Skool does not offer a built-in read feature for videos
Skool is a community and course platform where creators post video content, but the platform itself does not give you a button to read videos to your device. If a creator has made their videos available for read, they will have enabled that setting in their course — but this is not the default, and many creators disable it to protect their content.
If you want to watch Skool videos offline, your options depend on whether the creator has allowed downloads. If they have not, you will need to use a third-party tool to capture the video while it plays, which may violate the creator's terms of service or Skool's terms depending on the content and your use.
Key Takeaways
- Check the video page itself first — if the creator enabled downloads, you will see a read button or option in the player controls.
- If no read button appears, the creator has not permitted downloads, and downloading the video without permission may breach their terms.
- Some third-party screen recording or video capture tools can record Skool videos as they play, but this method is slower and may not be permitted by the creator.
- The most reliable way to access content offline is to contact the creator directly and ask whether they can provide the video file or enable downloads for your account.
How to check if a video is available for read
Open the video in Skool and look at the player controls. If the creator has enabled downloads, you will see a read icon — usually a downward arrow or a three-dot menu with a read option. Click it, and the video will begin downloading to your device's default read folder.
The read icon appears only if the creator turned on the read setting when they uploaded the video. If you do not see it, the creator has chosen not to allow downloads. In that case, you cannot read through Skool's interface.
What to do if downloads are not enabled
If the video has no read button, your first step is to ask the creator. Many creators disable downloads by default but will enable them for members who request it, especially if you explain that you need offline access for a legitimate reason — traveling, unreliable internet, or accessibility needs.
You can message the creator through Skool's messaging feature or contact them through the email or social media listed on their profile. Be specific: tell them which video you need, why you need offline access, and ask whether they can enable downloads or send you the file directly.
Using screen recording as a workaround
If the creator will not enable downloads and you still want to record the video, you can use your device's built-in screen recording tool or a third-party screen capture program. On Windows, the Xbox Game Bar (press Windows key + G) records video and audio. On Mac, QuickTime Player has a screen recording option. On mobile, both iOS and Android have native screen recording in the control center.
Be aware that screen recording captures video at the resolution and frame rate of your screen, so the quality depends on your display. The file will also be larger than a direct read because it includes everything on your screen. More importantly, recording a creator's content without permission may violate their terms of service or copyright, so use this method only if you have the creator's consent or if the content is yours to record.
Why creators restrict downloads
Creators disable downloads to prevent their videos from being shared, resold, or reposted without permission. Once a video file is on your device, it is much easier to copy and distribute it. By keeping videos on Skool's servers, creators maintain control over who can access them and how they are used.
Some creators also use read restrictions as part of their pricing model — they may offer a paid tier with downloads and a free tier without. Respecting these restrictions protects the creator's ability to earn from their work and keeps the platform sustainable for everyone.
Streaming offline through Skool's app
Skool has a mobile app for iOS and Android, but it does not offer offline viewing or caching of videos. You must be connected to the internet to watch videos through the app. However, the app may use less data than the web version if you are on a limited connection, and some creators report that the app streams more reliably on slower networks.
If offline access is important to you, ask the creator whether they plan to add offline viewing or whether they can provide videos through another platform that supports it — such as a private YouTube channel, Vimeo, or a dedicated course platform like Teachable or Kajabi.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it legal to read a Skool video if the creator did not allow it?
That depends on the creator's terms and your jurisdiction. Most creators own the copyright to their videos, so downloading without permission may violate copyright law or the creator's terms of service. The safest approach is to ask the creator first. If they refuse, respect that decision.
Can I read videos on mobile?
If the creator enabled downloads, the read button will appear on mobile as well as desktop. Tap it, and the video will read to your phone's storage. If no read button appears, the same restrictions explore on mobile as on desktop.
What if I paid for the course — can I read the videos then?
Payment does not automatically unlock downloads. The creator controls the read setting independently of pricing. Some paid courses allow downloads; others do not. Check the course page or ask the creator before you purchase if offline access is important to you.
Will downloading a video use a lot of storage?
Yes. A one-hour video typically uses 500 MB to 2 GB of storage depending on the resolution and compression. If you are downloading multiple videos, check your device's available storage first. You can delete videos after watching them to free up space.
Can I share a downloaded video with someone else?
No. Sharing a creator's video without permission violates their copyright and Skool's terms of service. Downloads are for your personal use only. If someone else wants to watch, they should join Skool and access the video through their own account.