YouTube is a treasure trove of videos, providing a vast library of content that ranges from educational material to entertaining clips. Sometimes, though, you may want to save a video to your device for offline viewing or to share with others. While downloading YouTube videos is not officially supported, there are several methods that allow you to save videos for personal use. In this article, we will explore five easy ways to download YouTube videos.
Use a Video Downloader Website
One of the simplest ways to download YouTube videos is to use a video downloader website. These sites allow you to save videos by simply pasting the video’s URL into a designated field. The site then processes the URL, providing you with a downloadable file in various formats and resolutions. Some popular video downloader websites include:
a. SaveFrom.net
b. Y2mate.com
c. KeepVid.pro
To use these websites, follow these steps:
Open the YouTube video that you want to download.
Copy the video URL from the address bar.
Visit one of the video downloader websites mentioned above.
Paste the URL into the designated field on the website.
Choose your desired video format and quality.
Click “Download” and wait for the file to be processed.
Save the video to your device.
Download Videos using Browser Extensions
Another effective way to download YouTube videos is through browser extensions or add-ons. These tools integrate seamlessly with your browser, allowing you to download videos directly from the YouTube website. Some popular browser extensions for downloading YouTube videos include:
a. Video DownloadHelper (for Firefox and Chrome)
b. 4K Video Downloader (for Chrome)
c. YouTube Video and Audio Downloader (for Firefox)
To download videos using browser extensions, follow these steps:
Install the browser extension from the appropriate web store.
Restart your browser if required.
Open the YouTube video you want to download.
Look for the extension icon in your browser’s toolbar.
Click on the icon and choose the desired video format and quality.
Click “Download” and wait for the file to be processed.
Save the video to your device.
Use a Standalone Video Downloader Software
If you prefer using a dedicated software application to download videos, there are numerous options available. These standalone programs offer advanced features and greater control over the downloading process. Some popular video downloader software applications include:
a. 4K Video Downloader
b. Freemake Video Downloader
c. Any Video Converter
To download videos using standalone software, follow these steps:
Download and install the video downloader software on your device.
Open the YouTube video you want to download.
Copy the video URL from the address bar.
Launch the video downloader software.
Paste the URL into the designated field in the software.
Choose your desired video format and quality.
Click “Download” and wait for the file to be processed.
Save the video to your device.
Download Videos on Mobile Devices
For users who want to download YouTube videos on their mobile devices, there are dedicated apps available for both Android and iOS. These apps provide an easy and convenient way to download videos while on-the-go. Some popular mobile apps for downloading YouTube videos include:
a. TubeMate (for Android)
b. Snaptube (for Android)
c. Documents by Readdle (for iOS)
To download videos using mobile apps, follow these steps:
Install the app on your mobile device.
Open the YouTube video you want to download.
Copy the video URL from the address bar or the share
option in the YouTube app.
- Launch the video downloader app on your mobile device.
Paste the URL into the designated field in the app.
Choose your desired video format and quality.
Tap “Download” and wait for the file to be processed.
Save the video to your device’s storage or a cloud storage service for later viewing.
Note: Some of these apps may not be available on the official app stores due to policy restrictions. You may need to download them from their respective websites or alternative app stores. Ensure you download apps from trusted sources to avoid potential security risks.
Download YouTube Videos Using VLC Media Player
VLC Media Player, a popular open-source multimedia player, can also be used to download YouTube videos. This method works on both desktop and mobile devices, making it a versatile option for users who want a simple and effective way to download videos.
To download YouTube videos using VLC Media Player, follow these steps:
Download and install VLC Media Player on your device, if you haven’t already.
Open the YouTube video you want to download.
Copy the video URL from the address bar or the share option in the YouTube app.
Launch VLC Media Player.
For desktop users:
a. Click “Media” in the menu bar and select “Open Network Stream.”
b. Paste the video URL into the “Network URL” field and click “Play.”
c. Once the video starts playing, click “Tools” in the menu bar and select “Codec Information.”
d. Copy the “Location” URL at the bottom of the window.
e. Open a new browser tab and paste the URL into the address bar. The video will start playing.
f. Right-click on the video and select “Save Video As” to save it to your device.
For mobile users:
a. Tap the menu icon (usually three dots or lines) and select “Network Stream” or “Open Network Stream.”
b. Paste the video URL into the “Network URL” field and tap “Play.”
c. Once the video starts playing, tap on the screen to reveal the “Save” or “Download” option.
d. Tap “Save” or “Download” to save the video to your device’s storage.
Conclusion
Downloading YouTube videos for personal use is a convenient way to have access to content when you’re offline or when you want to share videos with others. With these five easy methods, you can save your favorite YouTube videos and watch them anytime, anywhere. However, remember to respect copyright laws and only download videos for personal use, as downloading copyrighted content without permission can lead to legal consequences.
