How to Download Videos on YouTube
YouTube is the most popular video-sharing platform in the world, with billions of hours of content available for streaming. But what if you want to watch a video offline, or save it for later? Maybe you want to watch a tutorial without interruptions, or keep a copy of your favorite music video, or create a playlist of videos for a road trip.
Whatever your reason, downloading videos from YouTube can be useful and convenient. However, it can also be tricky and risky. There are many tools and services that claim to help you download YouTube videos, but not all of them are reliable, safe, or legal. In this article, we will show you five different methods to download videos from YouTube, along with their pros and cons, so you can choose the best one for your needs.
i want to know how to download videos on youtube
Before we begin, we need to address the elephant in the room: is it legal to download YouTube videos? The answer is not straightforward. According to YouTube's terms of service, you are not allowed to download any content from the platform unless you see a download button or link on the video page or in the app.[^1] However, this does not mean that downloading YouTube videos is illegal per se. It depends on the video's license, the country's laws, and how you use the downloaded video.[^2] In general, as long as you are downloading a video for your own personal offline use, and not distributing or monetizing it, you are probably okay.[^3]
However, even if it is legal, downloading YouTube videos may not be ethical or respectful to the creators who upload their content on the platform. YouTube runs ads on its videos to generate revenue for itself and its creators. When you download a video from YouTube, you are bypassing those ads and depriving them of their income.[^4] Therefore, if you want to support your favorite creators and respect their work, you should avoid downloading their videos unless they explicitly allow it.
With that said, let's get started with the five methods to download videos from YouTube.
Method 1: Using YouTube Premium
The easiest way to download videos from YouTube is by subscribing to YouTube Premium. This is a paid service that gives you access to various features and benefits on YouTube, such as ad-free viewing, background play, offline access, original content, music streaming, and more.[^5]
With YouTube Premium, you can download any video that is Method 2: Using Open Video Downloader
Another way to download videos from YouTube is by using Open Video Downloader. This is a free and open source tool that works on Windows and macOS. It allows you to download videos from YouTube and other platforms, such as Vimeo, Dailymotion, Facebook, and more.
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How to download news and documentary videos from YouTube
How to download travel and lifestyle videos from YouTube
How to download beauty and fashion videos from YouTube
How to download cooking and food videos from YouTube
How to download health and fitness videos from YouTube
How to download art and craft videos from YouTube
How to download science and technology videos from YouTube
How to download history and culture videos from YouTube
How to download animation and cartoon videos from YouTube
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How to download reviews and unboxing videos from YouTube
How to download interviews and podcasts from YouTube
How to download trailers and teasers from YouTube
How to download behind the scenes and bloopers from YouTube
How to download fan-made and tribute videos from YouTube
How to download parodies and spoofs from YouTube
How to download mashups and remixes from YouTube
How to download covers and karaoke from YouTube
How to download reactions and commentary from YouTube
How to download pranks and challenges from YouTube
How to download fails and accidents from YouTube
How to download pets and animals videos from YouTube
How to download nature and wildlife videos from YouTube
How to download magic and illusion videos from YouTube
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How to download yoga and pilates videos from YouTube
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With Open Video Downloader, you can download videos in various formats and resolutions, from MP4 to MKV, from 360p to 4K. You can also download subtitles, annotations, thumbnails, and metadata. You can also customize the download speed, the output folder, the file name, and the proxy settings.
To install Open Video Downloader, you need to visit the official website and download the latest version for your operating system. You can also check the source code on GitHub if you are interested in the development of the tool.
To download videos from YouTube using Open Video Downloader, you need to follow these steps:
Open Open Video Downloader on your computer and paste the URL of the video you want to download in the input box.
Click on the Analyze button and wait for the tool to fetch the video information.
Select the format and resolution you want from the drop-down menu.
Click on the Download button and choose a location to save the video file.
Wait for the video to finish downloading. You can see the progress in the Status column.
Pros and Cons of Open Video Downloader
Open Video Downloader is a simple and powerful tool to download videos from YouTube, but it also has some advantages and disadvantages. Here are some of them:
Pros:
You can download videos from YouTube and other platforms, such as Vimeo, Dailymotion, Facebook, and more.
You can download videos in various formats and resolutions, from MP4 to MKV, from 360p to 4K.
You can download subtitles, annotations, thumbnails, and metadata along with the video.
You can customize the download speed, the output folder, the file name, and the proxy settings.
You can use a free and open source tool that respects your privacy and security.
Cons:
You have to install a software on your computer, which may take up some space and resources.
You have to copy and paste the URL of the video manually, which may be tedious or inconvenient.
You may encounter some errors or bugs while using the tool, as it is still in development.
You may not be able to download some videos due to encryption or DRM protection.
Method 3: Using VLC Player
A third way to download videos from YouTube is by using VLC Media Player. This is a popular and versatile media player that works on Windows, macOS, and Linux. It can play almost any type of media file, as well as stream online content from various sources.
