YouTube is the world’s largest video-sharing platform, offering various videos on various topics. While YouTube provides an option to save videos for offline viewing within its mobile app, many users may want to download videos to their devices for other purposes, such as creating a personal collection or sharing them with others. In this article, we will explore different methods to download YouTube videos, ensuring you can enjoy your favourite content anytime, anywhere.
YouTube hosts a vast library of videos, including music, tutorials, documentaries, and entertainment content. While YouTube’s offline feature allows users to download videos within the app, it comes with limitations, such as a limited time frame for offline viewing and restrictions on sharing the downloaded content. Let’s explore alternative methods to download YouTube videos to overcome these limitations.
2. Method 1: Using Online Video Downloading Websites
Online video-downloading websites provide a convenient way to download YouTube videos. These websites work by extracting the video’s URL and offering different download options, such as video quality and format. Examples of popular online video-downloading websites include SaveFrom.net, Y2mate, and KeepVid. To download a YouTube video using these websites, follow these steps:
- Go to YouTube and find the video you want to download.
- Copy the video’s URL from the address bar.
- Visit an online video downloading website.
- Paste the video’s URL into the provided field on the website.
- Choose the desired video quality and format.
- Click the download button to initiate the download.
3. Method 2: Utilizing Browser Extensions
Browser extensions are add-ons that can enhance the functionality of your web browser. There are various browser extensions available that allow you to download YouTube videos directly from the YouTube website. Popular extensions include Video DownloadHelper for Firefox and Video Downloader Professional for Google Chrome. To use a browser extension for downloading YouTube videos, follow these steps:
- Install the desired browser extension from the official extension store.
- Open YouTube and find the video you want to download.
- Click on the extension icon in your browser’s toolbar.
- Select the download option for the video.
- Choose the desired video quality and format.
- Initiate the download by following the prompts provided by the extension.
4. Method 3: Using Video Downloader Software
Video downloader software provides more advanced features and customization options than online websites or browser extensions. These software applications are designed to download videos from various platforms, including YouTube. Popular video downloader software examples include 4K Video Downloader, Freemake Video Downloader, and Internet Download Manager (IDM). To download a YouTube video using video downloader software, follow these steps:
- Install the preferred video downloader software on your computer.
- Open the software and navigate to the YouTube video you want to download.
- Copy the video’s URL from the address bar.
- Look for an option to paste the URL in the video downloader software.
- Paste the YouTube video URL into the provided field.
- Choose the desired video quality and format.
- Initiate the download by following the prompts provided by the software.
5. Method 4: Downloading via Mobile Applications
If you prefer downloading YouTube videos directly on your mobile device, several applications are available for both iOS and Android platforms. These apps allow you to search, browse, and download videos from YouTube. Some popular YouTube video downloader apps include TubeMate, VidMate, and Snaptube. To download YouTube videos using a mobile app, follow these steps:
- Install the preferred YouTube video downloader app from the official app store.
- Open the app and search for the video you want to download.
- Tap on the video to open it.
- Look for a download button or an option to save the video.
- Choose the desired video quality and format.
- Initiate the download and wait for the video to be saved to your device.
6. Method 5: Using VLC Media Player
VLC Media Player, a popular multimedia player, also offers the ability to download YouTube videos. VLC provides a straightforward method to download YouTube videos without needing external websites or software. To download YouTube videos using VLC Media Player, follow these steps:
- Install VLC Media Player on your computer from the official website.
- Open VLC Media Player.
- Go to the YouTube video you want to download and copy its URL.
- In VLC, click on “Media” in the top menu and select “Open Network Stream.”
- Paste the YouTube video URL into the provided field.
- Click “Play” to start playing the video in VLC.
- While the video is playing, go to “Tools” in the top menu and select “Codec Information.”
- In the “Location” field, copy the URL starting with “https://…”
- Open a web browser and paste the copied URL.
- Right-click on the video and choose “Save Video As” or a similar option.
- Select the desired location on your computer and initiate the download.
7. Method 6: Downloading YouTube Premium Videos
YouTube Premium is a subscription-based service that offers various benefits, including ad-free viewing, background playback, and offline downloading. If you have a YouTube Premium subscription, you can download videos from the YouTube app. To download YouTube Premium videos, follow these steps:
- Open the YouTube app on your mobile device.
- Find the video you want to download.
- Below the video player, look for the download icon (usually represented by a downward arrow).
- Tap on the download icon.
- Select the desired video quality (if available).
- Wait for the video to be downloaded to your device.
8. Method 7: Understanding YouTube’s Terms of Service
It’s important to understand and respect YouTube’s Terms of Service regarding video downloading. YouTube’s Terms of Service explicitly state that users should not download content from the platform unless YouTube provides a download button or similar feature. Downloading videos from YouTube using methods not authorized by YouTube may violate the platform’s terms and could lead to consequences.
Conclusion
Downloading YouTube videos allows you to enjoy and share your favourite content offline with others. This article explored various methods to download YouTube videos, including online video-downloading websites, browser extensions, video downloader software, mobile applications, VLC Media Player, and YouTube Premium’s offline feature. Remember to comply with YouTube’s Terms of Service and respect the rights of content creators when downloading and sharing YouTube videos.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q1: Is it legal to download YouTube videos?
A1: Downloading YouTube videos is generally against YouTube’s Terms of Service unless a download button or similar feature is provided. Respect copyright laws and consider obtaining permission from the content creator before downloading.
Q2: Can I use downloaded YouTube videos for commercial purposes?
A2: No, using downloaded YouTube videos for commercial purposes without proper authorization violates copyright laws. Seek permission from the content creator for any commercial use.
Q3: Can I download YouTube videos using mobile apps?
A3: Yes, several mobile applications are available for both iOS and Android platforms that allow you to download YouTube videos. Examples include TubeMate, VidMate, and Snaptube.
Q4: Are there any limitations to downloading YouTube videos using the offline feature?
A4: Yes, YouTube’s offline feature has limitations, such as a limited time frame for offline viewing and restrictions on sharing the downloaded content. The availability of the offline feature also depends on your location and the content owner’s permissions.
Q5: Can I download YouTube videos using VLC Media Player?
A5: Yes, VLC Media Player provides a method to download YouTube videos. You can download the video using your web browser by playing the YouTube video in VLC and extracting the URL.