The Complete Guide to Downloading Videos from YouTube for Free
The Complete Guide to Downloading Videos from YouTube for Free
YouTube is the most popular video sharing platform in the world today. It has millions of videos that range from educational content, entertainment, music, and newscasts. However, there are occasions when you may wish to download these videos and save them on your device, but YouTube does not offer any direct download feature. In this guide, we will explore the various ways that you can download videos from YouTube for free.
Downloading Videos Using YouTube Premium
YouTube Premium is a subscription service that is offered by the platform. It offers an ad-free experience, offline viewing, and the ability to download videos among other features. Previously known as YouTube Red, Premium can be accessed through a monthly or annual subscription fee.
With this subscription, you can download videos directly from YouTube by following these steps:
Step 1: Launch YouTube
The first step is to log into your YouTube account, and search for the video that you would like to download.
Step 2: Download the video
Once you identify the video that you would like to download, you will need to click on the Download button located below the video. The button will be next to the share, save, and add to menu options.
Step 3: Choose the video quality
Once you click on the download button, you will be given a prompt asking you to select the video resolution. YouTube will provide various options ranging from 144p to 1080p, depending on the video quality.
Step 4: Download the video
Once you have selected your preferred video quality, the video will begin downloading. The downloaded video files will be compatible with most devices, and you can watch them offline without an internet connection.
Downloading Videos Using Online Downloaders
Online downloaders are third-party websites that allow you to download YouTube videos directly from their platforms. These websites are free, and typically do not require any registration. Here are the steps to follow when downloading videos using online downloaders:
Step 1: Open a video downloader website
Open your preferred video downloader website on your browser. Some of the popular websites include Keepvid, Clipconverter, Y2mate, and Savefrom.net. These websites work in a similar manner, so the steps outlined below can be replicated across any of these sites.
Step 2: Paste the video URL into the site
Copy the YouTube video URL from the browser and paste it into the online downloader website. The site will then analyze the URL to ensure that it is a valid YouTube video.
Step 3: Choose your preferred video quality
After analyzing the URL, the video downloader will provide an option for you to choose your preferred video quality. Some of the popular video resolutions include 360p, 480p, 720p, and 1090p.
Step 4: Start the download
Once you have selected the desired video quality, click the download button, and the video will begin downloading into your device. The downloaded video can be found in your computer’s download folder.
Downloading Videos Using Browser Extensions
Another way of downloading videos from YouTube is by using browser extensions. These extensions are software programs that are integrated into your browser to allow you to download videos and other media content from YouTube. Here are the steps to follow when downloading videos using browser extensions:
Step 1: Install the extension
First, you will need to install the browser extension on your preferred web browser. Some of the popular browser extensions include Video DownloadHelper, YouTube Video Downloader, and Flash Video Downloader. These extensions can be installed on popular browsers such as Google Chrome, Firefox, and Opera.
Step 2: Open the YouTube video
Once you have installed the extension, launch YouTube on your browser and search for the video that you would like to download.
Step 3: Click the download button
When you find the video that you want to download, the browser extension’s icon will appear next to the video. Click the icon, and select the desired video quality to begin the download.
Downloading Videos Using VLC Media Player
VLC is an open-source media player that supports various media formats, including video content from YouTube. Although VLC is not a dedicated YouTube video downloader, you can still use it to download and save YouTube videos to your computer. Here are the steps to follow when downloading videos using VLC:
Step 1: Install VLC media player
If you do not have VLC media player installed on your computer, download and install it from the official website.
Step 2: Open VLC media player
Launch VLC media player on your computer, and navigate to the Media menu. Select the Open Network Stream option.
Step 3: Enter the YouTube video URL
Paste the YouTube video URL onto the Open Network Stream field and click the Play button. VLC will start to play the video.
Step 4: Download the video
Once the video starts playing, right-click it and select the Save option. Choose the desired location to save the video, and the downloading process will begin.
Conclusion
Downloading videos from YouTube is a simple process that can be achieved through different ways. YouTube Premium provides a direct option, while online downloaders, browser extensions, and VLC media player offer alternative methods of downloading videos. It is important to note that unauthorized downloading of copyrighted content may be illegal. As such, you should only download videos that do not violate copyright laws. By using any of the methods highlighted above, you can enjoy your favorite video content from YouTube, even when offline.