With VLC Media Player, you can download videos from YouTube by using its network streaming feature. You can choose the quality of the video, from 240p to 1080p, and save it as an MP4 file on your computer. You can also download audio-only files from YouTube using VLC Media Player.
To install VLC Media Player, you need to visit the official website and download the latest version for your operating system. You can also check the source code on GitLab if you are interested in the development of the tool.
To download videos from YouTube using VLC Media Player, you need to follow these steps:
Open VLC Media Player on your computer and click on Media > Open Network Stream.
Paste the URL of the video you want to download in the input box and click Play.
Once the video starts playing, click on Tools > Codec Information.
Copy the URL from the Location box at the bottom of the window.
Open a web browser and paste the URL in the address bar. The video will start playing in the browser.
Right-click on the video and select Save Video As. Choose a location and a name for the video file and click Save.
Pros and Cons of VLC Player
VLC Media Player is a handy and versatile tool to download videos from YouTube, but it also has some advantages and disadvantages. Here are some of them:
Pros:
You can download videos from YouTube and other platforms, such as Vimeo, Dailymotion, Facebook, and more.
You can download videos in various resolutions, from 240p to 1080p.
You can download audio-only files from YouTube using VLC Media Player.
You can use a free and open source tool that respects your privacy and security.
You can also use VLC Media Player to play and stream various types of media files.
Cons:
You have to install a software on your computer, which may take up some space and resources.
You have to follow several steps to download a video from YouTube using VLC Media Player, which may be complicated or confusing.
You may encounter some errors or bugs while using the tool, as it is still in development.
You may not be able to download some videos due to encryption or DRM protection.
Method 4: Using 4K Video Downloader
A fourth way to download videos from YouTube is by using 4K Video Downloader. This is a paid software that works on Windows, macOS, and Linux. It allows you to download videos from YouTube and other platforms, such as TikTok, Instagram, Vimeo, and more.
With 4K Video Downloader, you can download videos in various formats and resolutions, from MP4 to MKV, from 360p to 8K. You can also download subtitles, annotations, thumbnails, and metadata. You can also download 3D and 360-degree videos, as well as entire playlists or channels.
To install 4K Video Downloader, you need to visit the official website and download the latest version for your operating system. You can also check the source code on GitHub if you are interested in the development of the tool.
To download videos from YouTube using 4K Video Downloader, you need to follow these steps:
Open 4K Video Downloader on your computer and click on the Paste Link button.
Copy the URL of the video you want to download and paste it in the input box.
Select the format and resolution you want from the drop-down menu.
Click on the Download button and choose a location to save the video file.
Wait for the video to finish downloading. You can see the progress in the main window.
Pros and Cons of 4K Video Downloader
4K Video Downloader is a fast and powerful tool to download videos from YouTube, but it also has some advantages and disadvantages. Here are some of them:
Pros:
You can download videos from YouTube and other platforms, such as TikTok, Instagram, Vimeo, and more.
You can download videos in various formats and resolutions, from MP4 to MKV, from 360p to 8K.
You can download subtitles, annotations, thumbnails, and metadata along with the video.
You can download 3D and 360-degree videos, as well as entire playlists or channels.
You can use a fast and reliable tool that supports multiple downloads and smart mode.
Cons:
You have to pay a one-time fee to use 4K Video Downloader, which may not be affordable or worthwhile for everyone.
You have to install a software on your computer, which may take up some space and resources.
You have to copy and paste the URL of the video manually, which may be tedious or inconvenient.
You may not be able to download some videos due to encryption or DRM protection.
Method 5: Using Online Services
A fifth way to download videos from YouTube is by using online services. These are websites that allow you to download videos from YouTube and other platforms by entering the URL of the video. Some of the popular online services are SaveFrom.net, Y2mate.com, and ClipConverter.cc.
With online services, you can download videos in various formats and resolutions, from MP4 to WEBM, from 144p to 1080p. You can also choose whether to download the video or audio only. You can also convert the video to other formats or edit it online.
To use online services, you do not need to install anything on your computer. You just need a web browser and an internet connection. However, you should be careful when using online services, as some of them may contain ads, pop-ups, malware, or viruses.
To download videos from YouTube using online services, you need to follow these steps:
Open a web browser and go to one of the online services websites. For example, SaveFrom.net.
Paste the URL of the video you want to download in the input box and click Go.
Select the format and resolution you want from the list of options.
Click on the Download button and choose a location to save the video file.
Wait for the video to finish downloading. You can see the progress in your browser's downloads manager.
Pros and Cons of Online Services
Online services are convenient and easy to use tools to download videos from YouTube, but they also have some advantages and disadvantages. Here are some of them:
Pros:
You can download videos from YouTube and other platforms without installing anything on your computer.
You can download videos in various formats and resolutions, from MP4 to WEBM, from 144p to 1080p.
