When you want to download a video from YouTube, a quick web search will reveal several tools that promise to do the job—but aside from violating YouTube’s terms of service, we can’t guarantee they’re safe or reliable.
If you want to download YouTube videos, there’s only one official way to go about it: spend $14 monthly for YouTube Premium.
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But when the topic of downloading YouTube videos comes up, there’s a side subject that must be broached:
Is it legal?
On the copyright front, as long as you’re downloading a video for your personal offline use, you’re fine.
It’s even more black and white when you consider Google’s Terms of Service for YouTube, which reads: “You may… access, reproduce, download, distribute, transmit, broadcast, display, sell, license, modify, or are otherwise permitted to use any portion of the Service or any Content except: (a) as expressly permitted by the Service; or (b) with prior written permission from YouTube and, if applicable, the respective rights holders.”
YouTube Video Download Using YouTube Premium
Now available to subscribers of YouTube Premium—the paid version of YouTube that lets you watch without ads—a type of video download. There is a limitation with quality: all videos you download are limited to a maximum of 1080p quality or less. No 4K.
YouTube Premium has many impressive features. It can download videos for offline viewing without any other software. This streaming site lets you play music and watch gaming content.
I’m a big fan of YouTube Premium because it saves my wife and me from enduring most ads, but it’s a luxury expense. Individuals can subscribe to YouTube Premium for $13.99 monthly ($2 more than a few months ago).
YouTube offers a monthly family plan for up to six users for $22.99. Finally, students can subscribe to YouTube Premium for $7.99 monthly (a buck more than a few months ago).
When you download YouTube videos with YouTube Premium, you can watch that content offline. However, you can only watch videos downloaded on the same device in the YouTube app.
How To Download YouTube Videos Via YouTube Premium
1. Log in to your YouTube Premium Account
Once you subscribe to YouTube Premium, there will be a (download) button to the right of the (share) (arrow) icon below a video in your web browser or your phone app.
2. Tap on the Download icon
Select the video you want to download, and after it appears on the main screen display, click on the (download) icon.
3. Find your downloads
You can find your downloads in YouTube’s downloads area. Note that YouTube says that downloads are done at least once every 30 days as long as you have an internet connection. That way, YouTube can ensure you’re still a YouTube Premium user.
Saving when downloaded
You’re not given an easy way to turn that download into a usable video file on a desktop device, so if you want to use that video for anything other than offline viewing, you’re out of luck. (The same goes for iOS.)
However, if you’re an Android user with an SD card slot, you can set the YouTube app settings (tap your profile picture, Settings, and Downloads) to save videos to your SD card.
YouTube Video Download Using 4K Video Downloader+
Free, or $15 for one year of use; $25 for a lifetime license; Windows, macOS, Ubuntu Linux, Android.
Users often use this platform to download YouTube videos up to 8K resolution. It allows users to download videos with subtitles in the language.
Multilingual 4K Video Downloader+ (4KVD) is frequently updated and features clear download links on the program’s website; No ad traps here. The software does what it advertises in a simple interface: it captures video up to 8K quality and downloads in many formats.
One of the most versatile and popular YouTube downloaders is 4K Video Downloader. Available on PC and Mac, this intelligent application lets you download 8K, 4K, 1080p, and 720p videos in multiple formats, including MP4.
It automatically downloads subtitles and complete playlists and provides a seamless experience for users. You can copy YouTube video links and paste them into a 4K video downloader without ad traps.
The best part is users need to visit the website or download the free application (more or less like a torrent) and paste the URL in the Paste link, “+” tab. The software is also available on various OS (Win, Linux, Mac, etc.).
When you enable Smart Mode and its presets, 4KVD can perform one-click downloads in your favorite formats. You will need the paid version if you want to download more than 30 videos per day or subscribe to a YouTube channel to download the latest instantly. Playback of the resulting MKV files via the VLC media player is flawless.
How To Download YouTube Videos With VLC Media Player On Windows
VLC is a top-rated open-source video player for Windows PC and Mac. This tool can play almost all multimedia file formats, audio CDs, VCDs, and DVDs. The software supports a wide range of audio compression methods.
You can also use it to download any YouTube video and convert video files you already have. It allows users to play audio and video files of different formats such as MPEG (ES, PS, TS, PVA, MP3), AVI, ASF / WMV / WMA, MP4 / MOV / 3GP, etc. You can download YouTube videos using five simple steps. Let’s find out.
Install VLC and then follow these steps to download a YouTube video:
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Important: Many YouTube videos are copyrighted, so downloading and reusing them without permission is illegal.
]
1. Find the video you want to download from YouTube and copy the URL from the address bar of the web browser
2. Start the VLC app.
3. If you’re on a PC, click [Media] in the menu bar, then choose [Open Network Stream]. On a Mac, click [File], then [open Network].
4. In the Window that appears, select the [Network] tab and paste the URL of the YouTube video in the text box at the top, then click [Play] or [Open] at the bottom.
5. After a moment, the YouTube video will start playing (more videos will take longer to form). If the video begins playing, proceed to step seven.
