Background: Video DRM Systems in General
Video streaming providers have the choice to restrict access to their videos. These restrictions specifically relate to the possibilities of:
- Direct Download – the video is transferred "as an original file"
- Recording – the video is played and recorded frame by frame or audio sample by audio sample to create a recording
The restriction is implemented by the provider using DRM systems. In practice, three levels are used:
-
Level 1: Unrestricted
– no DRM use -
both download and recording are possible.
This is used by several public broadcasters -
Level 2: Recording allowed, download not possible
– DRM like "widevine software level" –
while direct download is excluded, recording is possible.
This is used by commercial music streaming providers and by video streaming providers for medium video resolutions -
Level 3: Recording and download not possible
– DRM like "widevine hardware level" –
excludes the creation of any copies.
This is used by commercial video streaming providers for highest resolutions, e.g., 4K
Audials of course complies with these restrictions and can only download or record if the video streaming provider has permitted it through their choice of DRM.
Special Case YouTube
YouTube does NOT use a typical DRM system like "widevine" to protect its content from downloads. Therefore, it is technically possible to directly access and download YouTube files – although YouTube uses a method sometimes called "rolling cipher" where the actual download addresses change regularly.
One might assume YouTube belongs to Level 1 mentioned above.
However, this has sparked a legal dispute about whether circumventing YouTube downloads constitutes bypassing "effective protection," which would then be legally impermissible. The press reported on this:
- https://www.heise.de/news/Download-Tool-Musikindustrie-verklagt-Host-Provider-von-Youtube-DL-6328014.html
- https://www.heise.de/news/Landgericht-Hamburg-Uberspace-darf-Youtube-DL-nicht-laenger-hosten-8529311.html
- https://www.heise.de/news/OLG-Hamburg-Uberspace-haftet-wegen-Hosting-von-Youtube-DL-10179239.html
YouTube itself has not commented on the question.
As a result, the Hamburg Higher Regional Court concluded that YouTube uses a DRM system that provides effective protection against direct downloads.
Thus, YouTube would be considered Level 2 mentioned above.
Audials No Longer Supports Direct YouTube Downloads
Therefore, Audials has also removed the functionality to use the freeware tool "youtube-dl" for direct downloading of YouTube content.
This court decision naturally also affects YouTube downloader tools from other manufacturers – it is possibly no longer permissible to use these.
Recording YouTube Content is Still Possible in Audials
Regardless, it is still possible to play and record YouTube content. This does not involve downloading the original file from YouTube, and consequently does not circumvent a "rolling cipher download protection."
This functionality remains part of Audials.
This is how you can continue to save YouTube content.
Comments
7 comments
I have been using Audials One for years, lastest 2025 Ultra, I mainly used it to download yourube videos, now no longer possible, you need to play whole video in Audials so I use other software to download, no problem, Audials has become useless for me, if I had known I would not have upgraded just recently.
I too use Audials to download our churches edited videos that are not copyrighted. Very disappointed that Audials no longer works for me.. Will not be upgrading!
I think like most people have been using Audials One for years, my current version is 2025, we purchased Audials One because it was excellent in downloading YouTube videos without having to play them 1x1. Now that this isn't possible, the functionality of Audials One is significantly reduced and far too expensive without this capability, so you are going to need to significantly reduce the cost or find a solution to the problem or you will likely lose a lot of existing customers who will no longer subscribe annually. Me included.
I am disappointed that this feature was removed especially since I am still using it in another popular app! I think the legal interpretation of this feature is being misapplied to people who are just downloading YouTube content for their private use. It's no more different than saving the video for later view. Removing the direct download feature was a ridiculously overcautious decision by the Audials developers. I still love Audials for my music and streaming video recordings. It's still the best overall recording software on the market in my opinion.
Audials has changed and is of no value any longer to me. I'm out.
Audials One is really a great product. I am hopeful that Audials will restore the YouTube direct download feature because there are many alternative software apps that continue to offer this feature. I think part of the problem is that Germany is really cracking down on a lot of activity that used to be considered free speech and the rights of individuals. Downloading a YouTube video strictly for private non-commercial use with no intent to distribute is simply a protected freedom that is at the core of a free Internet. Times are changing and individual rights are being infringed. People won't stand for it as history has shown.
I was using One since Tunebite platinum 3, to be precise 19 year. Buy every year the update to support the company form there on.
Wen they stop supporting direct YouTube download, it need additional hours of work (usually do this 3 or 4 time a year update my music library then have 2 to 3 playlists with around 300 track per playlists. This takes now like mention 3 to 4 hour and double checking everything or having to find solution for not downloadend track in the Playlist.
Search the web, and yes its not easy, but found a solution for FREE. 200 track 15 minutes in my required quality, so please don't give me this BS about YT don't work or I'm out too AI BS or not if no direct download I have not use of On2 2025 Premium
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