Step-by-Step Tutorial: How to Use a Free Video Downloader for Offline Viewing
Step-by-Step Tutorial: How to Use a Free Video Downloader for Offline Viewing
In today’s world, online streaming platforms like YouTube, Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+ have become an inseparable part of our lives. With tens of millions of videos and shows hosted on these platforms, entertainment has never been easier to access. However, there comes a time when you may want to download a video or a show for offline viewing. For instance, you may be traveling to a remote area without an internet connection, or you may simply want to watch a show at a later time without having to stream it online. In such cases, using a free video downloader is the best way to save online videos to your device for offline viewing.
A video downloader is a software program or online tool that allows you to download videos from various websites onto your computer, tablet, or smartphone. There are countless video downloaders available on the internet, ranging from free to paid versions. In this step-by-step tutorial, we will guide you through the process of using a free video downloader to save online videos for offline viewing. We will also discuss the features to look out for when choosing a video downloader, tips to optimize your download, and the legality of downloading videos.
Step 1: Choose a Video Downloader
The first step is to choose a free video downloader that meets your needs. Some of the most popular and reliable video downloaders include 4K Video Downloader, Video DownloadHelper, ClipGrab, and Freemake Video Downloader. These downloaders are not only free but also come with additional features like batch downloading, video conversion, and the ability to download from multiple websites.
Before you choose a video downloader, ensure that it supports the website you want to download from. Some video downloaders are limited to a specific type of website, while others support a wide range of platforms. Therefore, it is important to check the website compatibility of the video downloader before downloading it.
Step 2: Install the Video Downloader
Once you have chosen a video downloader, download the installer file from the developer’s website. Most video downloaders have versions for Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems. After downloading the setup file, run it and follow the installation process.
Step 3: Find the Video You Want to Download
Open your web browser and go to the website that hosts the video you want to download. It could be YouTube, Vimeo, Dailymotion, or any site that streams videos. Once you find the video you want to download, copy its URL link from the address bar.
Step 4: Launch the Video Downloader
Open the video downloader that you installed in step 2. Most video downloaders have a simple and intuitive user interface that guides you through the download process. In this tutorial, we will use 4K Video Downloader as an example.
Step 5: Paste the Video URL
In the 4K Video Downloader, click on the ‘Paste Link’ button located at the top left corner of the window. It will automatically paste the copied URL link in the downloader. Alternatively, you can simply right-click the video and select ‘Copy Video URL’ and then paste it in the video downloader.
Step 6: Choose the Video Quality and Format
4K Video Downloader allows you to select your preferred video quality and format. To do this, click on the ‘Download’ button located below the video thumbnail. A dropdown menu will appear showing the available video quality and format options. Choose your preferred quality and format and click the ‘Download’ button again. The download process will start immediately.
Step 7: Wait for the Download to Complete
The download speed of the video depends on the speed of your internet connection and the file size of the video. The download progress is shown in real-time, with the estimated time remaining shown in minutes and seconds. Wait for the download to complete before closing the video downloader.
Step 8: Locate the Downloaded Video
Once the download is complete, locate the downloaded video file on your computer or device. By default, 4K Video Downloader saves the downloaded videos in the ‘Downloads’ folder on your device. You can also change the download path to any folder of your choice.
Additional Tips and Features
Batch Downloading: Most video downloaders allow you to download multiple videos at once. This is known as batch downloading and is the best way to save time and effort when you want to download multiple videos. To use this feature, copy the URL links of the videos you want to download, and paste them in the video downloader.
Video Conversion: Some video formats may not be compatible with your device or media player. Therefore, it is important to choose a video downloader that allows you to convert videos to different formats. 4K Video Downloader, for instance, allows you to convert videos to MP4, MP3, MKV, FLV, and more.
Automatic Subtitle Downloading: Video downloading software like 4K Video Downloader also come with automatic subtitle downloading, which enables you to download subtitles for the video in different languages.
The Legalities of Downloading Videos
It is important to note that downloading videos from some websites may be illegal and violate copyright laws. This is especially true for websites that provide copyrighted content like movies, TV shows, and music videos. Most online streaming platforms prohibit their users from downloading videos, and their terms and conditions may state that users should not download copyrighted content without permission.
Therefore, it is advisable to only download videos that are in the public domain, or whose owner has given permission to download. Websites like Vimeo and YouTube allow users to download videos with appropriate permission. It is important to check the copyright laws in your country before downloading any videos.
Conclusion
In today’s era, online videos have become a major source of entertainment and learning. With a reliable video downloader, you can save your favorite videos and watch them offline. The steps outlined above provide a simple way to download videos from various websites quickly and easily. However, always remember to use video downloaders responsibly, follow copyright laws, and respect the intellectual property of content creators.