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Download Videos from the Internet Archive

Classic films, newsreels, cartoons and lectures: paste the link of a public archive.org item and save its video as an MP4 on your phone or computer.

How to download a video from archive.org

  1. 01

    Open the item page

    Find the video on archive.org and copy the address of its page, the one that looks like archive.org/details/name. On a phone, use your browser’s Share → Copy.

  2. 02

    Paste it into SaveArrow

    Put the link in the field at the top and tap Download. SaveArrow reads the item and finds the video in it.

  3. 03

    Save the MP4 or MP3

    Choose MP4 for the video, or MP3 if you only want the sound. The file goes to your browser’s Downloads folder.

Made for archive.org videos

  • Public domain and open films

    Much of the Internet Archive is public domain or openly licensed, from classic feature films to newsreels and recorded lectures. SaveArrow lets you keep the video of a public item as an MP4 file.

  • Paste the details link

    Every item has a page at archive.org/details/ followed by its name. Paste that link and SaveArrow picks out the item’s video for you, so there’s no need to dig through its list of files.

  • Items up to about 3 hours

    Feature films, recorded talks and full episodes work as long as the item runs under about 3 hours. Longer items, such as all-day recordings or long broadcasts, can’t be saved.

  • Sound as MP3

    Want only the audio of a speech, lecture or old broadcast? Choose MP3 and SaveArrow converts the item’s sound while it downloads. It’s free, with no app or sign-up.

Frequently asked questions

How do I download a video from archive.org?

Open the item, copy its archive.org/details/… link, paste it here and tap Download. Then choose MP4 for the video or MP3 for the sound and save it.

Which Internet Archive items can’t be downloaded?

Items you have to borrow, items that aren’t open to the public and items longer than about 3 hours aren’t supported. SaveArrow is for video items, so books and texts won’t work.

What format and quality will I get?

You get the item’s video as an MP4 file, so the quality depends on the item. You can also choose MP3 to keep only the sound.

Where does the video go on iPhone or Android?

On iPhone, check Safari’s Downloads or the Files app; on Android, the browser’s Downloads or the Files app. From there you can move the video to Photos or your gallery.

Can I use Internet Archive videos freely?

Much of the collection is public domain or openly licensed, but not all of it. Check the rights shown on the item’s page, credit the source and only save what you may use.

Is it free? Do I need to install anything?

It’s free and works in Safari, Chrome and other browsers on phones and computers, with no account or app. SaveArrow doesn’t store videos, and download links expire after 10 minutes.

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