macOS do not have an official RTL+ offline-download feature.
In the following sections, I'll explain the current RTL+ download limits, how the official mobile download feature works, how to download video from RTL+ through a separate Windows/macOS workflow, and how to troubleshoot an RTL+ download not working problem. Official app downloads can generally remain available for up to 30 days before playback; after playback begins, the viewing window is 48 hours. Check the expiry shown in the app for the specific title.
RTL Plus Downloaden: Official App and Limits
RTL+ currently offers Basic, Premium, and Premium Werbefrei as its main standalone plans. The current RTL+ Terms of Use explicitly list downloads of selected content as a Premium feature, while Premium Werbefrei includes the same core Premium features.
- Basic: €5.99/mo. Streaming plan without the Premium offline-download feature.
- Premium: €9.99/mo. Includes downloads for selected eligible content.
- Premium Werbefrei: €12.99/mo. Includes the core Premium features with substantially ad-free on-demand viewing.
- RTL+ Premium & HBO Max Basis: €15.98/mo.
- RTL+ Premium Werbefrei & HBO Max Standard: €24.98/mo.
RTL+ availability depends on the subscriber's country of residence and the rights available for that country. During temporary travel within the EU/EEA, eligible subscribers can use cross-border portability for the RTL+ content available in their home country.
How to Download RTL+ Videos via App?
RTL+ provides apps for supported iOS/iPadOS and Android phones and tablets. For eligible video titles, the app is the official way to prepare content for temporary offline viewing.
Step1
Download and run the RTL+ app on a supported Android or iOS/iPadOS device.
Step2
Log in to your RTL+ account with an eligible subscription.
Step3
Open an eligible video and tap the available Download button.
RTL+ also offers audio content, but offline availability can differ by product and title. Use the Download control shown for the specific audio item rather than assuming that every music or podcast title supports offline saving.
RTL+ Download Not Working?
If the Download button is missing or unavailable, first check your subscription and the specific title. RTL+ makes only selected content downloadable, so eligibility can depend on licensing, the title itself, and the current app/account conditions.
RTL+ Plans, Prices, and Offline Limits
Although the official download method is convenient, eligibility depends on your plan, device, and the specific title. The main limits are:
- Title availability: Only selected titles provide the official Download control.
- App-only access: Official downloads remain managed inside the RTL+ app and are not exported as ordinary MP4 or MKV files.
- Mobile devices: RTL+ does not provide an official Windows or macOS app with offline video downloads.
- Offline window: Downloads can generally remain available for up to 30 days before playback. After playback begins, the viewing window is 48 hours. Check the expiry shown for the specific title in the app.
When RTL+ Downloads Do Not Work
- Check your plan: Confirm that your subscription includes the Premium download feature.
- Check the title: A missing or unavailable Download button means that the current title is not eligible under the present account and licensing conditions.
- Update the app: Install the current RTL+ app version, sign in again, and retry the download.
- Free storage: Remove unused downloads or other files if the device lacks space.
- Review the time limit: Download the title again if its current offline window has ended and the title is still eligible.
- Check regional access: RTL+ content availability can differ by country. During temporary EU/EEA travel, cross-border portability applies to eligible subscribers and their home-country content.
Download RTL+ Videos on Windows and Mac
Official App vs Desktop Local Files
| Method | Devices | Output and access | Offline window | Best fit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Official RTL+ app | Android and iOS/iPadOS | Managed inside the app | Generally up to 30 days; 48 hours after playback starts | Eligible mobile offline viewing |
| KeepStreams for RTL Plus | Windows and macOS | Local MP4 or MKV files for supported titles | Separate from the RTL+ app's offline timer | Users evaluating a separate Windows/macOS local-file workflow |
The official app is the simpler option when you only need temporary offline access on a phone or tablet. If your use case specifically requires a regular computer file, KeepStreams for RTL Plus provides a separate Windows/macOS workflow and should not be confused with RTL+'s official download feature.
For supported RTL+ titles, KeepStreams currently advertises downloads up to Full HD 1080p, MP4 or MKV output, batch downloading, automatic new-episode downloads, selectable audio and subtitles, and ad handling. The available options still depend on the selected title and current compatibility.
The current free trial allows up to 3 full RTL+ videos within 30 days. Test the exact RTL+ title you need before relying on a larger series queue.
KeepStreams primarily uses direct-download and remux workflows; the exact processing method depends on the platform, title, and current compatibility.
KeepStreams includes a built-in browser for signing in, opening an RTL+ title, reviewing the available output settings, and managing the download. Follow the five steps below:
Step1
Download and install KeepStreams for RTL Plus from the official product page
Step2
Find RTL+ in the VIP Services list and sign in to your RTL+ account
Step3
Play the RTL+ video and wait for analysis; if it does not start, click the orange Download button
KeepStreams analyzes the selected title and displays the output options currently available for it.
Step4
Choose the available format, quality, audio, and subtitle options in the settings window
Review the settings returned for that title, then select MP4 or MKV and the available quality, audio, and subtitle options you need.
Step5
Click "Download Now," then review progress and completed files in Downloads
The Downloads section displays active tasks and the video files that have finished downloading. Check one completed episode before relying on a larger batch.
Compatibility Tip: Use the free trial with the exact RTL+ title you need. Platform and software updates can change analysis, available resolution, audio, subtitles, or batch recognition.
Safe and Lawful RTL+ Offline Viewing
Personal use alone does not create permission to copy a title outside RTL+'s official features. RTL+'s current Terms of Use prohibit modifying, removing, or bypassing DRM and prohibit copying or redistributing video content without permission.
A valid RTL+ subscription gives you access to eligible content under the service rules; it does not by itself create permission to make, archive, or redistribute a separate local copy. Evaluate any desktop local-file workflow against RTL+'s current terms and the law that applies to your specific use.
If a supported title is not detected by a third-party desktop product, update the software and follow its current troubleshooting guidance rather than assuming that every RTL+ title is compatible.
FAQs
Q1. Can I watch RTL+ for free?
Yes, RTL+ has a Free product for selected content, but official offline video downloads are a Premium feature. The current Basic plan costs €5.99 per month but does not add the Premium download feature.
Q2. Does every RTL+ title include its original audio track?
No. Audio options are title-specific, so check the available audio selector for the RTL+ title before relying on a particular language track.
Q3. Can I download an entire RTL+ series at once?
The official app provides downloads only for eligible titles through its own controls. KeepStreams can queue multiple supported episodes when the current analysis returns them, with available audio and subtitle options shown before download.
Q4. Is an RTL+ APK the same as an offline download?
No. An APK only installs the Android app. It does not change your subscription eligibility, title availability, offline expiry, device support, or regional access rules.
Conclusion
Use the official RTL+ app when you have an eligible Premium-level plan and need temporary offline viewing on a supported mobile device. Current RTL+ download references describe a window of generally up to 30 days before playback and 48 hours after playback begins, while the specific title status shown in the app should be treated as authoritative.
If your specific use case permits a separate local file, KeepStreams for RTL Plus provides a Windows/macOS workflow with supported MP4/MKV output, up to 1080p, audio and subtitle selection, batch downloading, automatic downloads, and a 3-video/30-day trial. It is a third-party desktop workflow and is not part of RTL+'s official download feature.
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