Video capture from Vimeo depends on the permissions Vimeo’s API allows at the moment the recording is made. Vimeo may change these permissions, which can affect how video files are retrieved for some account types. This article explains what is currently supported and what to expect.
Current Vimeo Changes
Vimeo has updated its API rules for downloading video files. Accounts on Vimeo’s free tier and its paid Starter tier do not allow external systems to retrieve full video files through the API. This affects how recordings appear in your account.
How This Affects Video Capture
Free and Starter Vimeo Accounts
A record entry for the video is created
A thumbnail is created
Comments, edits, and deletions are captured
The video file itself cannot be downloaded or stored
All parts of the record are preserved except the video file
Higher-Tier Paid Vimeo Accounts
Important Note:
These features only supported for Vimeo’s Standard, Advanced, Pro, Business, Premium, and Enterprise plans.
Full video file capture is supported
Video files can be downloaded and stored
Private videos can also be retrieved when permissions allow
Existing Archived Videos
Any video files already archived before these changes remain available. This update does not affect previously stored video files.
Why This is Happening
Video capture depends on the access Vimeo grants through its API. Vimeo’s permission changes have restricted video file retrieval for free-tier and Starter-tier accounts. We have evaluated alternative technical options, but no reliable solution currently exists. We will continue to monitor Vimeo’s platform for changes that could restore this capability.
What You Can Do
If you need access to full video files for future recordings, upgrading your Vimeo account to a paid Standard, Advanced, Pro, Business, Premium, or Enterprise plan will restore that functionality.
If you need help retrieving video files from past recordings after upgrading, let our Support Team know. We can review those recordings and attempt to retrieve any available files.
Ongoing Updates
If Vimeo introduces new permissions or options that change the current behavior, we will update this article.