6. If you’re on a PC, click [Tools] in the menu bar once the video starts playing, then [Media Information]. If you’re on a Mac, click [Window] in the menu, then [Media Information].
7. In the [Current Media Information] window, find the [Location] field at the bottom. Select the URL in this text box and then copy it.
OR
6. Follow this step after Step 5. Go to Tools and click on [Codec Information]. A new window will open as below.
7. Copy the information from the [Location] textbox at the bottom of the page.
8. Now open Google Chrome or any web browser, paste the copied Location, and hit the [ENTER] button. Your desired video should display then. It would be best to right-click the mouse and hit the [Save Video] option. Choose your desired local storage to save the File, and the File will start downloading. Enjoy your video now.
Note: VLC player will save your video file as 1080p. Although the YouTube stream is available in 2160p or 1440p, it does not allow higher resolution storage. This tool will not convert your video to any other format.
Download YouTube Videos Free Using VideoProc Converter
YouTube is a popular video-sharing platform that helps users easily view, like, comment, and upload any video. Whether promoting a product or providing information to students, it provides a great way to interact with your audience.
We’ve covered how to download YouTube videos, but what about editing them? VideoProc Converter is the answer. A powerful editing and video converting tool, it provides 4K video downloads from YouTube and various other websites.
Free with limited use or $25.95 for 1 year/3 PCs; $45.95 lifetime for one PC; $57.95 family of 3-5 PCs; Windows, macOS.
The powerful VideoProc from Digiarty comes in an editor version, and this converter also offers editing and effects and handles loads of downloads from over 1,000 websites that support 4K, including TikTok.
To use it, let the software detect your hardware that will help with acceleration (if any). Click the [Downloader] button, click [Add Videos] for the number of URLs you want to batch, and then click [Download]. Or grab an entire YouTube playlist or live stream.
How to Download YouTube Videos Free Using FlixGrab
A hub of download apps, FlixGrab offers several downloaders for YouTube, Netflix, and other streaming platforms. YouTube Downloader has an easy-to-use interface that lets you download videos without hassle.
FlixGrab offers several programs, many with overlapping features. For example, FlixGrabMS is available in the Microsoft Store for Windows 10 and 11 machines, but it doesn’t let me get videos from YouTube.
The application is now free to use. It offers users multiple downloads, HD-quality downloads, and various options, including download control, start, pause, and sound quality.
The app has many good reviews from users and a valid download license. Direct download of FlixGrab program from freegrabapp.com works with YouTube and several other sites. It also offers a free YouTube downloader that is specific to YouTube but has the same easy-to-use interface.
How To Download YouTube to MP4 Free Using Browser Extensions
A browser extension can save you a step. But you’ll need some help downloading videos from YouTube, especially if you’re using Chrome as your primary browser.
The Chrome Web Store—where you get Chrome browser extensions—is controlled by YouTube’s owner, Alphabet/Google. Even an extension created ostensibly for this purpose won’t allow YouTube direct downloads due to Chrome Store restrictions.
In general, with the Chrome extension, it is not possible to download any RTMP protocol videos (protected videos) or streaming videos. You can use them on other sites with videos, not just YouTube.
Want to get around this?
Get an extension that doesn’t come from the Google Web Store. Some programs and help sites offer an extension component and spell out how to install without the help that the Chrome Web Store usually provides. Here are a couple.
Is it Legal to Download YouTube Videos?
You might be considering downloading some YouTube videos to your phone or laptop so you can stream them offline during flights or long trips with the family. Now, you must think, “Is this legal, or will the police come and arrest me?”
Let’s explain it. Downloading YouTube videos is an easy task. However, it is always best to exercise caution while doing this. For example, only download videos if the creator allows it. And always use them responsibly.
Another aspect you should consider is copyright. As YouTube strongly condemns copyright infringement, you should avoid re-uploading downloaded videos.
⚡ What are the features to look for in the YouTube Video Download tool?
Here are the essential features that you can look for in the YouTube Download tool:
Video quality: Choosing video resolutions like 720p, 360p, 1080p, etc., is better.
Subtitles: In this case, YouTube Premium can be used to YouTube Video Download clips with subtitles.
Batch Downloading: If you want to download the entire YouTube channel, check the batch downloading feature to save time.
Multiple File Format Compatibility: YouTube video downloader you choose should have various options like MP4, MP3, FLAC, and more.
Built-In Video Editor: If you require video editing functionality. You can view a particular song in the middle of a video or edit out a specific portion of a film. You can try out a converter that comes with a built-in editor.
Speed: The download times must be relatively unaffected by Wi-Fi and internet connectivity fluctuations.
Last Words
So that was all about how to download YouTube videos for Free. With this comprehensive information, we’re now positive that you no longer have to worry about how to download YouTube videos Using Tools and software.
Whether you can download any add-on software or want to visit a specific website for YouTube Video Download, we have summarized a complete list of 6 completely different modules to download free YouTube videos in no time.
Gone are the days when you use software to download online videos. Our top picks are some of the best when you want to download YouTube videos online for free without software. Which one are you starting with?
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