How to keep people from playing a video but not downloading it

[chrisj]

Is there a way to allow people to play a video from my web site but not download It?
Is there a way to code so that when someone one tries to download it, it distorts or implodes or something?
It has a watermark, but those can be removed, right?

[hech54]

If someone can watch it, someone can take it.
The End.

[usually_quiet]

Is there a way to allow people to play a video from my web site but not download It?
Is there a way to code so that when someone one tries to download it, it distorts or implodes or something?
It has a watermark, but those can be removed, right?

Realistically, no. Paid streaming services like Netflix or Amazon encrypt their videos, but that costs big bucks.

[jagabo]

Realistically, no. Paid streaming services like Netflix or Amazon encrypt their videos, but that costs big bucks.

And they can still be recorded with a screen recorder or external recorder.

[jman98]

The thread title is the exact opposite of what chrisj asked in the actual first post. Might want to fix that, chrisj.

[johns0]

If the video has a watermark encoded in then it's very hard to remove without leaving a smear in the spot,best to go with that.

[usually_quiet]

If the video has a watermark encoded in then it's very hard to remove without leaving a smear in the spot,best to go with that.

I tend to agree. Since nothing can prevent determined people from copying a video, the OP may as well use an inexpensive method that merely discourages copying. Opaque watermarks are the most difficult to remove. Attempting to remove those leaves an ugly smear, although completely covering them with a different graphic is still possible.