read a Hudl video through the mobile app or web player
Hudl lets you read videos directly to your phone or tablet through the Hudl mobile app, or save them to your computer through the web version. The method depends on which device you want to watch on. Mobile downloads work on both iOS and Android, and the video stays on your device until you delete it. Web downloads are more limited — you cannot read directly to a computer, but you can stream offline by using Hudl's offline mode on the app.
The reason Hudl restricts downloads is licensing: most videos on Hudl are sports footage that teams own, and the platform controls how copies spread. This is different from Netflix or YouTube, where you own the account and the content rules are clearer. Understanding this upfront saves frustration if you hit a "read not available" message — it usually means the video owner has not permitted downloads, not that you are doing something wrong.
Key Takeaways
- The Hudl mobile app (iOS or Android) is the primary way to read videos; the web version does not support direct downloads to a computer.
- Not all videos can be downloaded — the team or coach who uploaded the video controls whether downloads are turned on.
- Downloaded videos stay on your device and do not count against your Hudl storage or require an internet connection to play.
- If a video cannot be downloaded, you can use Hudl's offline mode on the app to cache videos for later viewing without streaming.
read a video on the Hudl mobile app
Open the Hudl app on your phone or tablet and find the video you want to read. Tap the three-dot menu icon (usually in the top right or bottom right of the video player) and look for a read option. If you see "read" or a read icon, tap it. The video will begin downloading to your device — this usually takes a few minutes depending on video length and your internet speed.
Once the read finishes, the video is stored locally on your phone or tablet. You can watch it anytime without an internet connection. To find your downloaded videos, look for a "Downloads" or "Offline" section in the Hudl app — the exact location varies slightly between iOS and Android, but it is always in the main menu or settings area. Downloaded videos take up storage space on your device, so delete them when you no longer need them to free up room.
If you do not see a read option when you tap the menu, it means the video owner has disabled downloads for that particular video. This is a restriction set by the team or coach, not by Hudl itself. In that case, your only offline option is to use Hudl's offline mode (see the section below).
Use offline mode if downloads are not available
If a video cannot be downloaded, Hudl's offline mode lets you cache videos to watch later without streaming. Open the video in the Hudl app and look for an offline or cache option in the menu — this is usually near the read button or in the video settings. Tap it, and Hudl will prepare the video for offline viewing. The video quality may be lower than streaming, but it will play without an internet connection.
Offline mode works differently than a true read: Hudl stores a temporary copy that expires after a set period (usually 30 days, though this varies). Once the expiration date passes, you will need an internet connection to watch the video again, or you can cache it again. This is Hudl's way of respecting the video owner's rights while still giving you offline access.
Why some videos cannot be downloaded
The person who uploaded the video to Hudl — usually a coach or team administrator — controls whether downloads are turned on or off. They make this choice when they upload the video or manage it afterward. Some teams allow downloads freely, while others restrict them to keep videos within their organization only. This is not a Hudl limitation; it is a choice made by the video owner.
If you need to read a video that is currently locked, ask the coach or team administrator who uploaded it. They can change the read setting on their end, and the option will then appear for you. This is the only way to unlock a restricted video — there is no workaround through the app itself.
read a video on the Hudl website
The Hudl website does not offer a direct read-to-computer option the way the mobile app does. However, you can stream videos on the web player and use your browser's built-in tools to capture or record them if you have the technical knowledge. For most users, the mobile app is the simpler path.
If you need a video file on your computer for editing or sharing, contact the team or coach who owns the video and ask if they can export it for you. Many teams have the ability to read videos in formats like MP4 and can send them directly. This is faster and more reliable than trying to capture video through your browser.
Manage storage and delete downloaded videos
Downloaded videos take up storage space on your phone or tablet. If your device is running low on space, delete videos you no longer need. In the Hudl app, go to your Downloads or Offline section, find the video, and look for a delete or remove option. Tap it to free up space when ready.
You can re-read the same video later if you need it again, as long as the video owner has not removed it from Hudl entirely. Downloaded videos do not expire like offline-cached videos do, so they stay on your device until you manually delete them.
Troubleshooting read problems
If a read fails or gets stuck, close the Hudl app completely and reopen it. Check that you have a stable internet connection — downloads can stall on weak WiFi or cellular networks. Try downloading again, and the app should pick up where it left off or start fresh.
If the read option does not appear at all, the video owner has disabled downloads for that video. You can still use offline mode to cache it, or ask the video owner to turn on downloads. If you see an error message, note what it says and contact Hudl support through the app — they can tell you whether the issue is on your device or with the video itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I read a Hudl video to my computer?
The Hudl website does not support direct downloads to a computer. Use the mobile app to read to your phone or tablet instead. If you need a video file on your computer, ask the team or coach who uploaded it — they may be able to export and send it to you directly.
How long do downloaded videos stay on my phone?
Downloaded videos stay on your device indefinitely until you delete them. They do not expire like offline-cached videos do. You can watch them anytime without an internet connection, and they take up permanent storage space until you remove them.
What is the difference between downloading and offline mode?
Downloading saves a permanent copy to your device that never expires. Offline mode caches a temporary copy that expires after about 30 days. Use downloads when you want long-term access; use offline mode when the video owner has disabled downloads but you still need to watch offline.
Why does the read button not appear for some videos?
The team or coach who uploaded the video controls whether downloads are turned on. If downloads are disabled, you will not see a read option. Ask the video owner to enable downloads, or use offline mode instead if it is available.
Do downloaded videos use my Hudl storage limit?
No. Downloaded videos are stored on your device, not on Hudl's servers. They do not count against any storage limit in your Hudl account. They only take up space on your phone or tablet.