MIT-licensed desktop project
VidBee publishes its desktop source under the MIT License. The official v2.1.0 release provides Windows, macOS and Linux packages. Check the release and dependency licenses for the version you install.
Free Open Source Video Downloader with Transcripts
Use a free, inspectable desktop downloader. Save videos locally, then create searchable transcripts on your computer and ask AI, instead of relying on closed-source apps or fragile browser sites.
Free Download
Completely free. No registration or account required.
Open source workflow/Cross-platform desktop/Queue-based downloads/Local control
Why people search for open source alternatives
Trust, portability, and long-term control matter. An open desktop app gives you a cleaner workflow than disposable web downloaders.
- Closed-source tools hide too much of the workflow
- Web downloaders trade trust for convenience
- Desktop apps often add paywalls to basic features
- Cross-platform users need one workflow across devices
Use an open source downloader in 3 steps
Install the app, paste the links, and run the download locally without jumping through ad-heavy browser pages.
- 1
Install the desktop app
Set up VidBee on macOS, Windows, or Linux with the bundled tools ready to use.
- 2
Paste the links you want to save
Queue one video or a larger batch without extra extensions or browser hacks.
- 3
Download locally
Keep the files on your own machine with full visibility into the workflow.
Source, license and official builds
Open source describes the code license; it does not establish every privacy or performance claim.
Download and AI data paths
Downloading contacts the source platform. Local speech recognition runs on your computer after model installation. Optional AI prompts send text to the provider you enable. Open source does not mean every feature works offline or never uses a network.
Compare licenses separately
Parabolic also publishes an MIT license. Stacher offers a free core downloader and optional Premium features; free use is not proof of an open-source license.
Download Videos
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Subscription Auto Download & Batch Processing
Extract YouTube Subtitles
Download annotations and subtitles along with YouTube videos. Save them in SRT format and choose from 50+ languages.
Get Videos in 4K & 8K
Download videos in HD 720p, 1080p, 4K, and 8K resolution. Enjoy high definition on any device.
Open source video downloader FAQ
Common answers for transparency, cross-platform support, and why desktop queues beat fragile web tools.
Yes. VidBee is free with no registration or account, and its source code is published under the MIT license in the nexmoe/VidBee GitHub repository, so anyone can inspect, build, or fork it.
Switch to an open source desktop downloader
VidBee gives you a local, inspectable workflow that stays practical for both single files and larger queues. Completely free, with no registration or account required.
Only download content that is publicly accessible and that you have the right to use. Respect copyright and each platform's terms of service.