You can choose whether to download the video or audio only, or convert the video to other formats or edit it online.
You can use a fast and simple tool that does not require any registration or subscription.
Cons:
You may encounter some ads, pop-ups, malware, or viruses when using online services, which may harm your computer or compromise your privacy.
You may not be able to download some videos due to encryption or DRM protection, or due to the online service's limitations or policies.
You may not be able to download videos in high quality, such as 4K or 8K, or download subtitles, annotations, thumbnails, or metadata along with the video.
You may experience some delays, errors, or interruptions when downloading videos from online services, depending on your internet connection and the online service's server status.
Comparison Table
To help you compare the five methods to download videos from YouTube, we have created a table that summarizes their main features and criteria. You can use this table to decide which method is best for you based on your needs and preferences.
Method
Cost
Ease of Use
Quality
Speed
Reliability
YouTube Premium
Paid
Easy
High
Fast
High
Open Video Downloader
Free
Easy
High
Fast
Medium
VLC Media Player
Free
Medium
Medium
Medium
Medium
4K Video Downloader
Paid
Easy
High
Fast
High
Online Services
Free
Easy
Medium
Medium
Low
Conclusion
In conclusion, downloading videos from YouTube can be a useful and convenient way to watch your favorite content offline, or save it for later. However, you should also be aware of the legal and ethical issues involved, and respect the rights and wishes of the creators who upload their content on the platform.
There are many tools and services that can help you download videos from YouTube, but not all of them are reliable, safe, or legal. In this article, we have shown you five different methods to download videos from YouTube, along with their pros and cons, so you can choose the best one for your needs.
The best method for you depends on various factors, such as your budget, your device, your preferences, and your expectations. However, based on our comparison table, we recommend using YouTube Premium if you want a convenient and reliable way to download videos from YouTube, and enjoy other benefits such as ad-free viewing, background play, original content, music streaming, and more. YouTube Premium is a paid service, but it is worth the money if you are a frequent YouTube user.
If you do not want to pay for YouTube Premium, or you want to download videos from other platforms as well, we recommend using Open Video Downloader. This is a free and open source tool that works on Windows and macOS. It allows you to download videos in various formats and resolutions, from MP4 to MKV, from 360p to 4K. You can also download subtitles, annotations, thumbnails, and metadata along with the video. Open Video Downloader is a simple and powerful tool that respects your privacy and security.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about downloading videos from YouTube with their answers.
Q: How can I download videos from YouTube on my Android or iOS device?
A: The easiest way to download videos from YouTube on your Android or iOS device is by using YouTube Premium. This is a paid service that allows you to download any video that is available on the platform within the app. You can choose the quality of the video, from 144p to 1080p, and watch it offline on your device. You can also download entire playlists or channels, and manage your downloads in the Library section of the app.
Q: How can I download videos from YouTube on my Chromebook?
A: The easiest way to download videos from YouTube on your Chromebook is by using online services. These are websites that allow you to download videos from YouTube and other platforms by entering the URL of the video. Some of the popular online services are SaveFrom.net, Y2mate.com, and ClipConverter.cc. With online services, you can download videos in various formats and resolutions, from MP4 to WEBM, from 144p to 1080p. You can also choose whether to download the video or audio only. You can also convert the video to other formats or edit it online.
Q: How can I download videos from YouTube in 4K or 8K quality?
A: The easiest way to download videos from YouTube in 4K or 8K quality is by using 4K Video Downloader. This is a paid software that works on Windows, macOS, and Linux. It allows you to download videos in various formats and resolutions, from MP4 to MKV, from 360p to 8K. You can also download subtitles, annotations, thumbnails, and metadata along with the video. You can also download 3D and 360-degree videos, as well as entire playlists or channels. 4K Video Downloader is a fast and reliable tool that supports multiple downloads and smart mode.
Q: How can I download videos from YouTube with subtitles?
A: The easiest way to download videos from YouTube with subtitles is by using Open Video Downloader. This is a free and open source tool that works on Windows and macOS. It allows you to download videos in various formats and resolutions, from MP4 to MKV, from 360p to 4K. You can also download subtitles, annotations, thumbnails, and metadata along with the video. You can choose the language and format of the subtitles, and whether to embed them or save them as a separate file.
Q: How can I download videos from YouTube without any software or service?
A: There is no easy way to download videos from YouTube without any software or service. However, there is a workaround that involves changing the URL of the video. You need to follow these steps:
Open a web browser and go to the YouTube video you want to download.
In the address bar, replace "youtube.com" with "ssyoutube.com" and press Enter.
You will be redirected to a website called SaveFrom.net, where you can choose the format and resolution of the video.
Click on the Download button and choose a location to save the video file.
Wait for the video to finish downloading. You can see the progress in your browser's downloads manager.
Note that this method may not work for some videos due to encryption or DRM protection. It may also expose you to ads, pop-ups, malware, or viruses from the website. 44f88ac181
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