FOD (Fuji TV On Demand) has an incredible library. I logged into my account on my Mac, expecting to save a few episodes. However, FOD does not support offline viewing on computers.
If you're reading this, you've probably run into the exact same frustration. Whether you want to watch shows during your daily subway commute without burning through your data, or you simply prefer watching on a larger laptop screen, knowing exactly how to download FOD videos is essential.
In this post, I'll show you the official way to download FOD videos to your phone or tablet, explain why popular workarounds like screen recording don't work, and provide you a third-party means to get these files on your PC or Mac if you really need them.
The Official Method: Using the FOD App on Mobile and Tablet
If you are using a smartphone or a tablet, saving content is straightforward. According to the official FOD Help Center, the platform offers a built-in download feature for iOS and Android users.
Here is how you do it:
- Open the FOD app and log in to your Premium account.
- Navigate to the series or movie you want to watch.
- Look for the Download icon (an arrow pointing downward) next to the episode title and tap it.
Official Limits You Need to Know
Before you start clicking "Download" on every show, keep in mind that FOD has strict rules about storage and licensing:
- Quantity Cap: You can download a maximum of 25 titles per account. Within that limit, movie titles are restricted to a maximum of 15.
- Time Limit: Downloaded videos expire 48 hours after you initiate the download. Once they expire, you must connect to the internet to renew the license.
- Device Restriction: This feature is strictly locked to the mobile app. You cannot move these downloaded files to another device.
The Reality Check: Why Screen Recording and Browser Extensions Fail
If you've searched through Reddit communities like r/DataHoarder or video downloading forums, you've probably seen users trying to bypass FOD's mobile-only restriction. I've tested the most frequently mentioned workarounds, and here is what actually happens.
First, standard browser extensions like Video DownloadHelper simply don't work. FOD uses encrypted m3u8 streaming protocols (DRM protection). When extensions try to grab the video file, they usually end up downloading a few broken KB files or returning an error. Command-line tools like yt-dlp face the same DRM hurdles and require complex decryption keys that average users don't have.
Second, if you try to use screen recording software like OBS Studio or QuickTime on your PC, you will get a black screen with audio playing in the background. Browsers like Chrome and Edge enforce HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection) at the hardware level, which actively blocks screen captures of DRM-protected content.
How to Download FOD Videos on PC or Mac (Third-Party Option)
For users who strictly need to save videos as local MP4 files on a Windows or Mac computer—whether to watch on a larger screen offline or to avoid the 48-hour expiration window—the official app won't suffice. In these cases, using specialized third-party software is the only viable route.
One tool that handles DRM-protected platforms is KeepStreams. Instead of screen recording, it accesses the video stream directly through a built-in browser and saves it locally.
Here is a quick rundown of how it works:
1. Download and install KeepStreams: Get KeepStreams for FOD from the official website. Open KeepStreams, select VIP Services, and click on the FOD icon.
2. Log in to your account: Go to the FOD site with the built-in browser, log in, and play the video you want. KeepStreams will analyze the video.
3. Choose Settings: Select episodes, quality, subtitles, and audio in the pop-up window.
4. Download: Click "Download Now" to start downloading immediately or "Add to Queue" to add it to a batch download.
By saving the files in standard formats, you permanently bypass the 48-hour viewing window and can transfer the files to any device you own.
FAQs
Q1. Can I download FOD videos officially on my Mac or Windows PC?
A1. Not at all. It is only possible to download approved Fuji TV content through the FOD app for iOS and Android devices. The FOD computer browser version does not let you watch it when you're not online.
Q2. How long do downloaded FOD videos last?
A2. Videos downloaded via the official FOD app expire 48 hours after the download is initiated. To watch them after this period, you need to connect to the internet to renew the license.
Q3. Can I permanently save FOD titles that are about to be removed from the platform?
A3. Officially, no. If a game's licensing time ends and it is taken off the FOD platform, it will no longer be playable on your downloaded apps list, even if the 48-hour window hasn't passed yet. Third-party tools that convert videos to MP4 files are the only way to retain content permanently.
Conclusion
Ultimately, how you save your shows depends entirely on your daily routine. If you just need a few episodes for a short commute, the official FOD mobile app is perfectly fine and completely free with your subscription. However, if you are looking to build a personal offline library on your PC, or simply hate dealing with the 48-hour expiration timer, exploring tools that export standard MP4 files will save you a lot of headaches.
If you're interested in saving content from other Japanese streaming platforms, you may also find our guides on how to download DMM videos without DRM and how to download ABEMA videos helpful.

