How To Download Free Videos From Youtube To Computer

Introduction

Downloading videos from YouTube can be a convenient way to enjoy your favorite content offline. Whether it’s a tutorial, a music video, or a funny clip, having the ability to save videos to your computer gives you the freedom to watch them anytime, even without an internet connection.

While YouTube itself doesn’t officially provide a direct download option, there are several methods available that allow you to download videos from YouTube to your computer. In this article, we will explore four different methods that you can use to effortlessly download free videos from YouTube.

Before diving into the methods, it’s worth mentioning that downloading copyrighted content without the owner’s permission is against YouTube’s terms of service and may violate copyright laws. It’s essential to respect the rights of content creators and only download videos that are available for free or under Creative Commons licenses.

Now, let’s explore the various methods you can use to download free videos from YouTube to your computer.

Method 1: Using a Third-Party Video Downloader

One of the most popular ways to download videos from YouTube is by using a third-party video downloader software. These programs allow you to input the YouTube video URL and download it directly to your computer in the desired format.

To get started, you will need to find a reliable video downloader that supports YouTube downloads. There are numerous options available, such as 4K Video Downloader, YTD Video Downloader, and Freemake Video Downloader.

Here’s how you can use a third-party video downloader to download YouTube videos:

1. Choose and install a reputable video downloader software from a trusted source.
2. Launch the video downloader on your computer.
3. Open the YouTube video you want to download in your web browser.
4. Copy the URL of the YouTube video from the address bar.
5. Paste the copied URL into the video downloader’s URL field.
6. Select the desired video format and quality settings.
7. Click on the “Download” button to initiate the video download.
8. The video downloader will begin processing the download and save the video to your specified folder once completed.

It’s important to note that some video downloaders offer additional features, such as batch downloading, video conversion, and even the ability to download entire playlists or channels from YouTube. Take advantage of these features to enhance your video downloading experience.

Remember to always choose a reputable video downloader, as some unreliable software may come bundled with adware or malware. Reading user reviews and doing proper research on the downloader’s reputation can help you make an informed choice.

Method 2: Using Online Video Downloaders

If you don’t want to install any software on your computer, using online video downloaders is another convenient option to download videos from YouTube. These online tools allow you to enter the YouTube video URL and generate a download link to save the video.

Here’s how you can use an online video downloader:

1. Open your preferred web browser and search for an online video downloader. Some popular options include Y2mate, SaveFrom.net, and OnlineVideoConverter.
2. Copy the URL of the YouTube video you wish to download.
3. Visit the chosen online video downloader’s website.
4. Paste the copied YouTube video URL into the provided field on the website.
5. Select the desired video format and quality.
6. Click on the “Download” or “Convert” button to initiate the video download.
7. Wait for the processing to finish, and then click on the download link or button provided by the online video downloader.
8. The video will be saved to your computer in the specified format and location.

It’s important to note that the availability of video formats and quality options may vary depending on the online video downloader you choose. Some online downloaders also offer options for extracting audio from videos, which can be helpful if you’re looking to download music or podcasts from YouTube.

When using online video downloaders, it’s recommended to be cautious of advertisements and pop-ups on these websites. Some online downloaders may have excessive ads or even potentially harmful elements. Make sure to use reputable online video downloader services and exercise caution while navigating these websites.

Method 3: Using a Browser Extension

If you frequently download videos from YouTube, using a browser extension can be a convenient and quick solution. With the help of browser extensions, you can easily download videos while browsing YouTube without the need to switch between different websites or applications.

Here’s how you can use a browser extension to download videos from YouTube:

1. Open your web browser and search for a reliable browser extension that supports YouTube video downloads. Some popular options include Video DownloadHelper for Firefox and Google Chrome, and FastestTube for Google Chrome.
2. Choose the appropriate extension for your browser and install it.
3. Once the installation is complete, you’ll typically find the extension’s icon appearing in your browser’s toolbar.
4. Open YouTube and search for the video you want to download.
5. Click on the extension’s icon in the toolbar. A dropdown menu or a new window will appear, displaying available download options.
6. Select the desired video format and quality.
7. Click on the “Download” or “Save” button next to the chosen video format.
8. The browser extension will start downloading the video, and once completed, it will save the video file to your computer.

Browser extensions often provide additional features, such as the ability to download videos in different resolutions or download only the audio portion of the video. You can customize these settings within the extension’s options or preferences.

It’s important to keep your browser extensions up to date to ensure compatibility with the latest YouTube changes and improvements. Regularly check for updates or enable automatic updates for your installed extensions.

Remember, different browser extensions may have varying user interfaces and features. Explore the options available with your chosen extension to maximize your video downloading experience.

Method 4: Using YouTube’s Built-in Download Feature

Surprisingly, YouTube itself provides a built-in feature that allows users to download videos directly from the platform. However, please note that this feature is only available on the YouTube mobile app, and not on the website or desktop version.

Here’s how you can use YouTube’s built-in download feature:

1. Open the YouTube app on your mobile device.
2. Find the video you want to download and open it.
3. Beneath the video player, you’ll notice several buttons including “Like,” “Share,” and the ellipsis (…) button.
4. Tap on the ellipsis (…) button to access more options.
5. In the menu that appears, look for the “Download” or “Save Video” option. Note that it may be labeled differently depending on the version of the YouTube app you have.
6. Tap on the “Download” or “Save Video” option.
7. You may be prompted to choose the desired video quality or resolution.
8. Select the preferred quality and confirm your choice.
9. The video will begin to download, and once completed, it will be available for offline viewing within the YouTube app.

It’s important to bear in mind that the availability of the download feature may vary depending on your location and the type of video. Not all videos are available for download due to restrictions set by content creators.

Additionally, downloaded videos are only accessible within the YouTube app and cannot be transferred to your computer directly. If you wish to have the video on your computer, you will need to use a method mentioned earlier to transfer the video file from your mobile device to your computer.

Using YouTube’s built-in download feature is a convenient option for those who primarily use the official YouTube app on their mobile devices and prefer to download videos without installing any additional software or extensions.

Conclusion

Downloading videos from YouTube to your computer is a straightforward process that can be accomplished using various methods. We explored four different methods in this article: using a third-party video downloader, utilizing online video downloaders, utilizing browser extensions, and making use of YouTube’s built-in download feature on the mobile app.

Each method has its own advantages and considerations. Third-party video downloader software offers a comprehensive set of features but requires installation. Online video downloaders are convenient and accessible, but users should exercise caution to ensure the security and reliability of the chosen service.

Browser extensions provide a seamless experience within the browser itself, while YouTube’s built-in download feature is a viable option for users who primarily utilize the mobile app.

Remember to respect the rights of content creators and only download videos that are freely available or under Creative Commons licenses. Downloading copyrighted content without permission is against YouTube’s terms of service and may violate copyright laws.

Choose the method that best suits your needs and preferences. Whether you prefer software, online tools, browser extensions, or utilizing YouTube’s built-in feature, you can now enjoy your favorite YouTube videos offline on your computer anytime.

Now that you’re equipped with these knowledge, go ahead and start downloading your favorite YouTube videos to enjoy them offline!