Currently, FreeTube lacks a dedicated, persistent "Downloads" tab with real-time progress bars like those found in standard web browsers. Users often rely on checking their default downloads folder in their file explorer (e.g., Windows Explorer or macOS Finder) to see the file being written. Why Is There No Dedicated Progress Bar?

The absence of a complex download manager is a deliberate design choice focused on simplicity and stability. [Feature Request]: Download status · Issue #2357 - GitHub

When you click the download button under a video, FreeTube typically provides a system notification to confirm that the process has started.

As of recent updates, FreeTube has transitioned to an in-app downloading system, though it remains in a beta development stage with ongoing refinements.