How to use the LinkedIn Learning Video Downloader (llvd) (with examples)

The llvd command is a powerful tool designed to help users download video courses from LinkedIn Learning. By using this command, learners can access their preferred courses offline, whether to continue learning in environments without internet access or to have a personal backup of valuable educational content. The llvd tool supports various options, allowing users to specify download settings such as authentication methods, video resolution, captions, and download throttling.

Use case 1: Download a course using cookie-based authentication

Code:

llvd -c course-slug --cookies

Motivation:

This use case is designed for users who need to download a LinkedIn Learning course where authentication is required. Websites like LinkedIn use cookies to manage user sessions. If you are logged in and have authorized access to specific content, downloading using cookies ensures that you retrieve content without having to repeatedly enter usernames and passwords. This is especially useful in educational settings where courses might be behind paywalls or require personal login credentials.

Explanation:

• -c course-slug: The -c argument specifies the unique identifier (slug) for the course you wish to download. This slug is usually part of the course’s URL on LinkedIn Learning.
• --cookies: This option tells the llvd command to use cookie-based authentication. It ensures seamless access to courses for users currently logged into LinkedIn Learning via a browser.

Example output:

Upon executing this command, you would see progress messages indicating that the specified course is being downloaded. The files, usually in video format accompanied by metadata, are saved onto your local storage for offline access.

Use case 2: Download a course at a specific resolution

Code:

llvd -c course-slug -r 720

Motivation:

In a world where bandwidth and storage can often be limited, downloading video courses at a specific resolution can save both storage space and data usage. Higher resolutions offer better quality but also take up more space and require more data to download. This use case helps balance quality with practical constraints by allowing users to select a resolution suitable for their needs.

Explanation:

• -c course-slug: The -c argument, as explained before, indicates the course identifier for download.
• -r 720: The -r flag allows the user to specify the video resolution. In this context, 720 represents 720p, a standard HD resolution providing decent quality without demanding excessive storage space.

Example output:

The command would display ongoing progress, as it downloads the course videos in the 720p resolution you specified. This output assures you that the content downloaded occupies less space compared to higher quality videos.

Use case 3: Download a course with captions (subtitles)

Code:

llvd -c course-slug --caption

Motivation:

Downloading courses with captions is crucial for accessibility and comprehensiveness. For learners who are hard of hearing, or for those watching courses in noisy environments, captions can enhance understanding and retention. Additionally, captions aid non-native speakers in following along with the content more effectively.

Explanation:

• -c course-slug: Once again, -c denotes the specific course to be downloaded.
• --caption: This argument requests that subtitles or captions for the video content be included in the download. It is important as it enriches the learning experience for all types of learners.

Example output:

By using this command, your download would comprise not only the videos but also accompanying subtitle files, typically in formats such as .srt, enabling playback with captions during offline viewing.

Use case 4: Download a course path with throttling

Code:

llvd -p path-slug -t 10,30 --cookies

Motivation:

Bandwidth management is essential, especially when downloading large amounts of data. Using download throttling, you can regulate the rate of data transfer to avoid overwhelming your internet connection or incurring additional network costs. This feature is particularly helpful in shared networks or where users have limited bandwidth.

Explanation:

• -p path-slug: The -p flag refers to a course path’s unique identifier. A path may consist of multiple courses bundled together to provide comprehensive training.
• -t 10,30: This argument specifies throttling, or download rate limits, between 10 to 30 seconds per download segment. It helps manage bandwidth usage.
• --cookies: Utilizes cookie-based authentication to streamline access to courses within the specified path.

Example output:

Executing this command results in the phased downloading of the course path with intentional pauses. You would observe intervals between downloads, respecting the specified throttling settings, while ensuring you stay authenticated via cookies.

Conclusion

These examples illustrate the versatility of llvd as a framework for downloading LinkedIn Learning content. By leveraging cookies for authentication, selecting specific resolutions, enhancing accessibility through captions, and managing downloads with throttling, users can tailor the downloading process to their specific needs and circumstances, thus improving their learning experience.